Latest News
Moon partners share insights on marketing trends in 2026
The Pantone Color Institute has announced the color of the year: Pantone 11-4201 Cloud Dancer, a natural white. It feels like a very delicate way of saying that humanity is tired. Tired of intrusive content, “hustle culture,” and endless information noise. Cloud Dancer is calm and clean, like a “turn off the excess” button. We feel it too, so it’s only natural to ask ourselves: what will marketing look like in 2026 under these conditions? Let’s try to figure it out together.
If you happened to miss a real gem that’s been circulating online — don’t worry, we’ve got you. The ACIG team collected trends, predictions, and analytics from leading companies that have already done the heavy lifting and published their reports. There’s everything in there: AI, YouTube, and insights across almost every direction. You could easily get lost for a few hours. Huge thanks to those legends for their work — and if diving into all of it feels like too much, Moon partners will give you a short and clear summary right now.
AI becomes infrastructure, not a feature
If you look at the key messages from players like EDUMEDYA, Fratzke, and Onclusive, they’re all saying roughly the same thing: marketing and communications in 2026 are no longer about “launching a campaign,” but about proven business impact in a world of artificial distrust.
The biggest shift is that AI has become infrastructure, not a standalone tool. It automates targeting, creative, optimization, analytics, and reporting. But almost every prediction highlights the same paradox: AI speeds everything up, yet real value is still created by human decisions, strategy, and accountability. Most teams use AI only for “quick wins” — texts, images, reports — and barely apply it at a strategic level.
And this is the key point: AI does not replace affiliate managers or media buyers. Those who simply generate content with AI quickly dissolve into a sea of generic “AI noise.” The winners are the ones with a clear strategy — what traffic, which user, what value we deliver — who use AI to scale decisions, not replace them, and who keep humans responsible for risks like bans, brand safety, and legal issues.
Another major insight is that search and visibility are changing radically. Classic SEO isn’t “dying” because Google disappears, but because people no longer search — they ask AI questions or discover content on TikTok, Reels, and Shorts. This is a shift from SEO to AEO / GEO: content needs to be good enough for AI systems to cite it, not just for search engines to index it. As a result, clicks are dropping, zero-click is growing, and the real fight is no longer for traffic, but for authority.
A new era of influence, trust, authenticity, and privacy
For affiliate marketing in 2026, content is no longer just “warming up” the audience — it’s a direct sales tool. Vertical video, live demos, streams, and short-form reviews with a clear CTA outperform classic approaches. Influencer-affiliate is becoming the norm: a real person, a face, personal experience, and a link. It’s no longer about who has more websites, but who has more trust in their personal brand, or access to creators people genuinely believe in. Influencers are no longer just “media faces” — they’re affiliate partners. That’s the new reality.
Data and privacy deserve special attention. Cookies are disappearing, tracking is shrinking, regulations are tightening. The only stable currency left is first-party data and voluntary user consent. For affiliate marketing, this means one simple thing: anonymous one-off traffic is dead.
Analysts at Reuters Institute note that most active users are moving from public content into private spaces: closed channels, micro-communities, and personal chats. That’s why email lists, Telegram, WhatsApp, and Discord communities, as well as brand-owned communities, will truly work. Top affiliates in 2026 are those who build their own audience, can re-monetize users, and are not 100% dependent on algorithms.
Trust and authenticity are moving to the forefront. In a world of AI slop, deepfakes, and content overload, it’s not the fastest who win, but the most real. That’s where ideas like Authentic AI and Valuable Friction come in: sometimes it’s useful not to be perfectly automated. A live email, an expert face, a human voice build loyalty where AI makes everything feel the same.
UNESCO points out that the world has entered a crisis of attention and trust as a result of global exhaustion and information overload. Over the last 10 years, the average attention span has nearly halved. People remember less, burn out emotionally faster, and lose inner stability more often. That’s why demand is growing for slower content, private communities, and conscious digital hygiene.
If we reduce everything to one formula for affiliate marketing in 2026, it looks like this:
AI + owned audience + human focus = stable income and scale.
Affiliate marketing in 2026 is no longer “launch traffic and wait for results.” It’s an ecosystem where you understand your audience’s needs, know why they trust you, and why they come back. AI helps scale processes, but it doesn’t create meaning. Content attracts attention, but it doesn’t guarantee loyalty. Algorithms give reach, but they don’t build relationships. All of this works only when there’s a human core — strategy, responsibility, and honest contact with the audience.
In a world where everyone uses the same tools, competitive advantage is no longer speed, but authenticity. Not the number of sites, but the quality of the community. Not aggressive scaling, but repeat value for the user. And honestly, there’s something very Cloud Dancer about all of this — less noise, more meaning. Maybe marketing is tired too. And that’s not a weakness, but a chance to finally do better, not louder.
The post Moon partners share insights on marketing trends in 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Continent 8 Technologies
Continent 8 and CEO Michael Tobin claim number one spot in GamblingIQ’s global ‘Security 10’ rankings
Continent 8 Technologies, a leading provider of cutting-edge managed IT solutions designed for the global iGaming and online sports betting industry, has been named number one in GamblingIQ’s prestigious ‘Security 10’ global rankings. CEO Michael Tobin is recognised as the top industry leader in security, trust and data integrity.
This accolade reinforces Continent 8’s position as the trusted provider of data centre services, cloud hosting, private connectivity, and cybersecurity solutions, underscoring its commitment to safeguarding operators, suppliers, and players in an increasingly complex and regulated digital landscape.
Continent 8 is the partner of choice for hundreds of leading operators, suppliers, and platform providers worldwide. From tier-one brands to emerging innovators, these companies depend on Continent 8’s secure, compliant, and resilient infrastructure to power their businesses and protect their players. Customers include FanDuel, Kambi, Sportingtech, Playtech, DraftKings, Alea, BetMGM, and more.
GamblingIQ stated: ‘Michael Tobin is one of gambling’s rare figures who combines respect with genuine popularity: a feat almost impossible in an industry as volatile and scrutinised as ours. His reputation isn’t built on flash or hype, but on steady, practical leadership, curiosity about technology, and an ability to make complex challenges seem manageable. Operators, regulators, suppliers and colleagues value his clarity, his evidence-backed thinking, and his long-term approach to partnerships. After nearly 30 years, his standing signals more than success: it reflects consistency of character, reliability and a human touch in a sector that often forgets both.’
Michael Tobin, CEO and Founder of Continent 8 Technologies, commented: “Security and trust are the cornerstones of iGaming – they are the principles on which I founded Continent 8. This recognition from GamblingIQ is a testament to our team’s relentless focus on safeguarding the industry and enabling our customers to innovate with confidence. Congratulations to all the other companies listed in the Security 10.”
The post Continent 8 and CEO Michael Tobin claim number one spot in GamblingIQ’s global ‘Security 10’ rankings appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Pragmatic Play, a leading content supplier to the iGaming industry, is set to unveil its 2026 multi-vertical product roadmap at ICE Barcelona, spotlighting major new slot releases and live casino launches alongside the latest season of its industry-leading Drops & Wins promotional tool.
The exhibition will mark the start of what promises to be another standout year for Pragmatic Play, following a record-breaking 2025 in which the provider launched more than 100 network slots, expanded its dynamic game show portfolio, and entered a new vertical with its arcade collection.
A show-stopping stand designed to deliver a fully integrated experience, spanning more than 1,750m² and featuring 100 screens powered by over 150 million pixels, including two giant displays, will bring Pragmatic Play’s characters to life. The centrepiece will be a striking candy cascade featuring more than one tonne of sweet treats, alongside a dedicated Pragmatic Play Sports zone, housing famous football memorabilia.
Over the past 12 months, Pragmatic Play has reinforced its localisation strategy by rolling out more than 150 new live dealer tables, 55 of which are localised for specific markets, supported by the opening of new studios in Serbia and Colombia. This has been complemented by the first-class Smart Studio technology, which has delivered over 800 bespoke tables for prominent operators.
Live Casino remains a major focus for the business, and following recent studio openings in Serbia and Colombia, there are plans to open additional Live Casino studios in 2026, including one in Brazil.
Pragmatic Play’s expansive portfolio will be on full display across stands 2P30, 2P50, and 2P70, featuring headline slots Jelly Express and Sugar Rush Super Scatter, which further strengthen its sweet-themed collection, Joker’s Jewels Hold & Spin, the latest iteration of its timeless franchise, and Zeus vs Hades – Gods of War 250, a sequel to its hugely successful 2023 title.
The provider will also debut the upcoming Gates of Olympus Roulette, taking the popular Greek mythology IP into a new vertical and building on the momentum of numerous high-profile game show releases in 2025, including Fortune Roulette, Money Time, and Mega Roulette 3000. This will feature amongst a stellar live casino lineup that includes Color Game Bonanza, Crystal Roulette, and the provider’s all new Flow Blackjack tables, which aim to redefine the blackjack experience by reimagining the classic game through contemporary design.
Alongside its core verticals, Pragmatic Play will also spotlight additions to its arcade portfolio, including Plinko+ and Chicken+, a fast-paced, retro-style title built around simple gameplay and risk-reward cash-out mechanics.
Further supplementing its portfolio, Pragmatic Play will spotlight the latest season of Drops & Wins. Offering up to €25,000,000 in Weekly Wheel Drops and Daily Tournaments – the largest provider-funded prize pool in the industry – Drops & Wins underscores the supplier’s ongoing drive to deliver tangible value to its global partners and their players.
Pragmatic Play Sports will also be in attendance, shining a light on its rapidly expanding sportsbook offering. The brand is promising a hive of activity throughout the conference, including an intimate Q&A with football legend Clarence Seedorf on Monday 19th at 2pm, hosted by Sky Sports presenter Polly James.
Pragmatic Play’s showstopping presence at ICE Barcelona outlines its 2026 ambitions, as it continues to push boundaries in betting and gaming innovation, setting new benchmarks for industry service.
Irina Cornides, Chief Operating Officer at Pragmatic Play, said: “2025 was a landmark year for Pragmatic Play, with our strength across multiple product verticals reflected in record player activity and the receipt of 39 industry awards.
“2026 is shaping up to be another exceptional year, and it all starts at ICE Barcelona. We’re looking forward to showcasing our newest games, including Chicken+, Jelly Express, Color Game, and Fortune of Olympus Roulette, and demonstrating how we plan to deliver bigger, bolder, and more exciting experiences for our partners and their players.”
The post PRAGMATIC PLAY TO SHOWCASE STAR-STUDDED 2026 LINEUP AT ICE BARCELONA appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Participants are encouraged to connect with the Frogo team and discover how real-time automation and personalized tools can improve fraud prevention and foster business growth. Frogo will be located at booth #1G30.
Frogo will showcase its platform at ICE Barcelona, integrating device fingerprinting, a versatile scoring engine, AI-driven analytics, and graph-based investigative tools. The platform allows businesses to identify fraud instantly, adjust to emerging threats, and transform risk management into a strategic benefit. Frogo caters to sectors where speed and reliability are essential, such as iGaming, e-commerce, fintech, and payment solutions.
In its inaugural year, Frogo has swiftly established itself as a reliable ally for businesses aiming to enhance fraud prevention. Created by the global business organization RedCore and introduced as a standalone entity, Frogo consolidates resources for anti-fraud teams within a single, user-friendly platform. Features consist of automated scoring, dynamic rule administration, immediate alerts, and visual analysis tools.
“Fraud is constantly evolving, and businesses need to respond quickly,” said Volodymyr Todurov, CEO at Frogo. “Frogo helps companies move from manual processes to predictive risk management. ICE Barcelona is the ideal place to show how Frogo supports smarter, faster decision-making.”
Frogo’s approach focuses on reducing false positives, automating routine processes and improving the experience for trusted users. This allows businesses to minimize losses, protect revenue and strengthen customer trust.
The post Frogo at ICE Barcelona: Driving the Next Wave of Risk Prevention appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
-
Booming Games7 days agoBooming Games and Live Play Mobile Launch “LivePlay™ Slots” with Exclusive Modo Debut
-
Affiliate Events7 days ago
Taking Off with N1 Partners at iGB Affiliate 2026 in Barcelona: Grand Final and a Helicopter for the N1 Puzzle Promo Winner
-
Affiliate Management7 days agoN1 Faces: Daria Maichuk — “Communication as the Key to Strong, Effective Partnerships in Affiliate Marketing”
-
Affiliate Management7 days ago
N1 Faces: Daria Maichuk — “Communication as the Key to Strong, Effective Partnerships in Affiliate Marketing”
-
Affiliate Events7 days ago
Taking Off with N1 Partners at iGB Affiliate 2026 in Barcelona: Grand Final and a Helicopter for the N1 Puzzle Promo Winner
-
Global Expansion7 days ago
ProgressPlay Unveils Dual-Engine Strategy for 2026: Empowering Partners via Standalone and Sweepstakes Solutions
-
Carl Gatt Baldacchino Head of Account Management SlotMatrix4 days ago
SlotMatrix revives classic slot action with Crazy 777 U.S launch
-
Adam Pentecost Chief Revenue Officer at Gaming Corps4 days ago
Gaming Corps partners with BetMGM for exclusive Ontario launch
