North America has quickly become one of the most exciting markets in global gaming— and the momentum doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon.
Since regulation began in 2018, the region has exploded with activity. Commercial gaming revenue hit $71.92 billion in 2024, marking the fourth straight year of record-breaking performance. And with legal sports betting now available in 38 states plus Washington, D.C., the market’s growth is as fast as it is impressive.
But for all its success, North America is far from simple. In many ways, the real challenge isn’t entering the market; it’s understanding how to navigate it.
California, Texas, and Georgia remain closed. The “big” operators command significant market share. Prediction markets and sweepstakes are accelerating regulatory uncertainty. And with the 2026 World Cup set to drive unprecedented betting interest across the U.S., the stakes for operators, affiliates, suppliers, and regulators have never been higher.
Against this backdrop, SBC Summit Americas — taking place June 9–11 at the Broward County Convention Centre — will feature four dedicated conference tracks designed to help stakeholders decode the North American landscape:
- North America Sports Betting & Casino
- North America Regulation & Compliance
- North America Payments & Tech
- North America Marketing & Affiliates
Below, we spotlight eight essential sessions offering deep strategic insight, practical guidance, and a clearer path through the region’s most pressing challenges.
Big Picture Thinking
Sometimes taking a step back is the best way to move forward, and SBC Summit Americas is doing exactly that. The conference will feature several panels that zoom out to examine the North American market from a broader, more strategic perspective. Instead of focusing on a single challenge, these sessions unpack the major trends, pressures, and opportunities shaping the industry at large.
With senior leaders from operators, affiliates, regulators, and tech providers sharing the stage, attendees get a holistic view of how the ecosystem fits together, and, more importantly, how these wider shifts should influence their own long-term strategy
The Big Picture: Steering the Future of Gaming
Day One | Leaders Stage | 11:20-12:00
This panel brings together leading C-level executives to explore how North America’s gaming industry is evolving amid rapid regulatory change, emerging verticals, and shifting competitive dynamics. Speakers will examine the impact of new U.S. regulations, the rise of innovative gaming formats, and how operators can balance market maturity with innovation.
Value of Attending: Hear directly from leading North American C-levels as they reflect on recent market developments and share strategic guidance for 2026.
Who Should Attend: CEOs, COOs, CFOs, Managing Directors, Heads of Strategy, Product Development Leaders, Commercial Directors, Finance Executives, Regulatory Affairs Directors, and anyone shaping long-term strategy in North America.
Tech Titans: How Innovation is Powering the Next Digital Frontier
Day Two | North America Payments & Tech | 12:00-12:40
This panel unites leading technology innovators to discuss how they’re navigating rapid regulatory shifts, rising security threats, and the pressure to scale. Speakers will break down key technological priorities, from protecting player data and tackling fraud to investing in AI, automation, and resilient infrastructure.
Value of Attending: Gain a clear understanding of the strategic decisions, tech investments, and risks shaping North American gaming, directly from the leaders driving it.
Who Should Attend: CTOs, CIOs, Heads of Technology, Product Leaders, Data & Security Executives, Payments Directors, Heads of Payment Operations, Fraud & Risk Leaders, Compliance Specialists, Fintech experts, and anyone responsible for driving technical, payments, or compliance strategy.
Understanding North American Regulation
North America’s state-level regulatory framework is complex at best. With varying rules for sports betting, iGaming, and casinos across 51 jurisdictions, simply understanding how and where you can operate remains a challenge for operators, affiliates, and suppliers alike.
Both the North America Regulation & Compliance and Leaders Stage will take a deep dive into these issues, covering everything from tackling unregulated markets and the rise of prediction markets to lottery innovation and the future of land-based casinos.
From Regulation to Representation: Giving Tribes a Voice in the Future of U.S. Gaming
Day One | Leaders Stage | 16:50 – 17:30
This panel explores how Tribal Nations are responding to the rapid rise of prediction markets and sweepstakes-style gaming, and their role in shaping the future of U.S. gambling policy. With Tribal governments and organisations advocating for the protection of sovereign rights, the discussion will examine questions around fairness, exclusivity, and collaboration.
Speakers will explore how tribes can unify to influence regulatory frameworks, how emerging gaming models may impact existing compacts, and the strategies needed to safeguard sovereignty and define their digital future.
Value of Attending: Learn how Tribal Nations are navigating emerging gaming formats and proactively shaping U.S. policy.
Who Should Attend: Tribal Chairs and Council Members, Tribal Gaming Commission officials, Tribal casino executives, Regulatory Affairs Directors, Legal Teams, Government Relations Teams, and professionals with a vested interest in Tribal gaming.
Speaker Confirmed:
- Matthew L. Morgan, Chairman, Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association
- Joe Nayquonabe, Chief Executive Officer, Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort
- Dominic Ortiz, CEO, Potawatomi Casinos & Hotels
- Sheila Morago, CEO, Trilogy Group
Crackdown on Unregulated Gaming: Where States Draw the Line
Day Two | North America Regulation & Compliance Stage | 15:50-16:30
With the rise of sweepstakes casinos and prediction markets, and the issue of offshore betting sites, unregulated gaming formats are spreading fast.
This panel brings together regulators, former government officials, and industry experts to examine how states are coordinating enforcement strategies and what the future holds for licensed operators trying to drive growth whilst remaining compliant.
Value of Attending: Gain clarity on the legality of unregulated gaming, how states are responding, and what operators must do to remain compliant without risking their bottom line.
Who Should Attend: CEOs, COOs, Heads of Compliance, Legal Counsel, Regulatory Affairs Directors, Product Teams, Government Relations Teams, and anyone responsible for licensing, product development, or risk management in North America.
Speakers Confirmed:
- Jon Ford, Former Senator of the state of Indiana State
Gaming Innovation: Lotteries, Prediction Markets and the 2026 World Cup
Innovation drives opportunity — but it also brings uncertainty. New formats, technologies, and betting experiences can quickly reshape the industry, but once the initial excitement settles, operators and regulators are left to navigate important questions around legality, ethics, sustainability, and long-term viability.
Gaming innovation will be a theme felt across the entire SBC Summit Americas agenda. From prediction markets and lottery couriers to sweepstake casinos and the commercial impact of the 2026 World Cup, these panels will spotlight the gaming products and trends set to influence the market in 2026.
The Current State of Prediction Markets in the US
Day One | Leaders Stage | 13:40-14:20
After gaining widespread attention during the 2024 presidential election cycle, prediction markets are taking the U.S. by storm, allowing players to wager on cultural and societal moments previously off-limits.
This panel will bring together industry experts, prediction market specialists, and compliance figures to discuss the current state of prediction markets and how operators, investors, and regulators are navigating the rapidly evolving regulatory environment.
Value of Attending: Deepen your understanding of prediction markets, the regulatory grey areas, and the challenges and opportunities for operators and investors.
Who Should Attend: CEOs, COOs, Founders of prediction market platforms, Chief Compliance Officers, Legal Directors, Heads of Regulatory Affairs, Investors, Product Directors, Strategy Leads, and anyone assessing prediction markets in the U.S.
Speakers:
- Joshua B. Sterling, Partner, Milbank
- Alex Kane, CEO, Sporttrade
World Cup 2026: Turning the Global Stage into Long-Term Growth
Day One | Leaders Stage | 15:50-16:30
The 2026 World Cup, the first hosted in North America since the legalization of sports betting, presents a historic opportunity for operators, affiliates, and marketers.
This panel will explore how the industry can prepare for a surge in new users, maintain engagement and retention, and convert event-driven bettors into long-term customers. Expect insights on sustainable growth, cross-market strategy, and post-event retention.
Value of Attending: Learn how to prepare for the World Cup boom, accommodate new users, and turn one-off bettors into loyal, long-term players.
Who Should Attend: CEOs, CMOs, COOs, CROs, VPs of Marketing, Acquisition and Retention Directors, CRM Leads, Affiliate Directors, Partnership Managers, Product Managers, and anyone preparing for the World Cup surge.
Speakers:
- Kenneth Fuchs, COO & Head of Sports, Caesars Entertainment
Lotto Couriers Under Review: Where Do States Draw the Line?
Day One | North America Sports Betting & Casino Stage | 14:40:-15:20
Lottery courier services are redefining the traditional lottery experience, gaining rapid popularity, yet still operating in a regulatory grey zone. Some states, like Texas, have banned the service entirely, whilst others are approaching regulation in vastly different ways.
This panel dives into consumer protection, market integrity, and the legality of courier services, while exploring emerging compliance frameworks and whether national guidance is needed to create consistency and player trust.
Value of Attending: Hear directly from C-level operators and legal specialists as they break down the regulatory implications of lottery couriers and how states and operators are navigating this rapidly expanding model.
Who Should Attend: CEOs, COOs, Founders of digital lottery platforms, Chief Legal Officers, General Counsel, Compliance Directors, Regulatory Affairs Leads, State lottery officials, Policy Advisors, Product and Operations Directors, and anyone interested in the future of lottery courier services.
Speakers:
- Thomas Metzger, CEO Lotto.com
- Mike Silveira, Chief of Staff, Jackpot
- Katie Lever, Chief Legal Officer, Great Canadian Gaming Corporation
- William Scott, Chairman, GMGI
- Fernando Ortega, CEO, Lottofy
- Andrew Walter, Director of Sports Betting, Connecticut Lottery Corporation
Affiliation & Marketing in 2026:
Marketing and affiliation have become crucial drivers for success in the North American gaming market. As competition grows and acquisition costs rise, affiliates have become essential partners, evolving from simple traffic sources into trusted brands with loyal audiences and strong content strategies.
The North America Marketing & Affiliates Stage will dive straight into the topics shaping this space today and into 2026, from emerging marketing channels and cross-border advertising to the latest compliance strategies, and how AI and MarTech are reshaping customer engagement.
Affiliate Leaders Panel: The New Face of Affiliates: Branding, Voice, and Value
Day One | North America Marketing & Affiliates Stage | 12:00-12:40
As the U.S. market matures, affiliates are stepping into a bigger role — building recognisable brands, creating more localised and meaningful content, and balancing compliance with ambitious growth targets.
This panel will explore how leading affiliates are standing out in a crowded market, strengthening their value to operators, and embracing new channels and technologies to deepen player engagement.
Value of Attending: Hear how top North American affiliates are staying relevant, compliant, and competitive, and what’s driving their growth in 2026.
Who Should Attend: Affiliate and Operator Founders, CEOs, and COOs; Heads of Content, SEO, and Audience Development; Operator-Affiliate Managers, Directors of Affiliate Marketing and Partnerships; Brand and Creative Directors; and anyone working with or building affiliate brands in North America.
Speakers:
- Andrew Garven, Head of Affiliate Marketing, Bet99
Final Thoughts
The North American gaming industry is evolving faster than ever, shaped by state-by-state regulation, emerging products like prediction markets and lottery couriers, and global moments such as the 2026 World Cup.
For operators, affiliates, suppliers, regulators, and investors, staying ahead requires more than surface-level knowledge. It demands a deep understanding of the forces reshaping the market, the risks on the horizon, and the strategies capable of sustaining long-term success.
SBC Summit Americas 2026 gives you access to the people, insights, and conversations that are pushing the industry forward. Join us in Fort Lauderdale this June and unlock the knowledge, connections, and opportunities that will shape your North American growth in 2026 and beyond.
