Over the past few years, the iGaming and sports betting industry has witnessed seismic shifts that can be felt across every vertical.
Whether it is new tech, a more robust global regulatory approach, or the ever-growing need to safeguard vulnerable players; the industry is offering a sense of innovation, reflection and complexity that has seldom been seen before.
However, with Western power-houses such as the UK, USA and LATAM dominating much of the discussion, it can often be difficult for industry experts operating outside these dominant markets to glean powerful insights, actionable takeaways, and a better understanding of smaller, yet crucial markets.
It is with this in mind that we bring your attention to the day one conference agenda at the upcoming SBC Summit Tbilisi, set to take place at the Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace, on 25-26 June.
On the first day of the conference, 60 regional and global industry professionals, will take to the stage to discuss key topics influencing the Eastern European and Central Asian regions.
In this blog post, we will be exploring these topics, discussing their overarching themes, their relevance in 2024, and how attending the conference, will effectively equip you with the tools to secure your position in your chosen market for years to come.
A Deep Dive Into Key Markets
To truly prosper in any industry, one must have a comprehensive knowledge of the market they are operating in.
Operating in different markets presents companies with a plethora of variables to consider, from regional regulations to player behaviour. Therefore, to help delegates navigate these potential complexities, the conference at SBC Summit Tbilisi will have several sessions dedicated to providing attendees with an exploration of key markets in the Eastern European and Central Asian regions.
The panel titled ‘Unlocking Opportunities: A Deep Dive into the Eastern European and Balkan iGaming Market’ will provide a comprehensive overview of the vast array of opportunities awaiting brands in key markets within the region. Focusing primarily on markets such as Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Georgia, and Slovenia, this panel promises delegates an exploration of the intricate dynamics shaping these markets and will unveil the untapped potential they hold for aspiring iGaming ventures.
Continuing the exploration of specific digital markets is the panel ‘Thriving Frontiers: Online Gaming in Emerging Markets’. This panel will offer delegates focused discussions on the digital landscape of specific emerging markets in the Eastern European, Caucasus and Central Asia regions. Discussions will delve into the specific player behaviours of each region, whilst also providing an exploration of the latest trends reshaping each market.
The panel titled ‘Navigating the Evolving iGaming Landscape: Regulatory Updates and Compliance Strategies’ will provide attendees with a thorough examination of gambling markets that have recently undergone regulatory changes, shedding light on potential compliance challenges within these jurisdictions.
Creating Opportunities
A fundamental aspect of running a successful business involves not only seizing existing opportunities but also proactively creating new ones. At SBC Summit Tbilisi, you will gain access to a wide range of conference sessions designed to equip you with the skills to leverage data, spot opportunities, expand your business, and thrive in any market you target!
The panel ‘Unlocking Opportunities: A Deep Dive into the Eastern European and Balkan iGaming Market’ will offer a comprehensive rundown of the distinctive traits of the Eastern European and Balkan sports betting markets. Experts will explore the emerging opportunities within these regions, provide strategies to spur regional growth and discuss effective marketing approaches, along with potential opportunities for brands to innovate.
Providing delegates with strategies to leverage the burgeoning opportunities of the online gaming sphere, the panel ‘Thriving Frontiers: Online Gaming in Emerging Markets’ focuses on emerging markets in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Caucasus. Expert panellists will uncover essential data for brands seeking growth in the digital realm, dissecting key trends and opportunities reshaping these regions.
Centred around strategies for successful operational expansion, the panel titled ‘Gateway Growth: Strategies for Eastern European Countries to Attract Western International Companies’ sheds light on the wealth of regional partnership opportunities for brands. During this insightful panel, expert speakers will explore the win-win potential of M&A between Western firms and Eastern European entities. Discussions will encompass the allure for Western investors, the impact of M&A on Eastern Europe’s economic growth, and attracting international investments that benefit both sides.
iGaming Deep Dive
Alongside sports betting, iGaming stands as one of the most profitable industry verticals globally.
Therefore, it will come as no surprise that the conference agenda at SBC Summit Tbilisi features a variety of iGaming-dedicated panels to aid brands in reaching new audiences, expanding the portfolio of games, and innovating the market.
Opening the conference is the panel titled ‘Leaders Panel: Powering Progress – The Socio-Economic Impact.’ In this panel, industry leaders will delve into the multifaceted role of the iGaming industry. The panel will explore iGaming’s contributions to local economics, its impact on job creation, iGaming tax revenue, and how responsible iGaming practices can be a force for positive change in the industry.
The panel titled ‘Cross-Market Strategies for iGaming Operators’ will explore the intricate art of cross-selling, providing insights into effective iGaming customisation, targeted marketing techniques, and effective approaches for iGaming operators seeking, or already operating, in multiple markets.
Honing in on the potential opportunities of iGaming in emerging markets is the panel titled ‘Thriving Frontiers: Online Gaming in Emerging Markets’. During this panel, attendees will have the opportunity to glean insights into the latest trends shaping Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asian markets, as well as explore the surge in mobile gaming in these regions and the most effective strategies to combat the evolving preferences of diverse player demographics.
Regulatory Exploration
Whether it’s this year’s landmark regulatory bill in Brazil, the publication of the ‘White Paper’ in the UK last year, or the complex regulatory landscape of the United States, it seems like all anyone wants to talk about these days is regulation.
And to be honest with you, it’s with good reason. Having a thorough understanding of your chosen market’s regulatory framework can be the difference between untold prosperity and a criminal sentence (serious but true).
It can also be the key to understanding how to best market your brand, appeal to new players, and grow your business in an efficient and compliant manner. Therefore, the upcoming SBC Summit Tbilisi will feature a panel strictly focused on providing you with the latest regulatory updates across key Eastern European and Central Asian markets.
The panel titled ‘Navigating the Evolving iGaming Landscape: Regulatory Updates and Compliance Strategies’ features a host of legal experts and industry leaders. The panel will examine the latest regulatory changes and compliance complexities and offer insights into the topics shaping the legal direction of iGaming to ensure seamless operations in your chosen market.
Final Thoughts
As the industry continues to expand, reflect, and innovate, it can often be hard for delegates seeking to expand their knowledge to identify key topics to hone in on for their specific market.
SBC Summit Tbilisi’s day-one conference agenda serves as the ideal platform for delegates seeking to gain a comprehensive understanding of market nuances, explore innovative approaches to leverage opportunities and stay ahead of regulatory shifts. By curating focused panels and bringing together industry experts and thought leaders, this summit not only equips attendees with actionable strategies and a fundamental understanding of key markets but also fosters collaboration and innovation to drive sustainable progress in the industry.
