Cafrino Gaming attended the NEXT.io Summit 2026 in New York City, marking our second year at one of the leading events in the Online Gaming industry. CEO Mike Murphy and Account Manager Haley Hernandez represented Cafrino throughout the summit. During the event, they connected with casino operators, technology providers, and industry leaders across the Online Gaming space.
Events like the NEXT.io Summit bring together innovators who are shaping the future of Online Gaming. At the summit, industry professionals explored emerging technologies, shared insights, and discussed evolving player behavior. As a result, Cafrino strengthened key relationships while continuing to position its Poker API as a powerful solution for Social Casino operators.
The week began with NEXT Focus: Emerging Verticals, which highlighted new opportunities across the Online Gaming ecosystem. Many discussions focused on the continued growth of Social Casino platforms and emerging gaming formats.
One clear takeaway was the importance of expanding beyond traditional casino content. As a result, operators are exploring multiplayer and skill-based gaming experiences that encourage longer sessions and deeper engagement.
Poker stood out as one of the most compelling opportunities discussed. Unlike traditional casino games, poker combines strategy, competition, and social interaction. Consequently, it drives stronger player engagement and retention across Social Casino platforms.
For Cafrino, this trend aligns directly with our mission. Our Poker API allows casino operators to integrate fully branded poker experiences into their platforms. In addition, operators maintain full control over branding and player experience.
Day 1 and Day 2 of the NEXT.io Summit New York focused on innovation across the Online Gaming industry. Panels explored player behavior, platform development, and the technologies shaping the future of gaming.
One major topic was the rapid growth of AI and data-driven technology. Operators are increasingly using these tools to personalize player experiences. Additionally, AI helps optimize marketing strategies and improve platform performance.
Another important discussion centered on scalable platform infrastructure. As Online Gaming platforms expand, operators must integrate new games quickly and efficiently. Therefore, flexible technology solutions are becoming essential.
This is exactly where Cafrino’s Poker API integration platform delivers value.
Currently, Cafrino is focused on expanding partnerships with casino operators integrating our Poker API into Social Casino platforms.
The results our partners are seeing highlight why poker is gaining momentum in the Online Gaming market.
Our partners integrating poker are experiencing:
• A low-competition vertical compared to saturated slot markets
• ~89% one-year player retention in poker segments
• 86-minute average session times, showing strong engagement
• 34% of monthly active users playing daily
• Higher lifetime value per active player
• No traditional house risk, allowing operators to generate revenue regardless of who wins
Because of these advantages, poker continues to grow as a powerful multiplayer experience within Social Casino ecosystems. As a result, operators can increase both player engagement and long-term retention.
Another highlight of the NEXT.io Summit 2026 was the opportunity to connect with partners across the Online Gaming industry.
Throughout the event, Cafrino met with casino operators, developers, and technology providers. These conversations focused on innovation, scalability, and the future of multiplayer gaming.
As the market continues to evolve, scalable gaming solutions are becoming increasingly important. Consequently, many operators are exploring ways to differentiate their platforms through competitive multiplayer experiences like poker.
Events like the NEXT.io Summit help Cafrino strengthen relationships that drive innovation and long-term growth.
Looking ahead, Cafrino Gaming remains focused on expanding partnerships across the Online Gaming industry. Our goal is simple: help more operators launch fully branded poker experiences powered by our Poker API.
By adding poker to their platforms, operators can increase engagement while unlocking new revenue opportunities.
And the next time you sit down at a poker table on a Social Casino platform, there is a good chance Cafrino is powering the experience behind the scenes.
Interested in integrating poker into your Social Casino platform?
Contact our team to learn how Cafrino’s Poker API can help you launch a fully branded poker experience and expand your Online Gaming platform.
Decades of experience in providing quality online gaming content and technology, while servicing over 1.5 million satisfied players.