No matter the type of company or region you operate in, ensuring your brand remains compliant and aligned with the latest regulations is essential for success.
In Europe, this challenge is even more complex. The region is home to numerous influential markets, many featuring their own distinct and evolving regulatory framework. Navigating these diverse frameworks can be particularly demanding.
To support European stakeholders in overcoming these challenges, the upcoming SBC Summit Malta will introduce a dedicated ‘Europe: Regulation & Compliance’ conference track.
Here, delegates will delve into the latest regulatory developments in major European markets such as Malta, Germany, and the UK. The track will also explore strategies for marketing effectively in highly regulated environments and provide guidance on mitigating the risks posed by grey, black, and unregulated markets.
In this blog post, we’ll highlight the key regulatory and compliance panels at SBC Summit Malta. We’ll break down the logistics of each session, explain their importance in the current industry landscape, and share the key takeaways you won’t want to miss!
Malta: Building a Sustainable Gaming Future
🕐Time: 10:45 – 11:30
📅Date: Wednesday, 11th June
📍Location: Stage Two (Europe: Regulation & Compliance)
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has recently reformed its sustainability strategy, reinforcing its commitment to compliance, AML, responsible gaming and player protection.
Ideal for any stakeholder operating under the MGA license, this panel will examine the recent developments to Malta’s regulatory landscape, offering insights into the framework’s relation to European rulings, its impact on player safeguarding and how the industry can better collaborate to ensure growth whilst maintaining compliance.
Key Questions This Panel Will Tackle:
- How can operators navigate the MGA’s heightened focus on compliance and sustainability? Strategies for meeting stricter AML, responsible gambling, and player protection requirements without sacrificing growth.
- How will Bill No. 55 shape Malta’s standing within the EU gaming landscape? Perspectives on balancing local protections with cross-border legal and regulatory expectations.
- What steps can regulators and stakeholders take to strengthen cross-border cooperation? Opportunities for promoting regulatory clarity and collaboration across jurisdictions while maintaining national independence.
Panel Speakers:
- Reuben Portanier, Senior Advisory Partner at GTG, a leading Maltese consultancy firm providing gaming, compliance, and technical services to the regulated gaming industry.
- Olena Demchenko, Head of AML at FDJ United, a French gaming operator offering lottery, sports betting, and entertainment games, with a deep focus on responsible gaming and innovation.
- Charles Mizzi, CEO of the Malta Gaming Authority, the national regulator overseeing gaming activities in Malta, ensures fair, responsible, and transparent gaming across all sectors.
- Joe Streeter, Editor at iGaming Expert & SlotBeats, prominent media platforms that deliver breaking news, industry insights, and analysis on the global online gaming, slots, and casino sectors.
Black, Grey, and New Regulated Markets: Navigating the Shifting Regulatory Landscape
🕐Time: 11:30 – 12:15
📅Date: Wednesday, 11th June
📍Location: Stage Two (Europe: Regulation & Compliance)
As global regulatory frameworks continue to evolve, operators are faced with the complex challenge of adapting to diverse and shifting compliance demands. This panel delves into the dynamic state of regulation across key markets—exploring recent and upcoming transitions in jurisdictions such as the Netherlands, Brazil, the Philippines, New Zealand, and Finland.
With some markets tightening oversight and others moving toward legalisation, the session will assess the strategic risks and opportunities facing operators and suppliers alike. From the potential fallout of ambiguous policies triggering market withdrawals to the mounting pressure from black-market threats, panelists will explore how companies can maintain resilience and compliance.
Key Questions This Panel Will Tackle:
- What are the key compliance challenges operators face when transitioning from unregulated to regulated environments? Strategies for managing risk, seizing opportunities, and adapting to shifting regulatory landscapes.
- What lessons can be learned from the UKGC’s upcoming levy and its approach to tackling the black market and promoting responsible gaming? Perspectives on balancing regulatory pressure with commercial sustainability.
- How can operators future-proof their market position amid evolving rules and the threat of market exits driven by regulatory uncertainty? Approaches to building resilient, adaptable strategies in an unpredictable landscape.
Panel Speakers:
- Ian Perrygrove, Chief Risk Officer at Kwiff, a mobile-first sportsbook and casino operator known for its instant rewards and engaging betting experience.
- Christopher Coyne, CEO at 888Africa, the African division of 888, delivering online betting and gaming across key African markets.
- Joseph Attard, International Compliance Director of Entain, one of the world’s largest sports betting and gaming groups, which operates major global brands across multiple jurisdictions.
- Alexandre Tomic, Founder of Alea, an innovative iGaming company specialising in cutting-edge online casino platforms and game aggregation.
- Martyn Elliott, Media Director at SBC, a global media and events leader serving the sports betting and gaming industry.
Italy’s New Gambling Licence Regime
🕐Time: 12:15 – 13:00
📅Date: Wednesday, 11th June
📍Location: Stage Two (Europe: Regulation & Compliance)
Italy has recently introduced a significant overhaul to its online gambling regulatory framework, marking the most substantial reform since the market’s legalisation in 2011. Launched in December 2024, the new framework aims to modernise the sector by enhancing regulatory oversight and aligning more closely with European Union standards.
Yet, with a steep €7 million licence fee, a nine-month review process, and stricter compliance requirements, concerns are mounting over the framework’s accessibility and long-term impact. Perfect for operators active in or entering the Italian market, this panel will examine the country’s sweeping regulatory reform, highlighting both the challenges and emerging opportunities while offering strategic insights for navigating Italy’s ambitious overhaul.
Key Questions This Panel Will Tackle:
- What are the implications of Italy’s €7 million licence fee for market entry and competition? Assessing whether the high entry cost will limit access for smaller operators and encourage market consolidation among dominant players.
- How will stricter regulations reshape operational strategies for sports betting operators in Italy? Exploring the effects of regulatory restrictions, compliance demands, and technology requirements on day-to-day operations.
- What are the biggest challenges operators face in adapting to Italy’s regulatory overhaul? Evaluating the complexities of implementation, from legal compliance and operational restructuring to navigating uncertainty during the transition period.
Panel Speakers:
- Nicola Tani, Chief Editor at Agipro, the first daily information bureau that deals exclusively with gambling and betting, politics, economics, news, data and everything connected to the gambling world.
- Francesco Postiglione, CEO of Casumo, an innovative, award-winning and mobile-first online gaming group, providing fun and safe casino and sportsbook products.
- Corinne Valletta, General Counsel at Betsson Group, a global iGaming company operating more than 20 brands, offering casino, sportsbook, and other gaming products, with a strong commitment to responsible gaming.
- Quirino Mancini, Partner and Director of WH Partners, a business law firm with expertise in fintech, gaming & gambling, corporate law, M&A, tax, dispute resolution, IP, data privacy, consumer protection, employment, immigration, sports, media, and competition law.
Branding Within Constraints: CMO Insights from Europe’s Regulated Markets
🕐Time: 14:00 – 14:45
📅Date: Wednesday, 11th June
📍Location: Stage Two (Europe: Regulation & Compliance)
In an increasingly digital world, where brands must navigate new marketing channels, shifting player preferences, and rising competition, effective and compliant marketing has never been more critical.
Perfect for any marketing professional, this panel will share practical strategies for crafting campaigns that build player trust, stand out from the competition, and drive long-term value — all while staying firmly within regulatory guidelines.
Key Questions This Panel Will Tackle:
- How can brands build trust and stand out in highly regulated markets? Strategies for differentiation that go beyond visibility to create long-term value.
- What are the best ways to navigate complex and sometimes unclear marketing regulations? Insights on staying compliant while still making an impact.
- How can brands push creative boundaries without crossing regulatory lines? Balancing innovation and risk in marketing campaigns across diverse markets.
Panel Speakers:
- Elen Barber, Chief Marketing Officer at Super Group, the global digital gaming and sports betting company behind leading brands like Betway and Spin.
- Alberto Simoes, Director at Clever Advertising, a global digital marketing leader delivering innovative advertising and technology-driven solutions that boost customer acquisition, enhance player retention, and strengthen brand visibility.
Germany’s Gambling Market Faces Channelisation Challenges Amid Regulatory Pressures
🕐Time: 15:00 – 15:45
📅Date: Wednesday, 11th June
📍Location: Stage Two (Europe: Regulation & Compliance)
Germany’s regulated online gambling market is facing major challenges, with low channelisation rates and rising concerns over black market activity. With online slots capturing just 20%-40% of legal market share and sports betting at 60%-70%, a 5.3% turnover tax has further strained the market, pushing stakes down 15% since 2021 and leading many to deem the market as ‘unviable.
Perfect for operators, regulators, and policymakers, this panel will explore the root causes of Germany’s black market growth, discuss the impact of current policies, and examine potential solutions to improve channelisation and secure a more sustainable future for Germany.
Key Questions This Panel Will Tackle:
- What are the key factors driving players toward the black market in Germany? Examining the impact of high taxation, product restrictions, and limited legal options.
- How can policymakers and industry stakeholders work together to improve channelisation rates? Exploring potential reforms and practical solutions to make the legal market more attractive.
- What lessons can be learned from other regulated markets to help Germany strike a better balance between regulation and market viability? Looking at international examples to inform future policy decisions.
Panel Speakers:
- Christian Heins, Director iGaming at Tipico, a leading international sports betting and online gaming operator, known for offering secure and innovative betting experiences primarily in German-speaking markets.
- Sam Brown, CEO of Rootz, a Malta-based iGaming company known for its innovative online casino platforms and focus on automation, user experience, and data-driven solutions.
- Jochen Biewer, Managing Director at Chevron Group, delivers end-to-end regulatory support for the European gambling industry through expert licensing consultancy, outsourced compliance functions, bespoke training, and advanced digital solutions.
- Robert Lenzhofer, CEO of hinterzimmer.io, a flexible RGS platform that helps studios create and distribute casino games with ease. It supports full ownership or SaaS, rapid game development, compliance tools, and seamless API integration.
- Tino Liebich, Head of Digital Operations, Sächsische Spielbanken GmbH & Co.KG, the official operator of state-licensed casinos in Saxony, Germany, offering a range of table games and slot machines across multiple locations.
- Sean Blanco, the Co-Founder of Gain Changer, a results-driven SEO agency empowering brands with tailored strategies, innovative technology, and data-led insights that fuel sustainable growth.
The Nordic Experiment: Europe’s Regulatory Models in Microcosm
🕐Time: 15:45 – 16:15
📅Date: Wednesday, 11th June
📍Location: Stage Two (Europe: Regulation & Compliance)
The Nordic countries may share similar cultures and values, but when it comes to gambling regulation, they couldn’t be more different. Norway, for example, stick with a strict state-run monopoly, while markets like Sweden have rolled out one of Europe’s most open and effective licensing systems, built on trust and collaboration between the industry and regulators.
Ideal for any stakeholder interested in the Nordic region, this exclusive presentation, led by Gustaf Hoffstedt, Secretary General of the Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling (BOS), takes a closer look at what happens when similar markets take wildly different paths.
Key Questions This Panel Will Tackle:
- How do different regulatory models shape market outcomes in the Nordic region? Comparing state-run monopolies with liberal licensing systems to assess their effects on profitability, innovation, and consumer protection.
- What makes Sweden’s licensing system a standout in the European gambling landscape? Looking at the collaborative relationship between regulators and operators, and how it contributes to market success.
- Can contrasting Nordic approaches offer a blueprint—or a warning—for the rest of Europe? Identifying transferable lessons and cautionary tales from the region’s unique regulatory experiments.
Presentation Speaker:
- Gustaf Hoffstedt, Secretary General of the Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling (BOS), representing licensed operators and developers serving the Swedish market, promoting a safe, well-regulated, and responsible gambling environment.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re an operator, affiliate, or supplier, staying up to date with the regulatory and compliance frameworks in your markets of operation is essential for achieving sustainable and successful business growth.
At SBC Summit Malta, delegates will gain valuable insights into navigating Europe’s complex regulatory landscape through a series of tailored educational sessions. These sessions will explore the latest developments in European regulation and offer strategies for balancing compliance with creativity and growth—positioning your brand as a leader in the European market.
Secure your spot at SBC Summit Malta with our discounted ‘Group Pass’. For groups of three or more, you can gain access to three days of networking, exhibition, and conference content for the price of €400 (a discount of €200 off a standard ticket).
Additionally, you can purchase our ‘Expo+ Pass’ for €150. This pass grants you access to the conference and exhibition only.
Operators and affiliates can apply for complimentary passes.
