Technology is an integral and unavoidable part of modern life.
Over the last century, the technological renaissance of the 20th and 21st centuries has fundamentally transformed every aspect of our daily existence. As of 2024, more people have access to mobile phones than to working toilets, the U.S. Navy utilizes Xbox controllers to pilot their submarines, and computer programming has become one of the fastest-growing professions globally—all testament to our collective enthusiasm for technological innovation. In fact, I’m not even typing this blog post. Instead, I’m using Google Docs’ speech-to-text function. Lazy or innovative? I’ll let you decide.
Whether you’re a champion of technological progress or a sceptic, it’s undeniable that technology drives global innovation. However, with the rapid influx of advancements, companies face a crucial challenge: identifying which technologies are worth investing in and how these innovations can bring value to both businesses and consumers.
Recent years have brought a diverse range of emerging technologies—from cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Dogecoin to NFTs, virtual reality, and the metaverse. While some of these have gained stronger traction than others, industry professionals must carefully assess the potential long-term impact of each technology to determine which are poised to transform the market and which may fade away.
Several factors should be considered when deciding which technologies to adopt. A brand’s geographical location, for instance, can heavily influence a brand’s technology strategy. Is the region primarily driven by mobile phone use for betting and gaming? Is the region regulated or operating in a grey market? Additionally, varying levels of fraud, identity theft, and embezzlement across different markets must be accounted for when making technology decisions.
The upcoming SBC Summit Latinoamérica, taking place at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Miami from October 29th to the 31st, will offer delegates a deep dive into the latest trends in technology, with an array of technology-focused panels throughout its conference program.
This blog post will highlight these panels and their actionable insights, discussing the key themes and topics set to be discussed, the industry speakers set to appear, and how these panels can benefit brands’ technological evolution.
To make it easier to navigate, we have categorized the discussions into three key areas:
- The Power of AI and its Influence on the Future of Gaming
- How Technology Can Help Brands Revitalize Their Output
- How Technology Can Be Used More Effectively to Safeguard Players
The Power of AI and its Influence on the Future of Gaming
Back in 2015, before the world was infatuated by the power of artificial intelligence (AI), early testing of Google’s AI Chatbot revealed that its primary goal was to ‘live forever’.
Almost a decade later, the world is still happily spinning around the sun, free from autonomous robots taking over the world, but that’s not to say the transformative innovations to AI have meant that this revolutionary technology will not stand the test of time.
Although considered a relatively new technology, AI has been lurking in the background of scientific revelations as early as the 1950s. In the subsequent decades, AI has been utilized in almost every facet of everyday life, from suggesting your next favorite Netflix show, adjudicating court cases, translating foreign languages on your mobile and even tackling climate change.
Within the sports betting and iGaming industry, brands are leveraging AI software to drive innovation in personalization, player retention, and data analysis, while also boosting campaign effectiveness for operators, amongst many others. With its vast range of applications, AI has become one of the most dynamic, versatile, and efficient tools for brands looking to enhance their offerings. The upcoming SBC Summit will showcase a series of conference panels dedicated to exploring this transformative technology throughout its three core days.
The session titled ‘AI’s Impact in Sports Betting Operations’ will delve into how AI is transforming player engagement, personalization, and campaign effectiveness. Featuring industry experts from leading Latin American operators, including German Sarmiento (CEO, MexBet), Juan Carlos Garcia (VP Business Development, JuegaEnLinea), Gonzalo Merino (Director of Product, Apuesta Total), Mauricio Soto (Account Executive Latam, Optimove), and moderated by Diego Salas (Sales Manager, Altenar), the panel will explore AI-driven strategies and technologies that are reshaping the industry. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the innovative approaches fueling success in this rapidly evolving sector. The session is scheduled to take place from 13:50 to 14:30 as part of the ‘Affiliates & Advertising’ conference track on Wednesday, October 30th, the first main day of the event.
The presentation titled ‘Personalization at Scale with Singularity: Redefining Player Engagement with AI’ will explore how AI is revolutionizing player engagement within iGaming CRM. Presented by Jean-Luc Ferrière, COO of Fast Track, this session will highlight the transformative impact of Fast Track’s singularity model on CRM strategies. Attendees will discover how Fast Track’s Singularity leverages real-time data and machine learning to tailor offers, rewards, and experiences to individual players, enhancing engagement and driving growth. The presentation will provide insights into the future of CRM, where self-learning systems boost efficiency by crafting personalized player journeys. The presentation is scheduled from 15:10 to 15:30, as part of the ‘Affiliates & Advertising’ conference track, on Wednesday, October 30th.
Kicking off the second day of the conference program is the keynote presentation ‘Driving Brand Success with AI: High-Speed Partnerships that Move the Needle.’ This session features professional racing driver Tatiana Calderon, alongside Alvaro Melendez (CEO, Crant) and Lina Silva (CEO, Wandr Studio), as they explore how data-driven collaborations between brands and female racing drivers are transforming the motorsport landscape. The discussion will highlight how AI is revolutionizing brand analytics, enhancing fan engagement, and reshaping sponsorship strategies. Panelists will offer insights into maximizing the impact of these partnerships, accelerating brand success both on and off the track. The panel will take place from 11:00 – 11:45, as part of the ‘Emerging Markets & Technology’ track, taking place on Thursday, October 31st, the second core day of the event.
How Technology Can Help Brands Revitalize Their Output
If you were to pause reading this blog post and take a moment to look around, you’d be hard-pressed to find anything untouched by the technological revolution. The laptop in front of you has replaced the cumbersome typewriter, the smartphone in your hand has made the landline a relic of the past, and music streaming services have virtually eliminated the need for physical media. Even your smartwatch—somehow reinventing how we tell time—has transformed a simple, everyday habit. Technology relentlessly redefines aspects of life once thought irreplaceable, reshaping our world in ways we never imagined.
With this in mind, can technology help brands within the sports betting and iGaming industry innovate their offerings, enhance player engagement, or provide a more seamless gaming experience? Without a doubt.
Over the past decade, the industry has seen blockchain and cryptocurrencies revolutionize the payment landscape with secure, transparent transactions and alternative payment methods. Augmented and virtual reality have introduced immersive new gaming formats, while AI has advanced player protection, fraud detection, and personalization.
The upcoming SBC Summit Latinoamérica will spotlight these transformative technologies, featuring two panels dedicated to exploring their impact on payments and lotteries, showcasing how innovation continues to drive the future of the industry.
The session titled ‘Evolution of Payments in LatAm’ will delve into how emerging technologies and innovative digital currencies are reshaping payment systems in Latin America’s sports betting and iGaming industries. With insights from industry experts Elisa Jordan (Chief Commercial Officer, Pronto Paga), Melissa Lamb (Director of Emerging Markets, PayBrokers), Galina Bineva (Commercial Director, OKTO), and moderated by Ileana Volpe (Business Development Researcher, Neosurf), the panel will cover the latest advancements in financial technology, the growing influence of digital currencies, and the challenges of crafting seamless payment experiences for users. The conversation will also explore regulatory hurdles and opportunities, shedding light on how these innovations are set to redefine the future of gaming in the region. The session will take place between 11:45 and 12:30, as part of the ‘Payments & Compliance’ track, on Thursday, October 31st.
The panel titled ‘Innovating Lotteries: Embracing Tech, Digital, and AI Advancements’ will explore how Latin American lotteries can harness cutting-edge technologies to elevate their operations. Industry experts will discuss how emerging technologies, digital platforms, and AI are revolutionizing the lottery landscape and enhancing player experiences. Panelists will delve into the latest trends, including the use of AI for improved security and analytics, the transition to digital and mobile platforms, and the implementation of data-driven strategies to boost player engagement and retention. The session will be part of the ‘Lotteries, Casino & iGaming’ track, scheduled to take place from 12:30 to 13:15 on Thursday, October 31st.
How Technology Can Be Used More Effectively to Safeguard Players
We’ve established that technology has already made a profound impact on nearly every facet of the industry. However, one of the most crucial areas where technology can be applied is in safeguarding players. The influx of emerging technologies has enabled the industry to elevate player protection through innovative solutions like AI-powered problem gambling detection, personalized responsible gambling tools, educational pop-ups and warning systems, and automated self-assessment tools.
Yet, as the industry continues to expand with more gaming formats, increased accessibility, and diverse payment options, there is still significant potential to strengthen its safer gambling framework. SBC Summit Latinoamérica’s educational program will feature several panels focused on enhancing the industry’s approach to safer gambling, highlighting the pivotal role of technology in Latin America and its applications in combating fraud and promoting a more responsible environment for players.
The panel titled ‘Advancing Safe Gaming: The Role of Technological Innovation’ will explore the pivotal role of technology in promoting safe gaming practices across Latin America. Featuring industry experts Cristhian Cardenas (Compliance Director Latam, RushBet), Jaime Rivera-Emmanuelli (Member, Saiber LLC), Elizabeth Maya Cano (President, CORNAZAR), Juan Ignacio Juanena (Business Manager, Enjoywin.com) and panel moderator Javier Vargas (CEO, BettorView), this session will address the critical need for public education on the risks of gambling addiction, the implementation of advanced player protection measures, the development of robust regulatory policies, and the fostering of collaborative efforts within the industry to uphold a responsible gaming culture. The session will take place from 15:50 to 16:30 on Wednesday, October 30th, as part of the ‘Leaders’ conference track.
The session ‘Leveraging Digital Identity to Combat Fraud in Sports Betting’ will examine the essential role of digital identity verification in protecting the rapidly growing online gaming industry. The panel, which features a lineup of industry experts including Samer Atassi (VP Latam, Jumio), Iliana Pineda (Chief Compliance Officer, Wplay), Evans Concha (CTO & Founder, Pronto Paga), Carlos Infante (Bankruptcy Practice Leader, Estrella LLC), and Adrian Sanchez (Director, Financial Crime & Compliance, LexisNexis), this session will discuss how AI-driven solutions provide fast and accurate identity verification to enhance user conversion, combat fraud, and ensure compliance with KYC and Anti-Money Laundering standards. The panel will also address the challenges of balancing seamless 24/7 service with robust player verification to meet international regulations. This session is scheduled from 12:30 PM to 1:15 PM EDT on Thursday, October 31st, as part of the ‘Payments & Compliance’ track.
Final Thoughts
From AI-driven personalization and fraud prevention to advancements in digital payments and sportsbook operations, technology is revolutionizing the gaming landscape, creating new opportunities for brands to innovate and elevate player engagement.
The upcoming SBC Summit Latinoamérica will spotlight these transformative technologies, showcasing how they are reshaping the Latin American sports betting and iGaming sectors. With a comprehensive conference program, the event will provide delegates with crucial insights into these advancements, equipping them with the knowledge and tools needed to strategically harness emerging technologies, drive industry growth, and redefine expectations.