The iGaming industry is moving quickly, and technology is playing a bigger role than ever in how operators build, manage, and grow their businesses. At SBC Malta 2026, NookTalks sat down with Ilija Bogunovic, Managing Partner of Universe Force Gaming, to learn more about his journey, the technology behind his company, and what modern iGaming operators need to succeed.
During the conversation with Jeremy Castillo, Ilija shared his perspective on everything from AI-powered fraud prevention and customizable platforms to the changing needs of operators and the importance of building a strong iGaming ecosystem.
Building Technology for Modern iGaming Operators
Universe Force Gaming comes from a technology background through the Universe Forge Group. However, after identifying a growing need among operators for better and more flexible technology, the company began developing its own solutions specifically for the iGaming industry.
Today, Universe Force Gaming offers a complete technology stack that includes sweepstakes casino, poker, and sportsbook platforms, along with a range of microservices that can also be integrated into existing operator platforms.
For Ilija, flexibility is one of the key differences.
Rather than offering operators a standard platform that forces them to work within a fixed structure, the company focuses on creating technology that can be customized around the operator’s requirements and workflows.
This approach is becoming increasingly important as operators look for platforms that can adapt to their businesses rather than the other way around.
AI and Fraud Prevention at the Core
One of the most interesting areas discussed during the SBC Malta interview was the role of AI in fraud prevention.
Universe Force Gaming is developing AI-powered solutions designed to help operators identify and prevent fraudulent activity. One of the features Ilija highlighted is pre-registration fraud prevention, which aims to identify potential risks before a player even enters the platform.
For an industry where fraud, compliance, and player safety are major concerns, this can become an important part of the technology stack.
Another important aspect is auditability. Ilija explained that the company’s AI systems are being developed with transparency in mind, allowing human teams to review what the AI has done and make changes when required.
This human oversight is particularly relevant as regulations around AI continue to develop across Europe. For operators, using AI is not simply about automation. It is also about being able to understand, monitor, and explain how automated systems make decisions.
Moving Beyond White-Label Platforms
Another key point from the conversation was the changing expectations of iGaming operators.
According to Ilija, Universe Force Gaming is particularly interested in working with operators that want to move away from older, less flexible white-label solutions and adopt more modern and customizable technology.
The company’s model allows operators to have greater ownership and control over their platform. Instead of simply providing a fixed product, the team can map an operator’s existing workflows and build technology around those specific requirements.
This can give businesses more flexibility as they grow and enter new markets.
Building a Stronger iGaming Ecosystem
Technology alone cannot build a successful iGaming operation. Operators also need strong partners across payments, CRM, affiliates, compliance, and other areas.
Universe Force Gaming has therefore focused on developing an ecosystem of technology and service providers. Ilija explained that the company already works with more than 100 providers, giving operators access to different services that can be connected to their platform.
This ecosystem approach can make it easier for operators to find the right partners while building a technology stack that fits their individual needs.
The Real Challenge Starts After Launch
One of Ilija’s most interesting observations was that creating an iGaming platform is only one part of the journey.
Many new operators focus heavily on building their website and getting their technology in place. But once the platform goes live, the bigger questions begin: How will they acquire players? How will they retain them? How will they operate efficiently and compete in an increasingly crowded market?
This is where technology, marketing, data, and partnerships need to work together.
Looking Ahead with AI
Ilija’s own journey into iGaming technology began with his background in business development and software. After working with a large technology company in Malta, he decided to build something of his own and worked with a team of engineers from Serbia to establish a software development company.
The team later moved into iGaming, combining its software expertise with AI capabilities.
Today, Universe Force Gaming is continuing to explore how AI can be built into different layers of iGaming technology, from fraud prevention to operational intelligence.
His conversation at SBC Malta 2026 offered a clear look at where the industry is heading: toward platforms that are more flexible, transparent, customizable, and intelligent.
As operators face increasing competition and regulatory expectations, the ability to adapt quickly and use technology effectively could become one of the biggest advantages in the iGaming market.
For NookTalks, conversations like this provide an opportunity to understand the people and technologies shaping the industry. And as iGaming continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how companies like Universe Force Gaming contribute to its next chapter.
