Belatra Survey Reveals iGaming Professionals’ Hobbies

Online slots developer Belatra Games has published findings from an international survey examining how iGaming professionals spend their free time away from work.

The research, conducted in partnership with G&M News from August 3 to 12, asked industry professionals about their existing hobbies, activities they would like to take up and some of the unusual interests they have explored previously.

Video gaming was the most commonly reported current hobby. Reading, strength training and gym workouts also featured prominently, while hiking, board games and specialty coffee tasting ranked among the other popular activities.

Padel Tops List of Activities Professionals Want to Try

When respondents were asked which activities they would most like to try, padel came out on top, accounting for 14.8% of responses.

Golf followed at 11.4%, while dancing was selected by 9.6% of respondents. Outside the sporting activities, 3D printing was the most popular new hobby participants said they wanted to explore.

The survey also uncovered a broad selection of less conventional interests.

Responses included collecting Star Wars memorabilia, antiques and perfumes, alongside hobbies such as beekeeping, vibe-coding, harness dancing, historical reconstruction and designing personal board games.

Hobbies Provide a Break From Work

Despite the wide range of interests, respondents identified several common reasons for pursuing hobbies.

Almost half of those surveyed, or 46.7%, said their hobbies help them reduce stress and recharge. A further 34.4% pointed to the benefits of physical activity, while 17.8% said their interests help them switch off from work.

Survey Supports Belatra Adventure Club Concept

The research represents the first stage of Belatra's plans for its Adventure Club booth concept at SBC Summit Lisbon 2026.

The idea draws inspiration from The Guy, Belatra's recurring character featured in Blast the Bass, Ice Bass and Hunt the Bucks.

Throughout the series, The Guy explores different hobbies and adventures, reflecting the curiosity and openness to new experiences highlighted by the survey results.

Belatra is also preparing to release a fourth title featuring the character before SBC Summit Lisbon.

Belatra Highlights Industry Individuality

Kateryna Goi, CMO at Belatra Games, said the company expected professionals from such a dynamic industry to demonstrate curiosity, openness and individuality.

However, she said the responses revealed a greater level of personality and variety than the company had anticipated.

Goi also thanked the industry professionals who participated and noted the value of discovering the individuals behind professional roles, describing them as more multifaceted than their positions at work suggest.