Episode 40·17:34·1 May 2026

iGaming Regulation in 2026: What Operators Need to Know | Ivan Nevzorov | iGaming Real Talk

with Ivan Nevzorov, iGaming Real Talk

Surya Palli

Founder of iGaming Real Talk.·1 May 2026

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Regulation is becoming one of the biggest costs in running an iGaming business and it is only getting stricter.

In episode 40 of iGaming Real Talk, recorded live at AIBC Eurasia in Dubai, our host Surya Palli sat down with Ivan Nevzorov, CEO of SBSB Fintech Lawyers, for an honest conversation about where iGaming regulation is heading and what operators need to do about it.

We covered

Why gray operators are still running and what regulators are likely to do next
The UK tax hike and what it means for the market
Why the Malta license is losing its value for European operations
Anjouan vs Navice vs Liberia, which offshore license makes sense right now
What it actually takes to get licensed in the UAE
The thing nobody talks about: how easy it still is to avoid compliance and why that is changing

Ivan was straightforward and balanced throughout. No sugarcoating, just the real picture on compliance and what is coming.

Recorded live at AIBC Eurasia, Dubai.

Key takeaways

Rising Regulatory Costs. Regulation is rapidly becoming one of the most significant operational expenses for iGaming businesses, with requirements becoming increasingly stringent.
Shift in Licensing Value. Traditional options like the Malta license are seeing a decline in value for European operations, prompting a search for more effective alternatives.
UAE Licensing Realities. Entering the UAE iGaming market requires a clear understanding of the specific, rigorous steps necessary for successful licensure.
The Compliance Gap. While avoiding compliance has historically been easy for some, regulatory pressures are closing the loopholes that allow gray operators to function.
Impact of Tax Policies. The episode explores how significant legislative shifts, such as the UK tax hike, are creating new financial challenges for market participants.

Notable quotes

Regulation is becoming one of the biggest costs in running an iGaming business and it is only getting stricter.

No sugarcoating, just the real picture on compliance and what is coming.

About the guest

Ivan Nevzorov

iGaming Real Talk

Ivan Nevzorov is the CEO of SBSB Fintech Lawyers, a firm specializing in legal support for the fintech and iGaming industries. He provides expert guidance on international licensing, regulatory compliance, and corporate structures for businesses operating in complex global markets.

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Transcript excerpt

A short passage published by the podcast, not the whole conversation.

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Surya Palli
Welcome to episode 40 of iGaming Real Talk, live from AIBC Eurasia in Dubai. I’m joined by Ivan Nevzorov, CEO of SBSB Fintech Lawyers, to discuss the complex world of iGaming regulation as we head toward 2026. Ivan, let’s start with the practical realities for operators today, why are we still seeing so many gray-market operators functioning in the current landscape?
Ivan Nevzorov
It is a persistent issue, Surya. These entities continue to operate because of gaps in enforcement, but that is changing. The era of loose regulation is fading, and I predict that regulatory bodies are gearing up to tighten their grip significantly very soon.
Surya Palli
That shift is clearly being felt in established jurisdictions as well. What is your take on the recent tax hike in the UK and the declining strategic value of the Malta license for those targeting Europe?
Ivan Nevzorov
The tides are definitely shifting. The UK tax hike is a major factor, and for many businesses looking at the broader European market, the Malta license simply doesn't hold the strategic value it once did. Operators are feeling that pressure, which is why many are now looking toward offshore alternatives.
Surya Palli
Speaking of those alternatives, we see a lot of talk about Anjouan, Navice, and Liberia. For an operator trying to find actual utility in this climate, how do those three jurisdictions compare?
Ivan Nevzorov
Each has its own profile, and it’s important for operators to distinguish between them based on their specific business needs. They are not all created equal, and their utility depends heavily on what the operator is trying to achieve in this current regulatory environment.
Surya Palli
Many people here in Dubai are also asking about the UAE. What does it actually take to enter this emerging hub, and how rigorous is the licensing process?
Ivan Nevzorov
The UAE is an emerging hub, but it is not a shortcut. Demystifying the process is crucial; the requirements for obtaining a license there are rigorous and require a clear-eyed view of what is necessary for entry.
Surya Palli
To wrap things up, let’s address the elephant in the room: the continued ease of avoiding compliance. Is that gap closing?
Ivan Nevzorov
It is closing, and rapidly. We are seeing inevitable technological and legal shifts that are shrinking those gaps. For operators who want to remain viable as the global compliance net tightens, they need to stop looking for shortcuts and start building a solid blueprint for compliance.