Celebrated by industry executives as the can’t-miss show of the year, with record numbers and extraordinary industry involvement, the Summit undoubtedly lived up to its billing as “The Greatest Show in Gaming.”

Shimon Akad, COO of Playtech, emphasised the impact of first impressions. “When we arrived, the first thing everyone said was just ‘wow.’ This event is becoming the industry standard.”

A fellow COO from Casumo, Tim de Borle, also shared his thoughts on the new venue and the event’s impressive growth. “The bar has been raised to a whole new level. It’s really good to see, and it’s inspiring.”

Tammi Barlow-Marang, VP of Global Responsible Gaming at Bally’s Corporation, admitted she had initial concerns about the scale of the event: “I was unsure of what to expect when I heard there would be 25,000 attendees. I thought, ‘What am I walking into?’ But it is so well executed – everything is clean, entertaining, and educational.”

Game Lounge CEO Richard Dennys emphasised the tremendous buzz surrounding the event even before it began: “Prior to the event, you get this critical mass where everyone’s asking, ‘Are you going to Lisbon?’ And everyone’s going. The centre of gravity for our business shifted to Lisbon for this week.”

Rasmus Sojmark, CEO & Founder of SBC commented on the success: “We knew this event would be a hit; we put everything into making that happen! I’m beyond thankful for all the incredible feedback from exhibitors, sponsors, speakers, attendees, media and even the Portuguese officials who made us feel so welcome. It’s been an unforgettable experience to see it all unfold.”

Pedro Machado, Secretary of State for Tourism, who visited the event, said: “The SBC Summit 2024, a major international event dedicated to igaming, betting and esports, has made a considerable financial contribution to the national economy. We hope that the SBC Summit will return to Lisbon, as scheduled for September 2025, and continue to be an event not to be missed.” 

A common theme echoed by attendees was that even with its dramatic expansion – including a 70% rise in attendance and an increase in expo floor space to a staggering 110,000 square meters at the Feira Internacional de Lisboa and MEO Arena – the SBC Summit preserved the exceptional quality it is known for.

Relax Gaming‘s Marketing Director Marija Hammon commended the meticulous attention to detail by the organiser. “Everything has been exceptional. It’s clear that no stone has been left unturned.” She added: “I’ve been absolutely blown away. From the moment I collected my badge at the airport to the amazing QR codes with budget loaded onto them. I can’t believe the size of this event – the sheer scale is phenomenal. The whole industry is buzzing.” 

De Borle joked: “You might need a GPS to navigate, but luckily, you have that in the app, which is great.” Akad remarked that despite the growth, the event “also feels more organised. You haven’t increased the complexity – you’ve actually made it simpler.” Gonzalo Perez, CEO of Apuesta Total, also praised the layout: “I love how it’s organised by specific themes – like sportsbook, casino and affiliates—it makes networking much easier, even though the space is huge.”

The event’s success was further highlighted by the industry’s praise for the caliber and diversity of its attendees. With participation swelling to include delegates from an impressive 134 countries, the show also expanded its reach into critical regions such as Africa, Latin America, North America and Asia. 

Perez, who travelled from Peru, said: “This is one of the most diverse exhibitions I’ve ever attended.” Barlow-Marang who came all the way from the US, echoed similar sentiments. “The audience here in Lisbon is top-notch. I’ve met people from all over the world who do the same thing I do, and it’s been great.” She added that, despite the large scale of the event, she feels seen and recognised: “I’ll go back and say it was amazing – an experience that everyone in this industry should be a part of, no matter where they are. You all just continue to make people feel welcome.”

An exciting enhancement to this year’s event was the introduction of dedicated summits tailored specifically for the affiliate, payments and esports sectors. These focused summits provided industry professionals with a unique platform to engage in in-depth discussions, explore emerging trends, and foster collaboration within these rapidly evolving areas, making the event even more comprehensive and impactful.

Dennys commented on the Affiliate Leaders Summit: “This is actually the first proper exhibition stand we’ve had—maybe ever.” The CEO was also very pleased with the quality and quantity of connections the company made at the event: “We’ve had an incredible number of leads—way, way higher than we thought we’d have.”

OKTO CCO Simon Dorsen also appreciated the more focused approach. “The fact that the show floors and activities are segregated according to themes or subjects, like payments, helps channel the right people to the right areas.”

Sofascore Co-founder and CEO Zlatko Hrkac highlighted the advantages of exhibiting at the Affiliate Leaders Summit, where his company has been a consistent presence for the past three years, this time bringing over twenty team members to Lisbon. “It’s such a big event, having a dedicated space where affiliates can meet operators, and vice versa, is definitely a good idea. Having a stand makes a big difference when you’re trying to make new deals or form new partnerships. It feels like your temporary office.”

BetBlocker Founder & Trustee Duncan Garvie praised the Player Protection Zone and commended SBC’s role in promoting initiatives aimed at minimising harm to players. “The Player Protection Zone is a great initiative that’s helping to highlight a lot of the social good and harm minimisation efforts going on in the sector. It’s great to see conference organisers, getting involved and ensuring that these initiatives get the attention they deserve.”

A major draw at the SBC Summit was its impressive conference lineup, featuring eight stages, headlined by the Super Stage at MEO Arena. The sessions left a lasting impact on many. Hammon was thrilled to see her childhood hero, Tony Hawk, in action, while Barlow-Marang was captivated by the keynote conversation with Sir Tim Berners-Lee, the creator of the World Wide Web. Richard Dennys was equally excited to see legendary goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel share his insights.

The SBC Summit has undergone a major transformation, transitioning from its previous identity as SBC Summit Barcelona to this year’s highly anticipated debut in Lisbon. The relocation was driven by overwhelming industry demand for exhibition space, culminating in a record-breaking 600 exhibitors.

Dorsen commented on the move: “You guys are very experienced, and even though it’s a new venue, your team’s expertise has really shown through.” 

Sojmark added: “Our primary aim for this event was to create a space where the entire industry could come together for meaningful experiences—whether that meant learning something new, forging powerful connections, showcasing your brand, or leaving with valuable leads. 

“We wanted everyone to take away something that truly matters to them. And in doing so, we’ve shown that SBC Summit really is the Greatest Show in Gaming.”

SBC Summit will return to Lisbon in 2025, with the event scheduled at the Feira Internacional de Lisboa on 16-18 September and a projected attendance of 30,000 delegates. Reach out to sales@sbcgaming.com for exhibition and sponsorship opportunities. 

The post ‘Business here feels easy’ – SBC Summit earns glowing reviews from gaming industry giants appeared first on CasinoBeats.

SBC is renowned for offering attendees a unique combination of networking, product showcases, and learning opportunities, attracting an impressive 40% of C-level and senior decision-makers to its events.

The summit promises to deliver significant benefits to the city of Lisbon, with SBC committed to hosting the event at the Feira Internacional de Lisboa for the next five years, ensuring a lasting impact on the local economy.

On the event’s opening day, Mayor Moedas toured the exhibitor floor, becoming the second city official to support the SBC Summit after Minister of Economy Pedro Reis visited the venue. Both officials have shown strong backing for the event’s debut in Lisbon, marking a promising start for the organiser’s long-term commitment to the city.

Rasmus Sojmark, CEO & Founder of SBC, said: “We are deeply appreciative of Mayor Moedas for taking time to attend our show, which we’ve dedicated our hearts to. Lisbon has proven to be a perfect fit for the SBC Summit, and the Mayor’s positive feedback while touring the expo floor has reinforced our belief that we’re exactly where we should be. 

“With the city’s backing and overwhelming support from attendees, we’re excited to grow this event further in the years to come. This edition has set a strong foundation, and we’re certain that many will return for next year’s summit.”

Occupying the entire 110,000 square meters of the Feira Internacional de Lisboa and MEO Arena, SBC Summit has become one of the largest events ever hosted at the venue, which also stages the renowned Web Summit. Over three days, from 24-26 September, the event welcomed 600 exhibitors, industry CEOs at the exclusive SBC Leaders Summit, and special guests including World Wide Web inventor Sir Tim Berners-Lee, skateboarding icon Tony Hawk, and UFC champion Merab Dvalishvili.

SBC estimates that the event will contribute approximately €100 million in indirect economic benefits to the city of Lisbon. Beyond the economic boost, the summit has seen a staggering 67% growth in attendees since last year, further establishing Lisbon as a premier destination for sports betting and gaming professionals. 

The summit will conclude with a spectacular INFINITY Lisbon closing party, featuring world-famous DJs Miss Monique, Darude, and Don Diablo, ensuring a memorable finale to this year’s summit.

The post Mayor Carlos Moedas officially welcomes SBC Summit to the city of Lisbon appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Rasmus Sojmark, CEO & Founder of SBC, said: “We’ve poured our hearts into curating the Super Stage, bringing together icons who have transformed their passions into global empires to share their incredible journeys. This event means so much to me because it’s about more than just business – it’s about inspiring each other, pushing boundaries, and celebrating the incredible community we’re building together.

“I’m especially excited that this year, we’re opening up access to the Super Stage for all attendees because I believe everyone should have the chance to be part of these powerful moments.”

The Super Stage will feature Tony Hawk, the world’s most famous skateboarder, who will be interviewed by distinguished sports broadcaster Laura Woods. Hawk will recount his journey from skateboarding stardom to building a multi-billion dollar franchise, focusing on the strategic moves and entrepreneurial ventures that shaped his brand.

The MEO Arena will also host Sir Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the World Wide Web, discussing how his vision of a globally connected network has transformed information sharing. Sir Tim Berners-Lee will be interviewed by Wondr Nation CEO Anika Howard, and the two will explore the potential of private data wallets for privacy, the impact of AI-driven data usage and the evolving role of the web browser in empowering individuals and organisations.

In another celebrity appearance, Portugal’s football icon Luís Figo will engage in a one-on-one conversation with Casper Stylsvig, Chief Revenue Officer of Chelsea F.C. Figo’s legendary career includes playing for world-class teams such as Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter Milan, and earning the prestigious Ballon d’Or in 2000. In this session, the star will discuss his journey as a top athlete and share insights on how the worlds of sports, business and technology are converging.

Legendary Danish goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel will also be featured at the summit, where he will share stories from his time at the top of football. Widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in football history, Schmeichel will reflect on his remarkable career, particularly his years with Manchester United, where he secured five Premier League titles, three FA Cups and the UEFA Champions League.

UFC star and fan favourite Merab Dvalishvili will also be featured in an engaging conversation with Laura Woods. A top contender in the UFC’s bantamweight division, Dvalishvili is celebrated for his incredible stamina and relentless fighting style, which have helped him rise through the ranks with a series of impressive victories. He will reflect on his journey in mixed martial arts, discuss the discipline and challenges of being an elite fighter and explore how the sport’s rapid global growth is creating new opportunities in media, sponsorship and business partnerships.

The Super Stage will also showcase a lineup of industry heavyweights through a series of headliner sessions, presentations and panel discussions. Attendees can expect deep insights from leading figures as they address the key trends and innovations shaping the future of the industry.

Sportradar CEO Carsten Koerl will be interviewed by Laura Woods. Under Koerl’s leadership, Sportradar has emerged as a global leader in sports data, offering cutting-edge solutions for leagues, media outlets and betting operators. Together, they will delve into how AI and immersive technologies are revolutionising fan engagement and transforming the sports and betting landscape.

A key highlight of the program will be the ‘Europe Leaders’ panel, featuring C-level executives from top European gaming companies. The session will explore how operators are responding to the regulatory challenges across the European market. Panelists will address strategies for re-organising and working with regulators to ensure compliance across multiple jurisdictions. Industry leaders include Gustaf Hagman, CEO of LeoVegas; Neal Menashe, CEO of Super Group; Tom Bowry, Chief Strategy Officer at Flutter Entertainment; Nils Anden, CEO of Kindred Group and Shimon Akad, COO of Playtech. Paris Smith, Founder of Life Winning, will moderate the session.

Another standout session will focus on the UK market, featuring industry leaders such as Per Widerström, CEO of Evoke; Steve Birch, CCO of Sky Betting & Gaming; Savvas Fellas, Founder & CEO of MrQ; Vlad Kaltenieks, CEO of BoyleSports and Stuart Simms, Group CEO of FairPlay Sports Media. Moderated by Niki Stephens, Partner at Mishcon de Reya, the panel will delve into the shifting market dynamics driven by international expansion, the potential impact of the upcoming white paper, and evolving trends in safer gambling regulation, while exploring strategies for sustained growth.

In ‘Sofascore: A Tale of Two Founders,’ Co-Founders Zlatko Hrkać and Ivan Bešlić will take the stage, with Dejan Kosanovic, CMO of Mozzart Bet, moderating the conversation. The duo will explore the future of live-score platforms, key industry shifts and their vision for Sofascore’s continued success. They will also discuss providing opportunities for emerging players, overcoming data barriers, and sustaining efficient monetisation strategies in an evolving landscape.

Playtech and MGM, who have joined forces to bring the thrill of Las Vegas to players worldwide, will take the stage to discuss their collaboration. Edo Haitin, CEO of Playtech Live, and Christian Stuart, SVP – Head of Interactive at MGM Resorts, will highlight their journey to this innovation, showcasing how their live casino technology redefines the Vegas experience for a digital audience.

The Super Stage also will spotlight emerging markets with a fireside chat on Africa titled ‘Getting Geo-Specific in Africa: Tailoring Tech for Success’. Featuring Mojabet and GR8 Tech, the session will focus on strategies to thrive in low-bandwidth regions, a major challenge across the continent. The discussion will highlight how Mojabet acquires and retains players through highly tailored solutions, offering key insights into market dynamics, innovative acquisition strategies and real-world results.

Thursday will open with content from the Women Empowerment Initiative (WE), which aims to build a strong community of women leaders with the backing of groups like AMIG, GGW, ASFEG, WIG Malta, United Women of Tribal Gaming, All in Diversity, SheEOs, and Women in Gaming, African Chapter. The morning will start with an introduction to these supporting organisations, followed by “Words of Wisdom” from female industry leaders offering strategic insights and advice to the audience. 

The agenda will then move to sessions on the growing influence of female players in both gaming and gambling, wrapping up with ‘The Big Question: What’s Next for the Gambling Industry?’—a panel that will explore future trends through the lens of influential women in sports betting, casinos and affiliation.

Finally, the stage will host a series of Global Market Roundtables offering a comprehensive overview of various regions including North America, LATAM, Southeast Asia, Northern and Southern Europe, DACH, UAE-India, Africa and more.

“I truly believe that what we experience here in Lisbon will resonate far beyond these three days, fueling the future of our industry and the incredible people who drive it forward, ” Sojmark added.

The Super Stage is sponsored by Clever Advertising and GR8 Tech. The Super Stage tracks are sponsored by Growe.

Join SBC Summit at the Feira Internacional de Lisboa from September 24-26, where 25,000 sports betting and iGaming industry professionals will converge for three days of networking and educational sessions led by over 450 senior decision-makers.

Affiliates can apply for a complimentary affiliate pass.Operators can also apply for a complimentary ticket.

The post MEO Arena’s Super Stage to host star-studded lineup as SBC debuts in Lisbon appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Ahead of the event, Myke Foster, Group Head of Gaming and Commercial Strategy at Fortuna Entertainment Group, provides a sneak peek into what could be discussed at the event, delving into social media’s impact on player preferences and how companies are aiming to completely immerse players in the casino experience. 

How do you think player preferences towards online casino gaming have evolved in recent years? 

Primarily, I think players are more willing to explore our offering now than ever before. The sheer variety in terms of products, suppliers and content on offer has driven this in part – but the incredible uptick in visibility of casino content which has come from the dawn of TikTok & other social media channels has also. 

People are now able to enjoy slots and casino content without needing to play themselves, the modern day equivalent of peering over the shoulder of a high roller at the blackjack table, all from the comfort of your own phone. I’m happy to see that, coupled with this increased interest and exploration of our content, we’re also seeing a consistent theme of more sustainable, recreational players entering the space. 

Slots, live casino and game shows. These are now undeniably in the mainstream as a form of entertainment, much the same as computer games or movies, and people genuinely enjoying our content – rather than seeing it solely as a way to profit – can only be good for the industry globally.

Do you think these preferences will remain in place for a while or could players in three to five years time be looking for something completely different? 

I think we’d be foolish not to look at some industries which have traditionally moved faster, or innovated more effectively than us, in order to take a steer on what may well come next. The concept of loot boxes, and similar mechanics, would have been laughable 15 years ago, and yet here we are. Almost every mainstream Playstation or Xbox title carries an element of ‘chance’ within its core gameplay. 

A similar challenge may have come from the concept of DLCs. Buying a game, or a movie, and only receiving a percentage of the finished product. But, these things are commonplace for global audiences now. 

I think the entertainment industry as a whole has done well to test the water when it comes to innovation – 3DTV’s, VR, AR, Haptics etc. have all had varying levels of success – but it’s a testament to the strength of the industry as a whole, and the appetite of the customer, that these innovations keep coming. 

People will always look for the next big thing, but as the fashion and movie industries have taught us, the new ‘next’ thing is usually a very slight variation on an old ‘next’ thing from your parents’ era. Who knows what that might look like for the casino industry.

What technologies do you think could impact the slot gaming industry in the coming years?

Processor power in handheld devices, and 5G/Wifi have for me, been the most impactful technological developments for our industry. Combined, they have allowed us to take a product which only exists either in-person, or in a fixed position in licensed premises, and potentially place it into the pocket of every adult around the world, whenever and wherever they see fit. Being able to offer a consistent experience for both customers in a physical casino, and one sat on their sofa, is an incredible thing. 

I’d hope and expect this trajectory to continue, but I do hope that the industry as a whole looks to keep pushing on doors that have closed on us in the past in order to find the next breakthrough. I don’t believe that it’s necessary to use experiences such as VR to immerse customers, but there is absolutely more we can do to create a more immersive experience within our apps and sites, and we’re constantly engaging our product teams, customers and suppliers to help find out what that might be.

What are some interesting, recent techniques that you have seen studios use to engage audiences with slot gameplay? 

Some of the most successful techniques I’ve encountered recently have actually been between suppliers and operators. The fact is that regardless of how good a game is, its success is governed by the level of visibility and support it receives from the operational, or marketing team who are bringing it over the line to an audience. 

We’ve had great results recently with some surprising titles, purely because of the way in which suppliers and account managers have introduced a product, and its customer benefits, features and assets, to some of the teams who are ultimately crafting lobby positioning, graphics and customer-facing communications. 

“qualitative engagement with your customers and products will always have value”

Myke Foster, Group Head of Gaming and Commercial Strategy at Fortuna Entertainment Group

If a sales team believes in a piece of content, they will sell it in a more authentic way, to the right audience, at the right time, and a discerning customer can tell the difference. Marketing teams need to know in detail how a game works, why it resonates with an audience and how customers react to it consistently translates to a more effective launch. We work hard with key suppliers to ensure this happens as often as possible, tailoring product releases to certain times of the week, month or year, placing them in the right lobby positions, in order to get the most value out of them. More studios are following suit in being open to such collaborations.

As we continue to welcome a younger generation of players, what sort of design techniques are studios using to appeal to these new players? 

We’re at an important point in the development of our customer base, whereby for the first time, in many global markets, we are catering a product to customers who haven’t grown up seeing a one-armed-bandit in the corner of their local bar or shop. These customers are coming to us from new channels – be that social media, sponsored events, digital markets or our new, modern-look retail estate. This means that we’re currently building a product for at least two distinct customer cohorts, and it presents us with a significant challenge. It’s for this reason that I think we’ll hear and see more when it comes to customisation, personalisation and segmentation from suppliers and operators globally. 

Can we bake variations in creatives, customer journeys and in-product experiences which then tailor the same product to different audiences? An example of this being done incredibly well is Netflix. Different customers have a fundamentally different experience of the same product, whether that comes down to recommendations, visual assets used or communications sent when new titles are released. I know many large operators are distilling this mentality down into product development, and we’ll see more and more of it in the near future.

How can operators find the right balance between appealing to new players and catering to older audiences when it comes to offering slots? 

I think the simplest answer is to create a product which is either dynamic enough, or smart enough, to cater to these different audiences, without needing significant human intervention from the operator’s side. 

Every gaming company is exploring some element of machine learning, or AI – be that in recommendation engines, content management, or any number of other areas. There are now so many ways in which to segment and approach an audience, and we should be developing tools that help make the product experience feel as personal and tailored as possible for every customer. 

However, it would be wrong to underplay the human element. When it comes to designing new games, crafting campaigns or assessing quality, local expertise remains invaluable. There are intangibles in every customer base and every market, which means that qualitative engagement with your customers and products will always have value.

The post Myke Foster, Fortuna: ‘we’d be foolish not to look at other industries for innovation’ appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Pereira also analysed why it is crucial that operators understand and evaluate the state of new markets before entering them if they are to enjoy success.

CasinoBeats: Can you provide us with more information on the Portugese gambling market and the role of LeBull in the space? 

Tiago Pereira: The Portuguese gambling market has been regulated since 2016, for both sports betting and casino. We are considered a highly regulated market with very specific rules and regulations, mainly we do not have all sports and markets available for betting, there is a list of sports and markets provided by the regulator that we are able to offer (no virtual sports or esports permitted at this time) and for casino the main limitation is no live casino permitted at this time, only RNG (random number generated) slots and table games are available. Poker is permitted with shared liquidity between some other european regulated markets.

There are currently 30 licences in Portugal, distributed by 17 operators offering casino, sports betting and poker. In the first quarter of 2024 the market generated €261m in gross revenue, compared to €227m from Q4 2023.

In terms of taxation, on sports betting the market is paying 8% tax on turnover and 25% tax on casino gaming revenue. 

Lebull.pt entered the market mid-2023 and in 2024 has taken its activity to another level. We have former Portuguese footballer Luis Figo as a brand ambassador and are working everyday to get our brand recognised as a top player in the market.

CB: How important do you believe it is to have a personalised approach when entering new markets and engaging with new audiences? 

TP: When entering new markets it is absolutely necessary to evaluate the current state of the market, evaluate our potential clients and find your own path. While this may seem very generalistic, I believe this is the formula to entering a new market, you need to know the players already present in the market, the market trends and be able to adapt and seek out your own space. 

Now, if you are a big enough brand, your strategy might be to just keep doing what you have always been doing, but you are essentially waiting for the market to adapt to your brand and not the other way around. It is a valid strategy, but is it the best? 

Sure this might be valid and work above the line, but I do believe that below the line you need to be up close and personal, communicate face to face with your users, and you need to understand the essential difference between one market and another, while catering your social media presence, your tv ads etc. to that. You need to be able to speak their language.

CB: As operators enter and look to gain an advantage in the Brazilian market, what will be the key factors that determine their success in terms of engagement? 

TP: The Brazilian market is a very difficult market to decipher, on one side we do share the same language in Portuguese, some customs and even traditions and the same love of futebol. But on the other hand, it is such a big and diverse country and market, to that extent similar to the US, as marketing efforts need to be match the size and differences in the country.

What might seem like a good strategy in São Paulo might not work or translate well in Rio de Janeiro. Again, you need to be able to adapt, have people on the ground as well for constant feedback.

CB: Can you provide us more detail on Google Play’s new regulation and how challenging they could be for gaming operators? 

TP: While we are still unaware of how this will affect traditional regulated markets (like Portugal), I do believe Google is playing it safe in closing some markets. In terms of player protection and transparency, of course the safer route is to have all legal and regulated operators in the Play store readily available.

There is also the elephant in the room when we speak about these big marketing conglomerates like Google and Meta, in which they are in a regulated market, and their internal rules overwrite the law… I guess we will have to wait and see what this new regulation will mean in the near future.

CB: When entering a new market, why is it so crucial to have a deep understanding of player trends and have boots on the ground to understand exactly what the local nuances are? 

TP: I am a strong believer that (most) markets are impossible to manage with teams outside of the market, you need boots on the ground in order to have the specific knowledge of trends and habits to this market. 

If you are doing this abroad, and I am mostly speaking of marketing and support, you are basically using guess work. With the advent of social media content as we see it today this becomes more and more important. You need to be able to speak the specific language of your users. 

This becomes even more evident when you are trying to market sports betting to countries that have a passion, the “easy” route is usually promoting the big five European leagues but you are missing out on a massive piece of the pie when it comes to other modalities. When communicating with casinos and you need to make a connection with content, this needs local understanding.

And when you have open support channels it is crucial to have local people answering local customers. A common misunderstanding is that all English is the same, all Spanish is the same, all Portuguese is the same, but most operators have learned the hard way that localisation when a customer is asking for help is crucial.

CB: What do you believe are some of the key technological developments that can lead to success in new markets? 

TP: The buzzword at the moment is without a doubt, Artificial Intelligence. We are starting to see AI trickle down into sports betting and casinos and overall it could be very positive for the user experience, especially for new gamblers as they are being presented with what AI believes they want to see. 

Machine learning will be, without a doubt, the trend in the next few years in all things IT related. AI will remove the guesswork from CRM and cross selling and everyone is rushing now to be up to date. We just recently implemented an AI engine in our casino homepage at Lebull.pt and are currently testing the results. It monitors gaming activity and presents information on the games based on usage and not just human intuition.

CB: How vital are payment trends to ensuring success is found in new regions and amongst a new group of consumers? 

TP: It is essential to be on top of new payment trends when entering a region, mostly for ease of use and confidence for the players. Traditionally in Portugal, as an example, Multibanco and MBWay have been statistically the main channels of payment, but in the past couple of years we have seen an ease of use (mostly in confidence) with mobile specific payments like Google Pay and Apple Pay. This trend indicates that users today are much more likely to trust the same payment method they use for mobile gaming as for gambling, evolving from the traditional payment methods. 

CB: Can you tell us more about the importance of the event in Lisbon and holding high level discussions with fellow delegates? 

TP: I truly believe SBC Lisbon is going to be a game changing event for our industry, especially in southern europe. This move from Barcelona to Lisbon is a major move for the industry and will put Portugal on the forefront for betting companies. 

I have no doubt in a couple of years Lisbon will be consolidated as a gambling industry hub, and we have this massive event in SBC Lisbon to thank for this. We already have some gambling companies choosing portugal for their main and satellite offices and we will see more and more of this as time goes by. 

Lisbon has been transformed in the last 10 years into a tech hub and one of the main reasons has been Web Summit and it is impossible to negate the comparison between these two events. In September we will have the opportunity to have industry leaders here in Lisbon, under the same roof talking and shaping the future of our industry, and to me as a “Lisboeta” working in this industry it leaves me immensely proud to have been invited to be a speaker at this event.

To find out more about the agenda and to secure your place at the SBC Summit in Lisbon, click on the link below.

The post LeBull – Tiago Pereira: the perfect formula for new market entries appeared first on CasinoBeats.

To support this, the upcoming SBC Summit will feature a dedicated ‘Player Protection Zone’, providing a framework for a robust gambling harm prevention ecosystem. This event, welcoming 25,000 industry professionals, will take place from September 24-26 at the Feira Internacional de Lisboa.

The dedicated show floor will provide delegates with the opportunity to explore the next generation of safeguarding systems and products, as well as meet leading safer gambling service providers and associations. Brands already confirmed include BetBlocker, Crucial Compliance, EPIC, GamCare, Gamble Alert, Gordon Moody, Mindway AI, Neccton, Recover Me, Safer Gambling Training, Verifeye Online and W2 by FullCircl.

In addition, the positioning of the zone on the show floor will provide delegates with seamless access to the Food Festival, featuring a series of food trucks offering multiple catering options and a dedicated lounge. 

Rasmus Sojmark, CEO & Founder of SBC, remarked: “The online space has brought a wealth of innovations to the industry, from advanced betting platforms to new marketing avenues. However, with each innovation, there is always a risk that a small minority may seek to exploit it.

“The goal of this zone is to educate companies on best practices, tools, and strategies to ensure responsible gambling and safeguard players. This includes teaching them how to monitor player behaviour and protect vulnerable groups, educating them on current regulations and legal requirements, and encouraging them to connect with experts who can help enhance their protective measures.”

Delegates aiming to enhance their knowledge can look forward to three days of in-depth discussions on the latest issues affecting the player protection sector.

On day one of the educational programme, topics will include the future impacts of emerging technology on responsible gambling strategies, how operators can use existing data to make a meaningful difference in the lives of at-risk players, how operators should respond to increased regulatory scrutiny, how the industry can collaborate with influencers to ensure their interactions with players can be safe as well as profitable, and much more.

On the second day, discussions will focus on how compliance leaders can stay ahead of the curve and ensure thorough oversight, how technology suppliers are incorporating safer gambling initiatives into both new and existing products and the differences and similarities in player protection across established and emerging markets. Additionally, panels will address whether the introduction of affordability checks and loss limits will benefit or hinder industry growth, and how operators can utilise technology, self-regulation measures and partnerships, to enhance regulatory framework implementation.

The final day will spotlight topics including the convergence of responsible gambling with environmental and social governance, the need for internal diversity to effectively address diverse external experiences, strategies for attracting talent from various fields outside the gambling industry, and whether harm prevention initiatives impact long-term profitability.

Player protection and safer gambling experts confirmed to feature across the conference include Fredrik Wastenson (CEO, Svenska Spel Sports & Casino), Tammi Barlow (VP – Global Responsible Gaming, Bally’s), Martin Lycka (SVP for American Regulatory Affairs and Responsible Gambling, Entain), Andrea McGeachin (CEO, Neosurf), Hugo Baungartner (CCO, Aposta Ganha), Mike De Graaff (Co-Founder & Chief Compliance Officer, BetComply), Rasmus Kjaergaard (CEO, Mindway AI), Sam McKnight (Head of UK Compliance & Deputy MLRO, Fitzdares) and many more. 

In addition to the Player Protection Zone, delegates can explore the Sports Betting Zone and Casino & iGaming Zone, the Media Headquarters and dedicated Affiliate Leaders, Payment Expert & ESI Lisbon Summits. Each area will include a dedicated show floor, targeted networking sessions, catering options, and a focused educational programme.

If you are interested in exhibiting or sponsoring at the Player Protection Zone, you can either submit this form or contact our sales team at sales@sbcgaming.com.

Operators and affiliates can apply for free passes to the event. If you are an operator, you can apply for a free pass here, if you are an affiliate, you can apply for a free pass here.

Everyone else can secure their spot at the upcoming SBC Summit with our Early Bird ticket offer, granting access to all three core days of the event, including the exhibition floor, conference content, and evening networking parties, all for the discounted price of just €400.

The post SBC Summit: Safeguarding the Player – Innovations in Player Protection appeared first on CasinoBeats.

This year’s shortlist, once again, highlights the outstanding achievements of leading operators, affiliates and suppliers across all industry verticals, including payments, marketing, platform providers and esports. The coveted awards ceremony will take place on the evening of Thursday, September 26 at the MEO Arena, on the final day of SBC Summit.

Notable nominees include Betsson Group and SOFTSWISS, each garnering an impressive eight nominations, with EveryMatrix and OpenBet following closely behind with six nominations each. Additionally, Campeón Gaming, Genius Sports, BetConstruct, Sportradar and Soft2Bet all boast five nominations in their respective categories.

Building on the incredible success of the 2023 edition in Barcelona, this year’s awards ceremony received a record-breaking number of applications, providing ample deliberation for the independent roster of judges as they shortlisted the 39 categories.

In the Affiliate categories, both FairPlay Sports Media and Kingbet Media are nominated for the Affiliate Product Innovation and Sports Affiliate of the Year awards. Meanwhile, Mr Gamble and Slotsjudge have each been nominated for the Affiliate Product Innovation and Casino Affiliate of the Year awards. Better Collective will seek to retain its title in the Sports Affiliate of the Year category for the third consecutive year.

In the Operator awards, Betsson Group has been nominated for an impressive six out of ten categories as they strive to protect their titles for both the Marketing Campaign of the Year and Innovation in Casino & Gaming Entertainment awards. 

Additionally, Betsson Group will be competing against defending champions Kaizen Gaming for the coveted Casino Operator of the Year award, bet365 for the Best Affiliate Program and Sportsbook Operator of the Year awards, and seven other operators for the newly introduced Operator of the Year – Large award.

This year’s ceremony will also introduce two more operator categories. In addition to the Operator of the Year – Large award, there will be the Operator of the Year – Medium and Operator of the Year – Small awards.

In the Payment & Compliance categories, IDnow and Nuvei will return to defend their titles of Fraud & Compliance Solution of the Year and Payment Solution of the Year, respectively. Monnet Payment Solutions, OKTO, Pagsmile and Pay4Fun are among the brands battling for the esteemed Payment Innovation of the Year award. 

The Supplier Awards will feature 20 distinct categories, covering a wide range of verticals including casino/slots, esports, sportsbook, mobile, land-based, live betting, marketing and services, sports data and platform providers, to name a few. 

Amusnet, Pragmatic Play, Playson, ELA Games, and Pascal Gaming are among the brands nominated for the prestigious Casino/Slots Developer of the Year award. This year, to better represent the breadth of industry offerings, the award has been expanded into three new subcategories: Large, Medium and Small.

The Sportsbook Supplier of the Year category will see Digitain compete against 14 industry peers to retain the title, while OpenBet will face 15 brands in a bid to defend its Platform Provider of the Year award.

Shining a light on the future of the industry, the awards ceremony will feature four ‘Rising Star’ categories: Rising Star in Casino, Rising Star in Casino Innovation / Software, Rising Star in Sports Betting Innovation / Software and the newly established Rising Star in Sports Betting awards. 

In the Operator & Supplier Awards, LiveScore Group, PIN-UP Global, Playson and SOFTSWISS are among the contenders for the Employer of the Year award. Meanwhile, Entain Foundation U.S. will compete against 12 industry heavyweights to hold onto the Socially Responsible Initiative of the Year award.

The complete list of shortlisted companies is available on the SBC Awards website.

Please note that a separate ticket is required for attending the ceremony. You can find the available table and ticket options here.

The post Meet the nominees: SBC Awards 2024 shortlists revealed appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Petrauska also underpinned her belief that player trends will remain authentic and why AI can continue to accelerate its evolution into the mainstream. 

CB: What strategies must an operator take to ensure that they are offering a well-balanced online casino offering? 

LP: That is a great question. I think that the word balance here is key. How do you offer sustainable entertainment in today’s competitive online gambling space? From an operator perspective, we provide a wide variety of casino content, allowing players to find the right content for their individual preferences. 

From high volatility slots and slots with bonus buy features to medium variance games, crash games and live dealer casino games, our game selection caters to a modern day player.

Of course, we can’t talk about sustainability without mentioning responsible gaming. At BET99, Responsible Gaming is of utmost importance, and we provide our players with responsible gambling tools and information about local support resources. 

CB: Since we’ve looked at how player preferences have changed in the past year, how do you think they could change in the next 12 months? 

LP: I think that player preferences will continue to remain authentic to the current trends we see in gaming. To start off, I’m confident players will continue to seek slots with high volatility and large winning multipliers. I’d even add that this trend is not exclusive to only slots – which is why live dealer games like Xxxtreme Lightning Roulette and Crazy Time are consistently amongst players’ favourite titles.

At the same time, with so many options in slots offerings, players may oftentimes feel overwhelmed. That’s why many players stick to slots they are familiar with, with classics like Book of Dead, Starburst and Gates of Olympus taking the lead. Additionally, it’s no secret that crash games have become quite popular and I foresee this trend to grow even further.

“the market is saturated with slots that offer gameplay that’s way too simplistic”

Laura Petrauska, Head of Casino at BET99

CB: Ahead of last year’s event, you referred to AI as the next technological step that could sweep across the online casino industry. How have you seen AI’s impact on the igaming space increase in 2024? 

LP: I think it’s safe to say that AI has become a part of our daily lives and its potential is uncapped. When it comes to igaming, AI can be an incredible resource if used correctly. For example, using a virtual customer assistant to speed up the customer waiting time in live chats. 

Also, AI generated casino lobbies can help tailor casino content not only based on a specific market, but individual preferences. These two are the areas I’ve seen AI’s impact the most in the gaming space. I believe that AI will continue to play an important role in automating data-driven tasks to help casino operators with daily operations while allowing them to focus their human resources in other areas. However, in my opinion, a casino product – whether we’re talking about slots, table games or even live casino games – is a product of art, and I hope that it won’t ever be replaced by AI.

CB: As an operator, do you prefer to see slots with fresh and innovative features, or slots with more straightforward gameplay, what impact do both have on player retention?

LP: I believe that everything in life should be in balance. As someone who’s seen the gaming industry evolve throughout the last decade, I’m always excited to see what new concepts and innovations game studios can offer with their games. However, there’s a tight line where too complex features can take away a games’ true appeal. At the end of the day, our players play slots to gain entertainment, which gets lost while reading pages upon pages of game rules.

That said, in my opinion, the market is saturated with slots that offer gameplay that’s way too simplistic, which doesn’t leave too much excitement for players. As an operator, we’re looking for the right balance in our offering – slots with engaging features while not having overly complicated mechanics.

CB: Can you tell us what you are looking forward to and why the SBC Summit in Lisbon is such a key event in the calendar? 

LP: I have to be honest – I’m really excited for this years’ event in Lisbon for a number of reasons. I’ve had the pleasure to attend a few SBC Summit conferences and my experience has been nothing but delightful. Events like these allow me to meet my fellow igaming colleagues and partners, and it’s also the perfect opportunity to create new synergies. What I also really enjoy about the SBC Summits are the different panels led by other industry experts. It’s a fantastic way to gain new knowledge and delve into various exciting igaming topics. Besides, with SBC moving to Lisbon, I think it opens fantastic opportunities for Lisbon to become another igaming hub.

Furthermore, I think that the SBC Summit in Lisbon is the perfect event to close out the summer season and catch the last glimpses of the Mediterranean sun before heading into the fall season. I, for one, can’t wait to explore the beautiful streets of Lisbon and learn about its history.

Operators and affiliates looking to attend SBC Summit can apply for free passes to the event. If you are an operator, you can apply for a free pass here, if you are an affiliate, you can apply for a free pass here.

Everyone else can secure their spot at the upcoming SBC Summit with a special offer granting access to all three core days of the event, including the exhibition floor, conference content, and evening networking parties, all for the discounted price of just €300.

The post Laura Petrauska, BET99: maximising market trends without overwhelming players appeared first on CasinoBeats.

The keynote titled, “Tony Hawk – What Keeps The Wheels Turning on a Global Brand” is scheduled to open the second core day of the event, which is taking place at the Feira Internacional de Lisboa between the September 24-26. The highly anticipated keynote will occur on the ‘Super Stage’, located in the MEO Arena. 

Hawk will offer delegates an in-depth overview of his illustrious career, covering his introduction to the professional sports arena as a teenager, his landmark partnership with Activision game studios, and the founding of his iconic sporting brands. He will also share strategies for maintaining relevance through brand reinvention, providing insights into his approach to sustaining success and innovation over the years.

In anticipation of his upcoming address, Hawk expressed: “I am excited to be headlining SBC Summit in Lisbon this September. Although the worlds of skateboarding and gambling might seem very different, I believe many parallels and lessons can be very relatable to companies in this industry.

“Whether it is forming long-lasting partnerships, establishing a successful and recognisable brand or maintaining relevance in a predominantly digital world, my story can provide valuable insights for all those attending.” 

Born in the Golden State of California on May 12, 1968, Tony Hawk received his first skateboard, a blue fibreglass Bahne, from his brother at the age of nine. By the age of 11, Hawk began entering local skateboarding competitions, and in 1982, at just 14 years old, he officially became a professional skater. He signed with the Powell Peralta professional team and starred in the famous Bones Brigade videos, marking the beginning of his illustrious sporting career.

The subsequent 23 years, saw Hawk win 73 competitive titles, including being named the ‘National Skateboard Association (NSA) Vert Champion’ for 12 consecutive years and earning 16 “X Games” medals. Hawk further cemented himself as an innovator of the sport by inventing more than 80 unique skateboarding tricks. Among these tricks are the ollie-to-Indy, the gymnast plant, the frontside 540-rodeo flip and the Saran wrap. 

In one of skateboarding’s defining moments, Hawk executed a 900 twist (2 1/2 turns) at the 1999 X Games, a feat that had never been performed before. In 2003, Tony officially retired from competitive skating.

Away from the deck, Hawk continued to grow the sport with a variety of successful partnerships and branding deals. In 1992, Tony founded Birdhouse Skateboards (originally Birdhouse Projects) with ex-Powell Peralta professional skateboarder Per Welinder. In 1998, Hawk and his family created Hawk Clothing, a line of children’s skate apparel, and in 1999, he founded the media company 900 Films. In 2002, he established The Skatepark Project (formerly the Tony Hawk Foundation), a nonprofit skateboarding organisation that helps communities build public skate parks for youth in underserved communities. 

Tony Hawk’s most successful partnership came in 1999 when he teamed up with global gaming giant Activision to release Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater. Activision went on to release 16 more video games under the ‘Tony Hawk’ name and reported a staggering $1bn in sales, making it one of the most successful video game franchises of all time.

Rasmus Sojmark, CEO & Founder of SBC, said: “Tony Hawk is undoubtedly one of the most iconic athletes of the 20th century. Not only did Tony revolutionise the world of skateboarding, but through strong branding, incredible athleticism and genre-defining video games, he brought skateboarding into mainstream pop culture. There are certainly many lessons to be learned from this legend, and I am extremely excited to witness Tony’s headline keynote on the Super Stage.”

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Secure your spot at the upcoming SBC Summit with a special offer granting access to all three core days of the event, including the exhibition floor, conference content, and evening networking parties, all for the discounted price of just €400.

Additionally, operators and affiliates can apply for free passes to the event. If you are an operator, you can apply for a free pass here, if you are an affiliate, you can apply for a free pass here.

The post Legendary skater Tony Hawk to keynote at SBC Summit appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Building on the success of SBC’s Affiliate Leaders initiative launched in 2021, and in response to increasing affiliate engagement at SBC events, the dedicated Affiliate Leaders Summit, scheduled for September 25-26 at Feira Internacional de Lisboa, will serve as a crucial meeting point for affiliates and operators, bringing together 5,000 representatives from both sides in one location.

The side summit will kick off with a dedicated Affiliate Leaders Opening Party on Tuesday, September 24, marking the first time the organiser is hosting a separate celebration for the debut of the Affiliate Leaders Summit. Held at the Ferroviário Rooftop Bar from 19:00 to 01:00, this event offers a prime opportunity to network with leading affiliates and operators.

Networking will be a central theme of the summit, with multiple occasions to connect throughout the days. Besides the regular evening parties, SBC will be organising an exclusive Affiliate Leaders VIP Dinner & Networking Party on Wednesday, September 25, at Kais Restaurante Bar. Invited affiliates and operators will be treated to a three-course dinner and complimentary drinks.

The expo floor will host 150 booths with a diverse array of companies showcasing their products, prominently featuring a wide range of operator affiliate programs such as 247Partners, Betsson Group, Blaze, Boss Partners, Buffalo Partners, Growe Partners, Kaizen Gaming, Lala Stars, M88 Mansion, Melbet, N1 Partners, Novibet, PlayAmo, Safe Affiliate Programs, Solverde, Stake.com, VBet, Wow Partners and more, offering affiliates opportunities tailored to diverse geographic interests.

In addition, the show floor will offer a variety of networking lounges, coffee bars and food areas, ensuring attendees have ample space for conducting business meetings and networking in a comfortable, relaxed setting.

Beyond facilitating connections between affiliates and operators, the dedicated summit also aims to unite affiliates for discussions on their challenges, insights into regulatory navigation and exploration of promising markets. This will be complemented by networking opportunities across dedicated areas and educational sessions on the custom stage, covering all aspects of affiliation.

At the conference, attendees can expect in-depth discussions covering topics such as acquisition and retention strategies, effective SEO techniques for affiliates, the role of listing fees in mitigating payment disputes, balancing acquisition objectives with social responsibility, the regulatory and technological outlook on streaming, AI integration, affiliation as a market entry strategy, and beyond.

Moreover, this year’s SBC Summit agenda includes numerous sessions dedicated to various global markets, ensuring that affiliates and industry professionals have the opportunity to gain deep insights into the regions they are targeting and a dedicated Global Markets Lounge, hosting dedicated market-specific meet-ups.

Rasmus Sojmark, CEO & Founder of SBC, said: “At SBC, we have always recognised the pivotal role affiliates play within this industry, and the continued rise of digital platforms has only provided more opportunities for evolution and innovation within the sector.

“The goal behind the introduction of the Affiliate Leaders Summit was simple: to provide a meaningful platform for affiliates to efficiently network, and share ideas and strategies, whether it’s with operator partners or among themselves. I look forward to witnessing the amazing work and collaboration that this summit will undoubtedly foster.”

Industry experts set to feature as part of the Affiliate Leaders Summit conference include Jesper Søgaard (CEO & Co-founder, Better Collective), Johan Svensson (CEO, Raketech), Šimon Vincze (Responsible Gambling Projects Manager, Casino Guru), Richard Dennys (CEO, GameLounge), Manuel Stan (CEO, Catena Media), Jonas Warrer (CEO, Gentoo), Jamie Walters (CEO, QiH Group), Peter Gunni (CEO, Traffic Lab), Petra Zackrisson (SVP Growth, Better Collective) and Sirp De Wit (CEO, Inovatiq Ltd), Liliana Almeida (Head of Brand & Corporate Communications, Clever Advertising) and more.Affiliates who register for the Affiliate Leaders Summit will enjoy complete access to all aspects of the SBC Summit. This includes the Sports Betting, Casino & iGaming, and Player Protection Zones, as well as the Payment Expert Summit, ESI Lisbon, Media Headquarters and the Super Stage at MEO Arena. This access covers the expo floor, networking areas and parties, and conference content.
__________________________________________________________________________________________

Operators and affiliates can apply for free passes to the event. If you are an operator, you can apply for a free pass here, if you are an affiliate, you can apply for a free pass here.

Everyone else can secure their spot at the upcoming SBC Summit with a special offer granting access to all three core days of the event, including the exhibition floor, conference content, and evening networking parties, all for the discounted price of just €300.

The post SBC announces debut of Affiliate Leaders Summit in Lisbon appeared first on CasinoBeats.