Alea joins NEXT.io New York to discuss emerging gaming verticals

Alea is preparing to take part in one of the most anticipated gatherings in the North American digital gaming and technology sector this week in New York. The company will attend the NEXT.io double event which includes the Emerging Verticals conference followed by the NEXT.io Summit New York. Both events bring together executives, operators, developers and policy stakeholders who are shaping the direction of regulated gaming and digital entertainment markets in the United States.

Representatives from Alea will engage with industry leaders to explore how new product categories, evolving player preferences and technological innovation are influencing the next stage of development for the US market. The company views the event as an opportunity to share insights while also building connections with operators and partners working across a rapidly expanding ecosystem.

Founder Alexandre Tomic and CEO Jordi Sendra will lead the company’s presence at the event. They will be joined by team members from account management, business development and marketing who will spend the week meeting stakeholders and discussing partnership opportunities across North America.

Alea’s presence at the NEXT.io double event in New York

The NEXT.io events in New York are designed to examine the changing dynamics of the digital gaming industry. The Emerging Verticals conference focuses specifically on new segments that are beginning to influence the market including skill based gaming platforms, prediction markets and new formats that combine competition and entertainment.

Alea’s participation reflects the company’s ongoing interest in exploring new models that complement traditional gaming experiences. The company’s leadership team plans to take part in discussions about how emerging verticals could reshape engagement among players in the United States.

The conference will provide a platform for industry leaders to exchange perspectives on technology, compliance frameworks and commercial partnerships that could support sustainable growth in new categories.

By attending both the Emerging Verticals conference and the subsequent NEXT.io Summit New York, Alea will have the opportunity to engage with a wide range of stakeholders across multiple segments of the industry.

Leadership participation on the conference stage

A key moment during the event will be a panel discussion featuring Alea founder Alexandre Tomic. The session will explore the growth of skill based gaming and whether this segment is likely to become a significant pillar of the US gaming market in the coming years.

The panel titled “Skill Gaming’s Breakout Moment: Hype or the Next Real Opportunity?” is scheduled for March 9 at 4:30 PM. During the discussion, participants are expected to examine the factors driving the popularity of skill based games and the potential regulatory and operational challenges associated with scaling such models.

Industry observers have noted that skill based gaming has attracted increased attention in recent years. Platforms that emphasize player ability rather than chance have drawn interest from developers and operators looking to diversify their offerings and reach new audiences.

The panel will also address the commercial viability of these platforms and how they may coexist alongside traditional forms of gaming entertainment.

Skill gaming and the evolution of competitive play

Skill based gaming models often involve competitions where players rely on ability, strategy or knowledge to determine outcomes. This approach contrasts with more traditional formats where outcomes depend primarily on randomization.

Supporters of skill gaming argue that these formats can increase player engagement because participants feel a stronger sense of control over the outcome. Competitive mechanics such as leaderboards, tournaments and player rankings are also commonly used to enhance the experience.

At the same time industry participants acknowledge that the regulatory landscape surrounding skill gaming continues to evolve. Clear frameworks are important to ensure that operators and technology providers maintain compliance with relevant legal standards in each jurisdiction.

Events such as the Emerging Verticals conference create a forum where companies can discuss these developments and share experiences from different markets.

Prediction markets and the shift toward PvP dynamics

Another topic expected to attract attention during the conference is the rise of prediction markets and other formats that encourage direct competition between players.

Prediction markets allow participants to forecast outcomes of real world events. Instead of competing against a centralized operator, users interact with each other in a marketplace environment. Platforms typically facilitate the exchange while collecting a transaction fee or commission.

Alexandre Tomic highlighted this concept when discussing the evolving direction of the industry.

“Prediction markets are the standout disruptor in the US. They solve the industry's biggest friction point: the house isn't the opponent anymore. Players compete against each other, the platform takes a rake and the whole dynamic becomes more transparent and less adversarial,” said Alexandre Tomic, Founder of Alea. “By 2026, success won't come from chasing flashy features. The winners will be those building the foundations where competition and collaboration actually coexist. That is the next generation of play.”

This perspective reflects a broader discussion within the industry about how player versus player models may influence future product design.

The importance of partnerships in the US market

As the US market continues to develop, collaboration between technology providers, operators and platform partners is increasingly important. Companies often rely on partnerships to expand their product distribution and access new audiences.

Alea views the NEXT.io events as a valuable setting for strengthening relationships with existing partners while exploring new collaborations.

The company’s team plans to meet with operators who are evaluating new content strategies as well as developers interested in integrating emerging gaming formats into their platforms.

These conversations can help identify opportunities for innovation while also addressing operational considerations such as compliance, payment processing and user experience design.

Engaging with innovators and industry leaders

The NEXT.io Summit New York will extend the conversation beyond emerging verticals and focus on broader developments in digital gaming and online entertainment. Sessions throughout the summit will cover regulatory trends, marketing strategies, data analytics and technological infrastructure.

For companies operating in a complex and rapidly evolving industry, such events provide a space for open dialogue and knowledge sharing.

Alea’s presence reflects its commitment to maintaining an active role in discussions that influence the future of the sector. By participating in panels and networking sessions, the company aims to contribute to conversations about responsible growth and sustainable innovation.

Event schedule and key sessions

The NEXT.io double event will take place across several days in New York and will feature a wide range of speakers from across the industry.

NEXT.io Emerging Verticals conference
March 9

NEXT.io Summit New York
March 10 and March 11

Participants attending both events will have the opportunity to hear from executives, policymakers and technology experts who are exploring how new formats and platforms could shape the next generation of digital entertainment.

About Alea

Alea is a leading iGaming aggregator, offering a customizable platform that provides operators worldwide with seamless access to over 17,000 games from 170+ top-tier providers through a single API integration. Known for its innovative technology, Alea simplifies the integration journey and delivers a flexible, scalable solution designed to enhance game variety, player experience and operational efficiency. Alea is highly committed to a security-first infrastructure, ensuring reliability and trust at every level. In 2024, the company strengthened its cybersecurity framework through a strategic partnership with Continent 8 and achieved VAPT certification.

In addition to game aggregation, Alea has introduced Alea Pay, an exclusive payment gateway that further optimizes financial transactions. With a strong focus on security, compliance and ongoing support, Alea continues to empower operators with cutting-edge tools to thrive in the evolving iGaming market.

For more information, visit www.alea.com.

Conclusion

Alea’s participation in the NEXT.io Emerging Verticals conference and the NEXT.io Summit New York highlights the company’s interest in contributing to discussions about the future of digital gaming in the United States. As the market continues to evolve, emerging formats such as skill based gaming, prediction markets and player versus player models are attracting growing attention from operators and technology providers.

By engaging with industry leaders and participating in panel discussions, Alea aims to share its perspective on how these innovations could influence player engagement and platform design in the coming years. Events like NEXT.io also offer a valuable opportunity to strengthen partnerships and build new relationships across the North American ecosystem.

While the long term impact of emerging gaming verticals will depend on regulatory clarity, technological advancement and consumer adoption, the conversation taking place in New York reflects a broader effort within the industry to explore sustainable paths for growth. Through collaboration, responsible innovation and ongoing dialogue, stakeholders across the sector continue to examine how new ideas can shape the next chapter of digital gaming.

FAQs

What is the NEXT.io Emerging Verticals conference about?
The Emerging Verticals conference focuses on new and innovative segments within the gaming and digital entertainment industry including skill gaming, prediction markets and other emerging formats.

Why is Alea attending the NEXT.io event in New York?
Alea is attending to participate in industry discussions, connect with partners and explore opportunities related to emerging gaming technologies and platforms.

Who will represent Alea at the conference?
Founder Alexandre Tomic and CEO Jordi Sendra will lead the company’s delegation along with team members from account management, business development and marketing.

What topic will Alexandre Tomic discuss at the event?
He will take part in a panel examining whether skill gaming represents a genuine growth opportunity or whether it is still an emerging concept.

What is skill based gaming?
Skill based gaming involves competitions where the outcome is influenced primarily by player ability, strategy or knowledge rather than random chance.

What are prediction markets in gaming?
Prediction markets allow users to forecast outcomes of real world events and interact with other participants within a marketplace style platform.

Why are player versus player models gaining attention?
These models allow players to compete directly against each other which some industry observers believe creates a more transparent and engaging environment.

What is the purpose of the NEXT.io Summit New York?
The summit brings together professionals from across the gaming and technology sectors to discuss market trends, regulation and innovation.

How important are partnerships in the US gaming industry?
Partnerships often help companies expand their reach, integrate new technologies and navigate complex regulatory environments.

What outcomes might result from events like NEXT.io?
Industry gatherings can lead to new collaborations, product ideas and strategic discussions that contribute to the long term development of the sector.