The Heart of iGaming: Why the People Make This Industry Unforgettable

After 27 years in the online gaming industry, traveling to conferences across the globe, working with clients from every corner of the world, and collaborating with some of the brightest innovators, designers, and developers, I can confidently say that there’s nothing quite like the people in iGaming.

The friendships I have created over the years have been some of the strongest bonds I could ever wish for. Oddly enough, I see my conference crew more often than my friends at home. We have seen each other grow and turn grey. We know each other’s life chapters and continuously get to update each other while experiencing sensational venues and great networking events all over the world.

The Evolution of iGaming From Wild West to a Thriving Community

Back in the early days, iGaming felt like the digital Wild West. It was an unregulated, fast-moving frontier filled with colorful characters looking to make their mark. Some were true pioneers, shaping the foundation of the industry, while others were simply trying to take advantage of a new and rapidly growing online space.

But as regulation took hold, everything changed. The industry matured, and with that came a wave of smart, innovative, and forward-thinking professionals who transformed iGaming into what it is today, a world-class, innovative sector that thrives on technology, creativity, and community.

The People Who Make iGaming Great

What I love most about this industry isn’t just the innovation, the tech, or the constant evolution. For me, it’s the people. Over the past 27 years, I’ve built lifelong friendships with some of the most brilliant minds in the business. We’ve grown together, shared milestones, and created something bigger than ourselves. The networking events, late-night strategy sessions, and industry get-togethers have forged deep bonds that transcend regular work.

And it’s not just the veterans who make this space special. The new generation of iGaming professionals is bringing fresh perspectives, embracing new technologies, and pushing boundaries in ways we never imagined. Their vision, energy, and passion ensure that this industry doesn’t just survive – it thrives.

I have to give thanks to some people I would call the ring leaders. They have spent years bringing everyone together through networking events, conferences, parties and creating a platform for us to build long-lasting relationships. A couple who I have to thank are Jody Thind, Michael Caselli, Sue Schneider, Rasmus Sojmark, Alex Pratt and Eman Pulis.  There are many others, but this group has sparked off countless friendships the world over through their amazing events and tireless efforts.

Once You’re In, You Never Leave

There’s an old saying in iGaming: “Once you’re in, you never get out.” And honestly, why would you want to? This industry is dynamic, exciting, and full of opportunity. Every year brings new innovations, new challenges, and new faces who bring fresh ideas to the table. It’s an industry that never stands still, and that’s what makes it so rewarding.

The future of iGaming is bright, not just because of where the technology is heading but because of the incredible people driving it forward. I’m proud to be a small brick in this massive wall, and I look forward to seeing what we all build together in the years to come.

To everyone I’ve met along the way, thank you for making this industry what it is. And to those I haven’t met yet, I can’t wait to see what you bring to the table. Here’s to the past, present, and future of iGaming.

It truly is the best industry in the world!

A Special Mention

A very important and final mention: Over the years, we have lost some sensational people, pioneers who had a massive impact on us all. People like Ted Loh, Adriaan Brink, David Power, Detlef Train, Mickey Charles, Uve Lenhoff, Joe Sumarez Smith, Nico Jansen, Wayne Human, Tony Sugamosto, Sean Randles, Paul Ross, Henri Etrillard and Steve Goldby. Excuse me if I left out some names, but I am thankful that these great people were part of our journey in this wonderful industry. May they all rest in peace, their memories and achievements will always live within us.

“The Power Play by Moshe Adir” is released weekly on the Vegas Kings website and LinkedIn. Drawing from nearly 30 years of experience in design and development for online gaming, Moshe shares exclusive industry insights, lessons learned, and behind-the-scenes stories from the evolution of iGaming. Stay tuned for fresh perspectives from one of the industry’s OG!