Belatra Survey Reveals iGaming Professionals' Top Hobbies: Gaming, Gym, and Reading Lead

A recent international survey led by Belatra Games, in collaboration with G&M News, reveals that video gaming, attending the gym, and reading are the most popular hobbies among iGaming professionals. The results, published ahead of the SBC Summit Lisbon 2026, also show a strong interest in trying new activities such as padel and 3D printing, and highlight a range of unusual leisure pursuits within the sector.

Gaming and Gym Dominate iGaming Professionals’ Hobby Choices

Survey data collected from August 3 to August 12, 2026, underscores that "video gaming" is the most frequently cited hobby among industry respondents. Reading and physical activities including strength training and gym sessions also ranked highly. In addition to these, hiking, board games, and specialty coffee tasting featured prominently, suggesting that both solo and group activities remain important across the sector.

• Video gaming was the most named current hobby
• Reading and strength training followed closely
• Hiking and board games remain popular non-digital pursuits

Emerging and Niche Interests in the iGaming Sector

While mainstream activities dominate, the survey also uncovered a set of more specialized interests. Professionals reported collecting Star Wars memorabilia, antiques, and perfumes, as well as engaging in beekeeping, vibe-coding, harness dancing, historical reenactment, and even designing their own board games. These findings illustrate the diversity of personal interests in the iGaming space.

What’s Next? Padel Tops Future Hobbies List

When asked about activities they would like to try, 14.8% of respondents selected padel, placing it ahead of golf at 11.4% and dancing at 9.6%. Non-sporting ambitions were also represented, with 3D printing cited as the most popular new technical pursuit professionals expressed interest in exploring.

Motivations: Why Hobbies Matter to the iGaming Workforce

Respondents identified several key motivations for engaging in hobbies:

• 46.7% said their main reason was to relieve stress and recharge
• 34.4% highlighted the physical benefits
• 17.8% stated that hobbies help them disconnect from work duties

Belatra Games commented that these insights reflect the importance of work-life balance and inform both their company engagement efforts and broader event strategies.

“Understanding what drives professionals in their time off helps us create resonant event experiences,” a Belatra Games representative noted regarding the survey’s purpose and implications.

Belatra Adventure Club and The Guy Character at SBC Summit Lisbon 2026

The survey’s findings have directly influenced Belatra Games’ plans for the upcoming SBC Summit Lisbon, where the company will debut its "Belatra Adventure Club" booth. The concept will centre on “The Guy,” a recurring figure in the supplier’s games—Blast the Bass, Ice Bass, and Hunt the Bucks. The firm confirmed that a fourth title featuring The Guy will launch in advance of the SBC Summit Lisbon 2026, bringing the character further into focus for both partners and visitors.

Survey and Event Context

The collaboration with G&M News ensured a broad international response to the poll, with the timing designed to inform Belatra’s approach to one of the industry’s major in-person gatherings. By tying survey data to event strategy, Belatra Games continues a trend of using direct workforce feedback to shape product and brand engagement initiatives.

The company aims to offer industry stakeholders a blend of work and recreation at the event, reflecting the diverse interests highlighted by the survey. Professionals attending the Lisbon gathering can expect to see these themes play out not just in Belatra’s booth design but in the product showcase forecasted ahead of Summit week.