Jesse Learmonth: The state of iGaming startups in 2026

🎙️ NEXT.io Podcast #261 with Jesse Learmonth from The Betting Startups.

In this episode of the NEXT.io Podcast, Jesse Learmonth joins us to discuss the current state of the iGaming startup ecosystem, what investors are actually looking for today, and why building new companies in gaming has become significantly harder.

As the founder of Betting Startups, Jesse works closely with early-stage companies and investors across the industry. In this conversation, we explore how the funding environment has changed, why distribution and partnerships are critical for growth, and what skills founders need to succeed when launching new gaming businesses.

⏰ Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

00:28 - Jesse Learmonth returns to the NEXT.io Podcast

01:15 - The role of Betting Startups in the ecosystem

03:10 - The current state of iGaming startups

07:45 - Why building startups is harder today

11:10 - Funding environment & investor expectations

14:00 - What makes a startup investable

18:00 - Innovation in iGaming

22:30 - Where startups can still win

27:00 - Scaling challenges for gaming startups

31:00 - Partnerships, distribution & market access

35:30 - The biggest mistakes founders make

40:00 - Why distribution is everything

44:30 - The role of networks & industry relationships

48:30 - Advice for founders entering iGaming

52:30 - The future of gaming startups

55:30 - Closing thoughts

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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G826Guf8uHM&list=PLo43Fota-gt1sMzujpavaGmRbTiRXETKE

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-io-podcast/id1515442333

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This episode of NEXT.io is brought to you by:

Pragmatic Solutions – Leading iGaming platform technologyhttps://pragmatic.solutions/

Pragmatic Play – Industry-leading content providerhttps://www.pragmaticplay.com/en/