Women in iGaming: Breaking Barriers and Building Global Businesses from Emerging Markets

When people think of the iGaming industry, they often picture flashy casinos in Las Vegas, Macau, or the growing online platforms dominating Europe. Rarely do they imagine a woman from India – a country where the industry is still emerging – building a business from scratch and becoming a voice in global conversations. But that is precisely my journey. As the founder of Jumping Play Studio and with over 14 years of experience in HR, Business Development, and General Management, my story is about breaking barriers, navigating an uncharted industry in my home country, and scaling a vision beyond borders.

The Early Years: From HR to iGaming

My professional journey began in Human Resources, where I specialised in building and nurturing talent. For years, I worked on creating systems, motivating teams, and managing organisational growth. These skills may not seem directly linked to iGaming at first glance, but they became my foundation. The iGaming industry, after all, thrives not only on technology but on people – creative minds, developers, designers, and strategists who turn concepts into engaging entertainment.

When I co-founded Epic88 India Entity, I got a firsthand taste of what it takes to establish a gaming company in an environment that had little precedent. India is not traditionally known for iGaming, and the industry operates with both opportunities and challenges in terms of perception, regulation, and acceptance. It was in this landscape that I began to see possibilities – not only for myself but for other professionals and companies willing to tap into this talent-rich country.

Founding Jumping Play Studio: A Leap of Faith

In November 2018, I took one of the boldest steps of my career: founding Jumping Play Studio, an iGaming outsourcing service provider. I wanted to create a company that not only delivered quality but also stood as a testament to the potential of Indian talent in global gaming. Starting a company from scratch is never easy, but doing it in a space where there are no clear role models, especially as a woman, is even more daunting.

From setting up the studio to recruiting the right talent, from managing budgets to understanding international client needs, I wore multiple hats. Being bootstrapped, every rupee spent had to be carefully planned. But bootstrapping also gave me freedom—the ability to shape the company’s culture without external pressures. Today, Jumping Play Studio serves clients across borders, proving that a business born in an emerging market can compete with global standards.

Challenges of Being a Woman in iGaming

Breaking into iGaming is not just about breaking into a new industry – it is about challenging perceptions. As a woman, I have often had to work twice as hard to be taken seriously. iGaming, like many tech and entertainment sectors, has traditionally been male-dominated. There are stereotypes, assumptions, and biases that one must navigate daily.

When I entered international forums and conferences, I quickly realised that women leaders in iGaming were still a minority. Yet, I also discovered that this gave me a unique voice. My perspective, shaped by both my gender and my cultural background, added depth to conversations about inclusivity, diversity, and new market expansion. Instead of seeing my position as a limitation, I turned it into a strength.

Building Global Bridges from India

One of the most rewarding aspects of my journey has been connecting India’s immense talent pool with global gaming companies. iGaming companies around the world seek partners who provide creativity, technical expertise, and cost-efficient solutions. India offers all three, but the bridge needed to be built – and Jumping Play Studio became that bridge.

Our work with international clients has not only created business opportunities but also put India on the iGaming map. The journey is still ongoing, but every successful project proves that location is no longer a barrier in the digital age. What matters is quality, reliability, and innovation.

Lessons in Leadership and Resilience

Entrepreneurship is not a straight road – it is a roller coaster. There were moments when the future seemed uncertain, especially during the early years. Bootstrapping meant that financial pressure was always present, and the risk of failure loomed large. But every challenge strengthened my resilience.

My background in HR gave me a unique edge: I knew how to build teams that believed in a vision. At Jumping Play Studio, we built a culture of trust, creativity, and ownership. I also learned to embrace adaptability – listening to clients, understanding market shifts, and evolving our strategies accordingly.

As a woman entrepreneur in iGaming, I’ve learned that leadership is not about fitting into a mold but about creating your own. My leadership style is rooted in collaboration and empowerment over hierarchy. This approach has not only helped me retain talent but also build long-term client relationships.

Speaking Up: From India to the Global Stage

One of the turning points in my career was being invited to speak at international iGaming conferences. These opportunities allowed me to share my story, insights, and perspectives with a global audience. Standing on those stages, I wasn’t just representing myself or my company – I was representing women, entrepreneurs, and emerging markets.

Panel discussions on diversity, economic impact, and future opportunities became platforms where I could advocate for inclusivity and highlight India’s potential in iGaming. For me, it is not just about being heard, but about paving the way for others to step forward.

The Role of Emerging Markets

Emerging markets such as India play a unique role in the future of iGaming. They offer young, talented professionals eager to prove themselves, as well as untapped consumer bases. At the same time, challenges such as regulations, social perceptions, and infrastructure must be navigated.

From my perspective, this is both a challenge and an opportunity. Emerging markets can leapfrog traditional barriers by learning from established jurisdictions. With the right policies and awareness, countries like India can become not just outsourcing destinations but also innovation hubs.

Breaking Barriers for Women

While my journey is deeply personal, I see it as part of a larger movement – women breaking barriers in industries where their presence was once rare. Each step forward makes it easier for the next woman to step in. Representation matters. When young women in India or elsewhere see me on stage or read my story, I want them to believe that they, too, can build global businesses.

For women in iGaming, the road is still challenging. But with mentorship, networking, and determination, we are carving out spaces that once felt inaccessible. My hope is that in the next decade, women will not be the exception in iGaming leadership but an integral part of its future.

Looking Ahead

The journey of Jumping Play Studio is far from over. The next few years will be about scaling, expanding into new markets, and introducing more global collaborations. While we continue to be bootstrapped for now, the focus remains on sustainability, quality, and innovation. I believe that growth built on strong foundations is more enduring than growth built on shortcuts.

On a personal level, I will continue to advocate for diversity and inclusion in iGaming. My vision is not just to grow a business but to contribute to an industry where opportunities are accessible regardless of gender or geography.

Final Thoughts

“Women in iGaming: Breaking Barriers and Building Global Businesses from Emerging Markets” is not just a headline – it is my lived reality. From my birthplace in India to the global stages where I now speak, the journey has been one of resilience, vision, and belief in possibilities.

The iGaming industry is evolving rapidly, and it needs diverse voices to shape its future. Emerging markets like India are no longer on the sidelines – they are ready to contribute, innovate, and lead. Women are not waiting for permission to enter – they are stepping in, creating space, and building legacies.

As for me, the road ahead is exciting. There are still barriers to break, but every barrier is also an opportunity. And in iGaming, where creativity meets technology, there is no limit to what women from emerging markets can achieve.

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Author Bio: I am Priya Ahlawat, Founder of Jumping Play Studio and a seasoned leader with over 14 years of experience in HR, business development, and iGaming operations. With a strong entrepreneurial spirit, I have built and scaled game development teams, driving innovation and strategic growth across global markets.

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