Study Conducted with G&M News Shapes the Belatra Adventure Club Concept Ahead of SBC Summit Lisbon 2026
Online slots specialist Belatra Games, in collaboration with G&M News, has published the results of an international survey investigating the personal hobbies and interests of iGaming professionals away from their desks. Conducted between August 3 and August 12, the research explored current pastimes, desired new activities, and unusual personal pursuits across the sector.
Key Survey Findings: From Video Games to Padel
According to the survey data, video gaming emerged as the most frequently cited current hobby, followed closely by reading, strength training, and gym workouts. Activities such as hiking, board games, and specialty coffee tasting also placed strongly among respondents.
When asked about new activities they would like to try, padel topped the list at 14.8% of responses, outpacing golf at 11.4% and dancing at 9.6%, while 3D printing led interest outside of sports. The responses also highlighted numerous eclectic pastimes, ranging from beekeeping, antique collecting, and Star Wars memorabilia to vibe-coding, harness dancing, historical reconstruction, and designing custom board games.
Participants overwhelmingly pointed to the psychological and physical benefits of their pursuits:
- Stress Relief: 46.7% of respondents stated that hobbies help them relieve stress and recharge.
- Physical Well-being: 34.4% highlighted the health benefits associated with physical activities.
- Work Disconnection: 17.8% noted that their personal interests provide a necessary break from professional responsibilities.
Inspiring the Belatra Adventure Club at SBC Summit Lisbon 2026
The survey served as the foundational step for Belatra Games‘ new “Belatra Adventure Club” booth concept, slated for debut at the upcoming SBC Summit Lisbon 2026. The theme draws inspiration from “The Guy”, Belatra’s recurring character featured in titles like Blast the Bass, Ice Bass, and Hunt the Bucks, who mirrors the curiosity and adventurous spirit uncovered by the study. A fourth game featuring the character is scheduled for release prior to the summit.
Kateryna Goi, CMO at Belatra Games, shared her thoughts on the project:
“We knew from the start that people working in such a dynamic industry would be curious, open-minded and wonderfully different from one another. But as the responses came in, we were genuinely fascinated by just how much personality and individuality there was behind each answer. We also received a lot of positive feedback from our industry colleagues, and we’d like to sincerely thank everyone who took part. It’s much more interesting to discover the person behind the professional title, because each of us is far more multifaceted than the role we hold at work.”
