Belatra Survey: Video Gaming, Gym, and Reading Among the Preferred Hobbies in the iGaming Sector
Belatra Games reveals that iGaming professionals prioritize gaming, physical exercise, and reading as their main activities outside of work, according to an international survey conducted ahead of the SBC Summit Lisbon 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Gaming and gym are the most cited hobbies by iGaming professionals.
- Padel leads among new activities they wish to try, followed by golf and dancing.
- 3D printing is the primary emerging non-sporting interest.
- The main motivations for choosing a hobby are stress relief and improving physical health.
- The 'Belatra Adventure Club' concept was developed from the results of this survey.
The results of an international survey by Belatra Games, conducted in collaboration with G&M News from August 3 to 12, highlight that professionals in the iGaming sector prefer to engage in gaming, gym activities, and reading in their free time. This survey, published in anticipation of the upcoming SBC Summit Lisbon 2026, also shows trends regarding new areas of interest and unusual hobbies within the industry.
Gaming Leads Hobbies in iGaming
The top hobby among the surveyed professionals is video gaming, surpassing other popular activities such as reading and strength training at the gym. The results also pointed to hiking, board games, and specialty coffee tasting as recurring hobbies mentioned by the participants.
New Interests: Padel, Golf, and 3D Printing
Regarding activities that the respondents wish to try soon, padel tops the list with 14.8% of responses. It is followed by golf (11.4%) and dancing (9.6%), showing a growing focus on sports and social activities. Outside the realm of sports, 3D printing emerged as the main new hobby that iGaming professionals would like to explore.
Main percentages of new interests:
- Padel: 14.8%
- Golf: 11.4%
- Dancing: 9.6%
- 3D Printing: most popular non-sporting hobby
Unconventional Hobbies within the Sector
The Belatra Games survey also identified less common interests and activities within the professional community. Among them were hobbies such as collecting Star Wars memorabilia, antiques, perfumes, beekeeping, "vibe-coding", harness dancing, historical reenactment, and creating new board games. This diversity in interests highlights the variety of experiences professionals seek outside the workplace.
"Our research confirmed that hobbies help professionals recharge, and that idea inspired the concept of our Belatra Adventure Club booth at the SBC Summit Lisbon 2026," said a representative of Belatra Games.
Main Motivations Behind Professional Hobbies
46.7% of participants stated that their main hobby helps them relieve stress and recharge. 34.4% value the physical health benefits, while 17.8% expressed that their primary motivation is to disconnect from work responsibilities.
Main reasons for choosing a hobby:
- Relieve stress and recharge (46.7%)
- Health benefits (34.4%)
- Disconnect from the professional environment (17.8%)
Commercial Applications: Belatra Adventure Club and Upcoming Releases
Belatra Games announced that the insights from the study influenced the development of the "Belatra Adventure Club" concept for its booth at SBC Summit Lisbon 2026, focused on "The Guy", their recurring character in games such as Blast the Bass, Ice Bass, and Hunt the Bucks. Additionally, the company revealed that it will launch a fourth title featuring this character ahead of the event, reinforcing brand identity through thematic experiences and product offering.
The integration of these findings could provide an innovative and relevant approach for other operators and suppliers within the B2B segment of iGaming, guiding their engagement strategies and presence at international trade shows.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular hobby among iGaming professionals?
Video gaming tops the list of current hobbies. It surpasses reading, strength training, and other options mentioned in the international survey from Belatra Games.
What new activities are respondents from the iGaming sector looking to explore?
Padel leads as the most desired activity, with 14.8% of mentions, followed by golf (11.4%) and dancing (9.6%). 3D printing stands out as the primary emerging hobby outside the sporting realm.
What are the main motivations professionals have for choosing their hobbies?
46.7% of respondents indicate that their hobby helps them relieve stress and recharge. 34.4% value the physical benefits, and 17.8% seek to disconnect from work.
Are there any uncommon hobbies among the interviewed professionals?
Yes, interests such as collecting Star Wars memorabilia, antiques, perfumes, beekeeping, vibe-coding, and historical reconstruction were mentioned, reflecting a wide variety of unconventional hobbies.
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About the author
Gonzalo Marín
Industry Deals Correspondent
Gonzalo Marín covers the corporate deal flow of gambling — operator strategy, M&A, regulated-market entries, and product launches. The reports open with the transaction, cite companies, valuations, and jurisdictions exactly as released, and keep the announcement apart from its actual effect. When a Latin American operator raises capital or a European brand lands in the region, Gonzalo Marín reports who signs, for how much, and on what terms.
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