Harper Ko: “AI is reshaping how every stakeholder in the gaming ecosystem approaches their business”

The President of the International Association of Gaming Advisors (IAGA) recaps on the forum’s momentum during 2025 and the challenges that lay ahead for the global gaming industry.

Exclusive interview.- As we wrap up 2025, Focus Gaming News has been speaking to key figures in the industry to recap on the themes that defined the past year in gaming. Here we speak to Harper Ko, president of the International Association of Gaming Advisors (IAGA), about the forum’s momentum over the past year and objectives for 2026.

What were your main takeaways from the IAGA 42nd International Gaming Summit in Berlin this year?

The sentiment in Berlin was one of genuine engagement and optimism. Attendees consistently remarked on the strength of our programming and the calibre of our speakers, coupled with the invaluable networking opportunities that come from convening senior leaders across every sector of the global gaming industry. Those connections remain one of the Summit’s greatest assets, and our members are often our best advocates in encouraging colleagues to join us at future summits.

Two highlights stood out in particular: the Fireside Chats with Kevin Mullally, the now-outgoing CEO of the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority in the UAE, and Andrew Rhodes, CEO of the UK Gambling Commission. Both offered candid reflections on regulatory evolution and leadership.

Equally impactful was the inaugural meeting of our Sports Betting Integrity Coalition, which brought together regulators and senior executives from leading sports organisations, including FIFA, MLB, NFL, NASCAR, the NCAA, MLS, the International Tennis Integrity Association, and the International Olympic Committee’s Olympic Movement Unit on the Prevention of Manipulation of Competitions.

Beyond these marquee sessions, attendees valued the breadth of topics addressed—AML, illegal markets, sports betting and online gaming, and responsible gaming—each explored through panels that tackled timely issues head-on. Taken together, the Summit reinforced IAGA’s role as a forum for substantive dialogue and collaborative problem-solving.

Looking ahead to Sarasota in 2026, we are committed to building on this momentum. 

What was the most significant milestone for International Association of Gaming Advisors in 2025?

This past year marked a true inflexion point for IAGA. The expansion of our membership to include a growing number of online and sports betting stakeholders reflects the evolving shape of the global gaming industry and ensures that our dialogue remains both relevant and inclusive.

At the same time, the launch of our Sports Betting Integrity Coalition was a milestone that underscores IAGA’s commitment to thought leadership in this critical area and leveraging our global relationships with gambling and betting regulators to help address key issues facing our industry and its impact on other adjacent or complementary industries like professional sports.

The Coalition’s work is particularly timely given the conflicting positions in the United States between legalised sports betting markets and prediction markets—issues that are increasingly resonating across international jurisdictions as well. With several high-profile sporting events on the horizon, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2026 Winter Olympics, our members are united in their focus on safeguarding consumers and ensuring fair, transparent competition.

Taken together, these developments position IAGA not only as a convener of diverse perspectives but also as a proactive leader in shaping integrity and best practices standards that will guide the industry through its next chapter.

What are your expectations for 2026?

Across the industry, we continue to see a mix of convergence and divergence, and 2026 will be no different. On one hand, there is clear momentum toward harmonisation in areas such as AML, responsible gaming, and sports betting integrity—topics where regulators and operators alike recognise the benefits of shared standards and coordinated oversight. The collaborative discussions we’ve fostered through IAGA, including the launch of the Sports Betting Integrity Coalition, reflect this growing appetite for alignment.

At the same time, fragmentation remains a reality. Jurisdictions are moving at different speeds, with some embracing expansive online and sports betting frameworks while others remain cautious or pursue unique approaches. Conflicting positions in the US between legalized sports betting markets and prediction markets illustrate how divergence can persist even within a single country, and similar dynamics are emerging internationally.

“Across the industry, we continue to see a mix of convergence and divergence, and 2026 will be no different.”

Harper Ko, president of the IAGA.

Political and cultural factors also play a significant role. In some jurisdictions, gaming is managed under government monopolies or overseen by regulatory agencies nested within larger ministries such as Finance or Revenue, while in others independent commissions set policy.

These variations reflect differing national priorities—whether fiscal, social, or cultural—and they shape how quickly or slowly markets evolve. Jurisdictional independence remains a defining feature of the global landscape, and while harmonisation is desirable in areas tied to consumer protection and integrity, local political and cultural contexts will continue to drive regulatory diversity.

That said, we are beginning to see meaningful steps toward convergence. International frameworks such as the Macolin Convention on the Manipulation of Sports Competitions and initiatives like the Council of Copenhagen demonstrate how jurisdictions are working together to establish common approaches to integrity and transparency.

These efforts provide a foundation for greater alignment, particularly as global sporting events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Summer Olympics heighten scrutiny and demand for consistent standards.

My expectation is that we will see continued progress toward harmonisation in areas where consumer protection and market integrity are paramount, particularly as global sporting events like FIFA World Cup, Olympics and World Rugby Cup heighten scrutiny. Yet the path will not be uniform, and navigating these differences will require ongoing dialogue, transparency, and collaboration across regulators, operators, and advisors worldwide.

What trends do you think will be most pertinent?

Looking ahead to 2026, artificial intelligence is the most transformative force reshaping how every stakeholder in the gaming ecosystem approaches their business. For land-based and online operators, AI is driving smarter customer engagement, predictive analytics, and enhanced integrity monitoring.

Advisors and regulators are leveraging AI to identify compliance risks and strengthen responsible gaming frameworks, while suppliers and technology providers are embedding AI into product design, fraud detection, and operational efficiency. In short, AI is no longer a peripheral tool—it is becoming central to how the industry manages risk, builds trust, and innovates responsibly.

Beyond AI, several other technologies are converging to redefine the industry. Integrated resorts are evolving into multi-channel entertainment destinations, requiring regulatory frameworks that account for the blending of gaming, hospitality, and media.

Cashless wallets and digital identity solutions are accelerating adoption, raising important questions around accessibility and AML compliance. Cryptocurrencies continue to present both opportunities and challenges, particularly in cross-border transactions. Know-Your-Customer (KYC) protocols and AML enforcement are increasingly vital in sports betting integrity, i.e., “following the money” remains one of the most effective ways to detect manipulation and protect consumers.

“Looking ahead to 2026, artificial intelligence is the most transformative force reshaping how every stakeholder in the gaming ecosystem approaches their business.”

Harper Ko, president of the IAGA.

We are also seeing technology smooth the convergence of land-based casinos, online platforms, entertainment, and media. Consumers expect seamless experiences across these channels, and innovations in streaming, interactive content, and omni-channel loyalty programs are making that possible. This convergence is blurring traditional boundaries and requires regulators to adapt frameworks that reflect a more integrated entertainment ecosystem.