Exclusive Interview with Emiliano Sanchez of Mancala Gaming: Mastering Player Engagement & Smart Gaming Strategies in 2026

Interview With Emiliano Sanchez

As Chief Commercial Officer of Mancala Gaming, Emiliano Sanchez plays a central role in shaping the company’s product strategy, market expansion, and operator relationships. In this interview, he discusses lessons from 2025, priorities for 2026, and how Mancala plans to deliver scalable entertainment in an increasingly competitive iGaming landscape.

Lessons from 2025 and Strategic Takeaways for 2026

Joshua: Emiliano, thanks for taking the time for this interview. It's always exciting to chat with leaders shaping the iGaming landscape. As Mancala Gaming continues to make waves with its innovative slots and provider prowess, let's dive into your vision for 2026. Starting light: what's one lesson from 2025 that you're carrying into the new year?

Emiliano: 2025 reinforced something we’ve believed since day one: performance is built in the details. The games that truly win are the ones where art, math, UX, and promotion logic all work together. If you get that alignment right, adoption becomes organic, players stay longer, and operators see the numbers move.

Mancala Gaming’s Top Strategic Priorities for 2026

Joshua: What are Mancala Gaming's top three strategic priorities for 2026, and how do they build on your recent successes in emerging markets?

Emiliano: First: product depth - stronger releases and improving proven titles with smarter pacing and better moment-to-moment engagement.

Second: gamification and bonus tooling - more flexibility for operators, easier activation, better performance.

Third: distribution and execution - keeping integrations smooth and scaling partnerships without losing quality.

New Game Mechanics and Immersive Themes for 2026

Joshua: With player demands evolving toward more immersive experiences, what new game mechanics or themes is Mancala planning to launch in 2026?

Emiliano: You’ll see us push further into progression, feature stacking, and “session energy” - mechanics that keep players engaged without complicating the experience. Theme-wise, we’ll keep doing what we do best: distinct worlds, strong identity, and a clear “hook” within the first spins.

Expansion in Regulated Markets and Global Partnerships

Joshua: How does Mancala intend to expand its footprint in regulated markets? Any key partnerships or certifications on the horizon?

Emiliano: The focus is on continued expansion and stronger positioning with partners in Europe and Latin America, while we keep preparing for additional certifications. On the partnership side, we’ll keep leaning into platforms and aggregators that help our content reach the right audiences at scale.

AI, Technology, and Product Innovation in 2026

Joshua: What cutting-edge tech (AI/VR) will Mancala integrate by the end of 2026?

Emiliano: We’re practical about tech: if it improves the product or delivery, we adopt it. AI will play a bigger role internally, helping us optimize workflows, speed up iteration, and improve decision-making around performance and modelling.

But the “magic” of the game - art direction, pacing, and entertainment - still needs human taste and leadership.

Backend Improvements and Operator-Focused Tools

Joshua: Looking at operator feedback, what pain points are you addressing in your backend and integration tools to make 2026 smoother for partners?

Emiliano: Operators want two things: speed and control. We’re doubling down on smoother integration and making it easier to launch promotions from the back office - without extra development cycles. Our bonus tools are built to be trigger-based and automated, so partners can activate campaigns efficiently and consistently.

Growth Plans and Localized Strategies in the Asian Market

Joshua: The Asian market is booming - can you share Mancala's specific growth plans there, including any localized content strategies?

Emiliano: Asia is a market where delivery, UX, and the right “feel” matter a lot. We’ve built market-specific capabilities over the years, and we’ll continue adapting content presentation and performance to match regional preferences - while keeping the Mancala identity intact.

Brand Differentiation Through Gamification and Engagement Systems

Joshua: With competition heating up, how will Mancala differentiate its brand in 2026, perhaps through unique gamification or jackpot systems?

Emiliano: Differentiation will come from how much value you provide operators beyond the game itself. Our approach is to pair strong slots with a real engagement layer - tools like our Trigger Bonus System and bonus suite that can be activated strategically to drive retention and loyalty.

Building Talent and Fostering Creativity in iGaming

Joshua: Talent is everything in tech-driven iGaming; what steps is Mancala taking to build its team and foster creativity heading into 2026?

Emiliano: We protect creativity by building the right environment: clear goals, room to challenge ideas, and cross-team feedback loops. The best ideas often come from collaboration - studio, tech, commercial, and account management pushing together, not in silos.

Bold Industry Predictions for iGaming in 2026

Joshua: Beyond business, what's one bold prediction you have for the iGaming industry in 2026, and how is Mancala positioning itself to lead it?

Emiliano: In 2026, the winners won’t be the ones who release the most - they’ll be the ones who deliver the best repeatable entertainment, with toolsets that help operators run smarter engagement.

We’re positioning Mancala exactly there: strong content, scalable gamification, and practical execution.

Life Beyond iGaming and Personal Inspirations

Joshua: Emiliano, you've shared some fascinating insights into Mancala's exciting roadmap. Thanks for painting such a vivid picture of 2026. To wrap up on a personal note: Outside of iGaming, what's a hobby or passion that's recharging you for the year ahead, and how does it influence your leadership style?

Emiliano: Time with family is the real reset. It keeps me grounded and makes priorities clearer - especially when you’re moving fast and making big decisions.

Outside of work, I also recharge by listening to music, reading, and staying plugged into topics that keep my mind sharp - politics, mathematical physics, and philosophy. Leading with that perspective helps you build healthier teams, stronger partnerships, and a company that lasts.

And on a more personal note, I’m still a big fan of both tabletop (mostly D&D) and video games. Lately, I’ve been deep into Helldivers 2, Battlefield 6, and Arc Raiders - plus the occasional mobile game when I’m on the go.

I’m also active in a few Discord gaming communities, which keep me close to conversations, hype cycles, and what players care about day to day. Staying connected to the gaming community helps me spot trends early - and, more importantly, understand what genuinely resonates with players across the world.