“Any fool can know. The point is to understand.”
― Albert Einstein
Einstein said it well: just because you think you get something doesn’t mean you really do. True understanding goes much deeper. This statement has never been more relevant than in the sports betting and gambling industry. Throughout the industry’s illustrious history, knowledge has been the cornerstone of every major success, and its absence, the root of many failures.
For example, Betfair’s recognition of the potential in mobile apps allowed it to lead the way by launching the first mobile betting app in 2010. Similarly, foresight into the burgeoning crypto market allowed SatoshiDice to establish itself as one of the first and leading crypto gambling sites. Alternatively, many brands failed to grasp the nuances of market saturation and player behaviour in North America, leading many to exit the newly regulated market.
The upcoming SBC Summit, scheduled for September 24th – 26th at the Feira Internacional de Lisboa, promises three days of comprehensive educational content tailored to every industry vertical. The programme aims to enhance delegates’ day-to-day operations while providing a solid foundation for future success.
Delegates will have access to seven specialised educational tracks covering essential industry topics, including leadership, casino & iGaming, sports betting, payments, player protection, affiliation and esports. Additionally, SBC Summit will feature a dedicated super stage at the MEO Arena, set to host notable keynote sessions and “leaders panels.”
So, whether you’re an affiliate searching for the latest SEO strategies or a sportsbook operator looking for new initiatives to boost player retention, the SBC Summit’s educational agenda offers something for everyone.
To help delegates focus their educational action plans, this blog post will highlight some of the most notable sessions at the SBC Summit this September. We will cover key takeaways from each panel, discussion topics, participating speakers, and essential details such as time and location.
The Leaders of Tomorrow: The Talent, the Tech and the Trends of the Next Decade
What you can learn (keywords): iGaming, casino, sports betting, market saturation, utilising technology, player preferences, future of the industry, harnessing talent.
More specifically, you’ll gain:
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- An understanding of the rapidly expanding global landscape in iGaming, casino, and sports betting.
- Insights into how the industry is adapting to increasingly crowded and competitive markets.
- Exploration of whether current audiences will remain engaged or shift to new trends.
- Discussion on how the industry’s leading minds are leveraging technology and talent to shape a transformative future.
- Perspectives from key industry players on what the rest of the decade holds for gaming.
Speakers:
If you are interested in the future trends of the industry, you may enjoy these panels:
- Analysing Player Data and Trends
- Navigating the Frontier: Crypto Trends, Bonuses, and Innovation in Casinos
- Slot Trends: Designing for the Future Player
- Streaming’s Future: Surviving Regulation, Tech Challenges, and Social Trends
- Exploring Niche Gaming Trends in Emerging & Developing Casino Markets
Where: Conference Room One (Global Leadership)
When: Tuesday, 24th September, 2024
Time: 12:45-13:30
Europe Leaders Panel
What you can learn (keywords): European markets, regulations, collaboration, adaptation, cross-border operations, compliance.
More specifically, you’ll gain:
- An overview of the current European political landscape and its impact on industry regulations.
- Insights into how operators can re-organise and re-orient to meet compliance demands.
- Methods for operators to work with regulators to navigate compliance and regulatory hurdles.
- Strategies for meeting compliance demands across multiple markets simultaneously.
Speakers:
- Gustaf Hagman, CEO of Leovegas, a global operator which offers online casino, live casino, and sports betting via 9 brands in 10 jurisdictions.
- Neal Menashe, CEO of Super Group,the holding company for leading global online sports betting and gaming businesses: Betway & Spin.
- Tom Bowry, Chief Strategy Officer at Flutter Entertainment, an online sports betting and gaming company operating brands such as FanDuel, Sky Betting & Gaming, Paddy Power, PokerStars, Betfair, and more.
- Nils Anden, CEO of Kindred Group, a leading online gambling operator with business across Europe and Australia.
- Barry Gibson, Chairman of Entain, one of the largest sports betting and gaming groups, home to more than 25 widely recognised brands, such as bwin, Coral, Foxy, Gala, Ladbrokes and partypoker.
If you are interested in discovering more about European markets, you may enjoy these panels:
- UEFA Euro 2024: What Did We Learn?
- You Say Tomato: Player Protection in the US vs Europe
- The Affordability Question in Player Protection: Case Studies From Northern Europe
- Finland: The Next Big Player in Europe?
- A New Era for the Italian Gaming Market
Where: Super Stage (MEO Arena)
When: Wednesday, 25th September, 2024
Time: 13:15-14:00
UK Leaders Panel
What you can learn (keywords): compliance, regulation, innovation, UK operators, market dynamics, international expansion, white paper, growth, safer gambling regulation.
More specifically, you’ll gain:
- Insights into the UK’s role as the world’s largest licensed online gambling market and its leadership in compliance, regulation, and innovation.
- Perspectives from CEOs of leading UK operators on the impact of international expansion on market dynamics.
- Analysis of the potential implications of the upcoming white paper on the industry.
- Examination of emerging trends in safer gambling regulation.
- Strategies for sustaining growth in a highly regulated and competitive market.
Speakers:
- Per Widerstrom, CEO of Evoke, a leading gambling and sports betting company that owns brands such as William Hill, William Hill Vegas, 888casino, 888sport, 888poker, and Mr Green.
- Steve Birch, CCO at Sky Betting & Gaming, a gambling and betting company that consists of five brands, Sky Bet, Sky Vegas, Sky Bingo, Sky Casino, and Sky Poker.
- Savvas Fellas, Founder & CEO of MrQ, an online casino operator that operates in the UK.
- Vlad Kaltenieks, CEO of the Irish, independently-owned bookmaker, Boylesports.
- Stuart Simms, Group CEO at the sports media network, FairPlay Sports Media.
- Niki Stephens, Partner at Mischon de Reya, an international law firm.
If you would like to know more about the UK market and regulations, you may enjoy these panels:
- Spotlight on the UK White Paper: How far do Proposed Regulations go for Players and Operators?
- The Affordability Question in Player Protection: Case Studies From Northern Europe
- Compliance Leaders Panel: Regulating Safer Gambling From Within
Where: Super Stage (MEO Arena)
When: Wednesday, 25th September, 2024
Time: 14:00-14:45
Africa: Leaders Panel
What you can learn (keywords): technology, leading African markets, regulation, operators, regional brands, regional case studies
More specifically, you’ll gain:
- An exploration of the current African gaming landscape.
- Insights into key markets like South Africa and Nigeria and their potential for growth.
- Analysis of whether regulation will hinder or help incoming operators in Africa.
- Identification of homegrown African gaming companies that are gaining traction.
- Comparisons with emerging markets like Brazil to understand potential pathways for Africa’s gaming industry.
- Discussion on how Africa might chart its own unique course in the global gaming landscape.
Speakers:
- Marcus Hanna, CEO of the Liberian online operator, BetToMax.
- Kresten Buch, CEO at betPawa, one of Africa’s most popular online sports betting brands.
- Sab Jhooti, CEO at BonMoja, a B2B iGaming software development company specialising in custom development, branding & marketing, business intelligence (BI), CRM and creative.
- Petra Zackrisson, SVP of Growth at Better Collective, a digital sports media group operating a strong portfolio of national and global sports media brands.
- William Scott, Chairman of Meridianbet, a leading and global provider of comprehensive sports betting software and solutions.
If you would like to know more about the African region, you may enjoy these panels:
- Getting Geo-Specific in Africa: A New Market with Old Tech
- Behind the Bet: the unseen tech driving Paridirect’s African success
- Africa (Global Market Lounge Discussion)
Where: Conference Room One (Global Leadership)
When: Wednesday, 25th September, 2024
Time: 14:00-14:45
North America Leaders Panel: Is The Goose Still Golden?
What you can learn (keywords): market consolidation, sports betting, iGaming, new markets, California, second movers, market presence, brand growth.
More specifically, you’ll gain:
- An overview of the North American market.
- Insights into emerging markets, including the potential of California, and their implications for the industry.
- Challenges faced by second movers entering a market dominated by established sportsbook giants.
- Strategies for both new entrants and existing players to sustain and drive growth in the US and Canada.
Speakers:
- Kresimir Spajic, CEO of Betfred USA, the wholly owned US subsidiary of Betfred Group operating in Colorado, Iowa, Arizona, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Washington, Virginia, Ohio, and Nevada.
- Michael Moskowitz, CEO of Northstar Gaming, owner and operator of NorthStar Bets, a made-in-Ontario casino and sportsbook gaming platform that provides players with a uniquely local, premier user experience.
- Paris Smith, Founder of Life Winning.
- Rickard Vikström, Founder & CEO of Internet Vikings, a licensed in-state hosting provider for sports betting & iGaming.
- Jared Beber, CEO at Bet99, a Canadian-founded and focused online Sportsbook and Casino.
- Anton Kaszubowski, Managing Director of SBC Advisory, the consulting and intermediary service for sports, fintech, betting & gaming organisations.
If you would like to know more about the North American region, you may enjoy these panels:
- Betting on Politics: US Presidential Election
- You Say Tomato: Player Protection in the US vs Europe
- Can Compliance Influence Regulation in the US?
- Understanding a $50bn Industry: A Focus on Tribal Gaming
Where: Conference Room One (Global Leadership)
When: Wednesday, 25th September, 2024
Time: 15:30-16:15
Strategy Focus On Retail Sportsbooks In 2025
What you can learn (keywords): retail establishments, adapting strategies, on-site customers, technology, personalised experiences, integration, casinos, traditional verticals.
More specifically, you’ll gain:
- An analysis of how retail establishments are adapting their strategies to meet the demands of on-site customers.
- An understanding of the role technology plays in enhancing the appeal of physical bookmakers and sportsbooks.
- Exploration of how personalised experiences are being integrated to improve customer engagement within brick-and-mortar casinos.
- Examples of innovative approaches that are revitalising the traditional retail betting environment.
Speakers:
- Damir Boehm, CEO at Tipwin, a company that offers multi-channel sports betting for both online platforms and retail establishments.
- Alexis Murphy, CEO at Betfirst, the leading Belgian retail and online sports betting operator.
- George Wawer, Managing Director at the Austrian online lottery site, win2day.
- David Purvis, Group Strategy Advisor at Merkur Group UK, a global gaming company specialising in the development, manufacturing, and operation of gaming machines, casinos, and sports betting solutions.
If you would like to know more about sportsbooks, you may enjoy these panels:
- Sportsbooks vs Entertainment: In-Play Betting, AI and Streaming
- 2025: The Year AI Lights up Your Sportsbook
- Pricing Niche Sports: An Olympic-Sized Challenge?
- Average Joe… The Sportsbook Experience for the Casual Customer
- Strategy Focus on Retail Sportsbooks in 2025
Where: Conference Room Three (Sports Betting)
When: Wednesday, 25th September, 2024
Time: 15:30-16:15
Translating Data Points Into Meaningful Interactions: RG After Identification
What you can learn (keywords): Identification, data, operators, interaction, safer gambling initiatives.
More specifically, you’ll gain:
- An understanding of the limitations of identification tools.
- Insights into why simply collecting data is not enough and the importance of moving beyond untouched data.
- Exploration of how forward-thinking leaders are prioritising interaction as the next crucial step.
- Strategies for using existing data to positively impact the lives of at-risk players.
Speakers:
- Dave Sproson, Head of Safer Gambling at EPIC Global Solutions, leading independent gambling harm-prevention consultancy in the UK, USA, Europe and internationally.
- Eduards Jakubovs, Head of Safer Gambling at Betsson Group, a multi-national gambling company that owns over 20 brands such as Betsson, Betsafe, Nordicbet and Casinoeuro.
- Miguel Luís, Head of Compliance at the Portuguese sports betting and casino operator, LeBull.pt.
- Surash Patel, VP of Sales, EMEA at Telesign, a digital Identity & programmable communications supplier.
- Nick Hill, CEO at Premier Chain, a company that specialises in blockchain & compliance.
If you would like to know more about utilising data, you may enjoy these panels:
- Analysing Player Data and Trends
- Quality Over Quantity – Making Data Accessible, Flexible and Usable
- Omnichannel Strategy for Enhanced Customer Experience
- Sports Integrity Developments: Collaboration, Regulation, Recreation
- Engaging Broadcast and OTT Audiences: Driving Sports Fans Participation, Adherence to Regulation, and User Acquisition
Where: Conference Room Six (Player Protection)
When: Tuesday, 24th September, 2024
Time: 15:30-16:15
Payment Leaders: How to Handle Mature Regulated Markets
What you can learn (keywords): regulated markets, payments, integration, growth, partnerships, spurring growth.
More specifically, you’ll gain:
- Insights into navigating mature, regulated gambling markets from the payments perspective.
- Understanding of the dynamics involved in scaling operations in these markets.
- Comparison of direct integration versus forming strategic partnerships.
- Key strategies for thriving in a competitive and established gambling landscape.
Speakers:
- Christian Reinheimer, Group Director Payments Product at LeoVegas Group, a global operator which offers online casinos, live casino, and sports betting via 9 brands in 10 jurisdictions.
- Mickael Marceau, Director of Payment Solutions at Kindred Group, a leading online gambling operator with business across Europe and Australia.
- Simon Dorsen, Chief Commercial Officer at OKTO, a unified payment platform that combines secure, real-world transactions with the most powerful payment technology.
- Vasilije Lekovic, VP of Gaming at Trustly, a global payment solutions provider.
- Isabelle Delisle, Head of Group Payments at Pinnacle, a leading online gambling operator.
- Andrea McGeachin, CEO of Neosurf, an online payment provider.
If you would like to know more about the payment sector, you may enjoy these panels:
- Unified Payments in Emerging Markets
- Payments vs Economics vs Investment
- Payments, Fraud and KYC: Front Line of Defence
- Crypto in 2025: Is There a Future in Gambling?
Where: Conference Room Four (Payment Expert)
When: Tuesday, 24th September, 2024
Time: 10:45-11:30
CMO Panel: iGaming Marketing Strategy
What you can learn (keywords): customer acquisition, retention, channels, customer journey, data, marketing strategies, brand awareness.
More specifically, you’ll gain:
- Insights into customer acquisition and retention strategies used by leading operators, suppliers, and affiliates in the industry.
- Understanding of the complex network of touchpoints, channels, customer journeys, and data challenges.
- Strategies used by Chief Marketing Officers to cut through the noise and focus on brand-centered, customer-first approaches.
- Lessons learned from industry leaders on developing and executing successful marketing strategies.
Speakers:
- Silvia Hoppe, CMO at the operator, Wunderino.
- Albert Simsensohn, Chief Marketing Officer at Superbet, a multi-channel sports betting & gaming entertainment operator.
- Marija Hammon, Marketing Director at Relax Gaming, a B2B game studio, revolutionising the modern iGaming landscape.
- Alessandro Manzella, CMO at Bet At Home, a leading European online operator.
If you would like to learn more about innovative marketing strategies, you may enjoy these panels:
- Branding and Marketing: Personalisation and Market Expansion
- CRM Strategies: Harnessing Gamification and AI to Drive Loyalty
- Tony Hawk – What Keeps The Wheels Turning on a Global Brand
- Unlocking Long-Term ROI in iGaming: Is Brand Building the Secret to Standing Out?
Where: Conference Room One (Global Leadership)
When: Thursday, 26th September, 2024
Time: 12:15-13:00
Live Casino – Seeing Is Believing
What you can learn (keywords): Live-Casino, player trust, blockchain technology, smart contracts, authenticity, transparency, manipulated outcomes.
More specifically, you’ll gain:
- An analysis of whether live casino games has met business expectations in recent years.
- Insights into how the performance of live casino games can be evaluated in relation to player trust.
- Exploration of blockchain technology as a potential solution for enhancing transparency and fairness in live casino games.
- Understanding of how smart contracts could verify game authenticity and prevent manipulation by either the casino or players.
- Discussion on whether blockchain integration represents the next major development for the live casino games industry.
Speakers:
- Charles Lee, CEO of Kwiff, an online operator active in the UK and internationally.
- Graciella Anthony, Head of Live Casino at Entain, one of the largest sports betting and gaming groups, and is home to more than 25 widely recognised brands, such as bwin, Coral, Foxy, Gala, Ladbrokes and partypoker.
- Oliver Bartlett, Vice President of Gaming, Product & Content at BetMGM, a market-leading sports betting and gaming operator, pioneering the online gaming industry.
- Wolfgang Bliem, CEO at Grand Casino Luzern AG, a state-licensed Casino, hospitality provider and entertainment centre, located at the shore of Lake Lucerne in Central Switzerland.
If you would like to learn more about alternative gaming formats, you may enjoy these panels:
- Exploring Niche Gaming Trends in Emerging & Developing Casino Markets
- Navigating the Frontier: Crypto Trends, Bonuses, and Innovation in Casinos
- Game Studios: Revolutionising Business Models and Shaking Up the Industry
- Slot Trends: Designing for the Future Player
Where: Conference Room Two (Casino & iGaming)
When: Wednesday, 25th September, 2024
Time: 14:00-14:45
Affiliate Leaders Panel: A Five-Year Outlook on the Future of Affiliation
What you can learn (keywords): affiliate marketing, future of the sector, technological advancements, regulatory shifts, operator partnerships, innovation.
More specifically, you’ll gain:
- Insights into the evolving landscape of affiliate marketing over the next five years.
- Understanding of technological advancements and their impact on the industry.
- Analysis of regulatory shifts and how tighter regulations may affect affiliate marketing.
- Examination of changing dynamics between operators and affiliates.
- Forecast of how emerging tech and strategic partnerships will redefine collaboration models.
- Predictions on how these factors will drive innovation and shape the future of affiliate marketing in the gambling sector.
Speakers:
- Richard Dennys, CEO at Game Lounge, an affiliate marketing company that provides SEO-driven affiliate websites that connect online casino players to iGaming brands across the globe.
- Jesper Søgaard, CEO & Co-founder of Better Collective, a digital sports media group operating a strong portfolio of national and global sports media brands.
- Jonas Warrer, CEO at Gentoo Media (formerly GiG Media), a leading affiliate in the online casino and sportsbook industry through an extensive portfolio of products and services.
- Johan Svensson, CEO at Raketech, an affiliate and performance marketing company which promotes and generates online traffic for online sites.
- Manuel Stan, CEO at Catena Media, an affiliate business specialising in creating content-rich websites that help users navigate the complex world of online sports betting and casino gaming.
If you would like to learn more about affiliate marketing, you may enjoy these panels:
- Cost-benefit Analysis – Acquisition v retention
- SEO for Affiliates – The New Bag of Tricks
- Unlocking New Affiliate Traffic in 2025
- Streaming’s Future: Surviving Regulation, Tech Challenges, and Social Trends
- Affiliation as a Trusted Source for New Market Entry
Where: Conference Room Five (Affiliate Leaders)
When: Tuesday, 24th September, 2024
Time: 14:00-14:45
Changing Seasons: Lessons from the Esports Winter
What you can learn (keywords): esports winter, strategies, growth, Industry stabilising, Industry-wide shift
More specifically, you’ll gain:
- An understanding of varying opinions on the ‘esports winter’
- Exploration of the causes behind the so-called esports winter.
- Lessons learned from the current period and strategies for industry recovery.
- Guidance on how to rebound and plan for future growth.
Speakers:
- Danny Tang, Co-Founder, CFO & Head of Global Strategy Office at VSPO, a world-leading esports company that creates inspiring content and products for global esports enthusiasts.
- Alban Dechelotte, CEO, at G2 Esports, a leading Esports organisation with teams competing in games such as League of Legends, Rocket League and Counter-Strike 2.
- Ray Ng, Head of Esports Ecosystem, at MOONTON Games, a Chinese multinational video game developer and publisher.
- Joachim Harg, CFO, at Heroic, a leading European esports organisation with teams currently competing in CS2, Fortnite and ESL R1.
- Anna Rozwandowicz, Co-Founder & CEO, at The Story Mob, a marketing agency that blends deep fandom knowledge with expert PR skills to create effective, targeted communications for gaming, streaming, and entertainment audiences.
If you would like to learn more about the Esports world, you may enjoy these panels:
- Purpose Built: Are destinations and venues esports ready?
- Play By The Rules: Governance and Regulation of Esports
- the*gamehers PowHER Play Social
- Building Blocks: Growing a community and a competitive scene
- Football & Gaming: The creator crossover
Where: The Auditorium (ESI Summit)
When: Wednesday, 25th September
Time: 11:00 – 12:10
Final Thoughts
If knowledge is power, then the upcoming SBC Summit is the ‘Avengers’ of educational opportunities, assembling an unparalleled lineup of resources to equip industry professionals for success. With seven specialised tracks, designed to address the unique challenges and opportunities across different industry sectors, attendees will have abundant opportunities to expand their knowledge in the areas most critical to their business goals.
In addition to the wealth of information provided, each panel features a carefully curated selection of expert speakers. These thought leaders and innovators will share their invaluable insights, offering delegates a rare chance to learn from those who have not only witnessed the industry’s evolution but have actively shaped its trajectory.
Whether you’re looking to adopt the latest strategies, navigate emerging trends, or simply stay ahead of the curve, the SBC Summit promises to deliver the tools and knowledge you need to thrive in an ever-competitive landscape. With every session, you’ll be gaining the kind of deep, actionable intelligence that can propel your business forward and help you stay at the forefront of the industry.
