📅 10-12 June
📍InterContinental Hotel, Saint Julian’s, Malta

In true ‘New Year, new me’ fashion, on January 14, we broke the news of the CasinoBeats Summit rebrand to SBC Summit Malta.

Beyond the fact that the new name fits better within the broader ‘SBC Summit’ brand—alongside our events in Lisbon, Rio, Fort Lauderdale, and Tbilisi—the rebrand was driven by two key factors: opportunity and a deep reflection on what’s needed here and now.

The opportunity

Malta has been home to three industry events. 

CasinoBeats Summit played the part of a more niche event, focusing on all things casino while also incorporating elements of marketing and affiliation. It was an event that delved deeper into the more technical aspects of the casino industry—not just marketing, sales, and business lead generation, but also highly technical discussions on game design, mechanics, UX, and more. We even had John Romero, the father of first-person shooters, as a keynote speaker. Fun times.

The biggest event on the island, organised by SiGMA, recently announced its move to Italy. 

This meant that we, as SBC, could now look into broadening our vision for the event, as a gap was left on the island.

Malta is important to the iGaming industry ecosystem. Apart from its regulatory leadership, with the Malta Gaming Authority being one of the most respected regulatory bodies in the world due to its clear and straightforward licensing framework, and with nearly 400 companies licensed by the MGA on the island (thanks to a business-friendly environment), there are many reasons why this island has earned the title of Europe’s iGaming hub.

The talent on the island that emerged because of this is also not something to ignore—a lot of iGaming professionals are based in Malta (which is why we also have Malta-based employees and an office at SOHO (The Strand).

And let’s not forget that Malta’s location on the map (you might need to zoom in to see) is quite strategic, allowing easy access from all European countries while also serving as a bridge to the Middle East and Africa.

And just like that, SBC Summit Malta was born.

Why does Malta deserve a comprehensive iGaming event?

That is not to say that niche events like CasinoBeats Summit are not valuable—they certainly are. 

However, with hubs like Malta and thousands of industry professionals based on the island, it no longer seemed to be the best way to serve the industry. 

Sending entire teams on business trips is not always feasible, and companies appreciate the opportunity to have an event in their home base—one where they can send a large portion of their teams without having to factor in flights or accommodation costs.

For those in Europe, tickets to Malta are also relatively affordable, with multiple airlines—both budget and not—servicing the island. 

An all-encompassing event in Malta just creates more flexibility (and convenience) for industry professionals and companies. 

Simple as that.

Before we dive into what’s new, I think it’s worth discussing what’s here to stay.

So, what’s here to stay?

Some elements of CasinoBeats Summit were truly loved by our attendees, so we are making sure they stay.

One such example is the SEO trilogy, featuring a range of SEO-focused panels covering everything from white hat and black hat strategies to parasite SEO, Google penalties, algorithms, SEO vs. paid ads, and more.

This year, the SEO conversations will focus on:

• SEO for LLMs: Shaping Strategies for the AI-Driven Web – Learn how to optimize for AI-driven search systems like ChatGPT and Bard, adapt to evolving platforms, and align content with AI and user behavior trends.
• The Rise of Blackhat SEO and Negative SEO Attacks – Explore emerging Blackhat SEO tactics, the growing threat of negative SEO attacks, and strategies to protect, recover, and maintain ethical, resilient SEO practices.
• The New SEO Reality of 2025 – Discover how to navigate the evolving multichannel SEO landscape by integrating strategies across Google, Bing, AI tools, and platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Reddit.

Affiliation is another key topic that remains. Affiliate panels have always been well-received by this audience, and they are definitely here to stay.

This year’s agenda includes the following panels:

• Diversify Your Channels Before It’s Too Late! – Learn how affiliates can future-proof their strategies by diversifying beyond SEO, adapting to evolving social platforms, and leveraging AI for sustained success.
• The Role of Affiliate Networks in Growth – Explore how affiliate networks help start-ups and operators expand their reach, build partnerships, and drive performance.
• Game Changers: Lessons from Other Industries to Transform Affiliation in 2026 – Discover how strategies from e-commerce, dating, and Nutra can reshape affiliate marketing in gaming, driving innovation and adaptation for 2026.

Another element that will continue is the technical discussions on game development, including game design, mathematics, and more.

Examples include panels such as:

• Over-Gamification of Slot Games? Are We Moving Too Far from the Traditional Game? – This discussion will explore whether slot games are slowly turning into video games due to an overreliance on multiple features.
• The Art of the Sequel: Balancing Innovation, Success, and Influencer Impact on Gaming Audiences  – This panel will examine how to refresh successful games with new ideas while leveraging famous figures like Snoop Dogg and Mike Tyson.

What can the industry expect from the rebrand content-wise?

Shortly, expect more of this:

🎯SPORTS BETTING
💳PAYMENTS, FRAUD, AML
🛠️WORKSHOPS
🤖AI
🇪🇺EUROPEAN REGULATIONS

More specifically: 

An inclusion of sports betting topics and profiles.

• The Growth of Niche Sports: Betting Trends, Analytics, and New Opportunities – Explore how niche sports are reshaping betting markets through advanced analytics, new audience engagement, and increased accessibility.
• Mastering Cross-Selling: Data Insights on Casino, Sports, and Retail Integration – Discover how top companies use data-driven cross-selling strategies across casino, sports, and retail to maximise player engagement 
• Live Sports in a Streaming World: Balancing Real-Time Action and Accessibility – Examine the challenges of delivering real-time betting and gamified experiences in a streaming-driven world while ensuring accessibility, affordability, and innovation.

More content on payments, fraud, AML, and all the related themes.

• Open Banking in Europe: The Disruptor Transforming Payments and Affordability – Explore whether open banking is truly “revolutionising” payments or if its challenges outweigh the hype.
• Crypto Myth-Busting and Trends: How to Invest Wisely and Avoid Common Pitfalls – Separate fact from fiction in crypto investing, uncover key trends, and learn smart strategies to navigate the evolving digital asset landscape.
• Redefining Fraud Prevention – Discover how advanced technology and industry collaboration are transforming fraud prevention and AML efforts to protect operators and players in regulated environments.

More workshops (yes, in-depth exploration of topics with practical tips)! Here are some of my favourites:

VIP Acquisition, Retention, and Growth – Learn how to acquire, retain, and grow VIP audiences while navigating regulatory challenges, market trends, and marketing strategies for maximum business impact.

Game Artist Workshop – Explore the latest trends in game graphics, design techniques, and emerging technologies with leading industry experts to enhance your creative skills.

Combatting Bonus Abuse – Understand the risks of bonus abuse, its impact on revenue, and how effective planning, safeguards, and cross-team collaboration can optimize promotional strategies.

Customer Service in Gaming – Discover how customer service teams can identify problem gambling through real-time interactions, develop essential skills, and provide responsible support.

What Does Empowerment Truly Look Like? – Through real-life anonymous experiences, experts discuss the do’s and don’ts of fostering empowerment in teams, friendships, and workplaces.

P.S. Love the inclusion of teams like customer support and fraud agents—definitely want to see more of that at industry events.

Greater emphasis on the world’s hottest topic—AI—through dedicated panels and its integration into various discussions across multiple tracks.

• How to Create a More Unique Campaign with AI Content – Discover how to use AI tools creatively to craft distinctive, engaging, and audience-tailored marketing campaigns in a competitive landscape.
• HR Trends 2025: Ensuring Wellbeing, AI Integration, and Retention – Explore how businesses in 2025 are prioritising employee wellbeing, integrating AI, and developing retention strategies to adapt to a rapidly evolving workforce.

Exploring the European regulatory markets with key discussions, including:

• UKGC Pledges to Lead Fight Against the Black Market – Explore the key findings of the UK Gambling Commission’s upcoming black market report, its impact on operators, and how increased levies and enforcement efforts are shaping the fight against illegal gambling.
• Italy’s New Gambling Licence Regime – With Italy’s new €7M license fees and stricter regulations set to reshape the market, this panel examines the challenges, opportunities, and future of sports betting in one of Europe’s most ambitious regulatory overhauls.
• Malta Gaming Authority 2025/2026: Building a Sustainable Gaming Future – Discover the MGA’s 2025/2026 sustainability strategy, focusing on enhanced compliance, AML measures, responsible gambling, and player protection to position Malta as a leader in gaming innovation.
• Solving Germany’s Black Market Crisis – This panel explores legal frameworks, collaborative strategies, and practical approaches for licensed operators to sustain legitimate business operations despite Germany’s increasingly complex regulatory landscape.

The Audience

SBC Summit Malta will attract a diverse range of companies spanning the entire iGaming ecosystem. In terms of numbers, there’s going to be 5,500 delegates present at the event.

• Affiliates, affiliate networks and streamers play a crucial role in discussions on acquisition and marketing strategies. Apply for a complimentary affiliate ticket.
• Operators—the hottest bunch at any industry event—will find plenty on offer, tailored to their specific areas of expertise and focus. Apply for a complimentary operator ticket.
• Game developers, aggregators and iGaming platform providers attend to showcase and explore innovations in casino content and technology
• Sports betting platform providers connect with operators looking to enhance their sportsbook offerings. 
• Data providers, CRM, and business intelligence firms bring insights into player behaviour, personalisation, and analytics-driven decision-making. 
• Additionally, payment providers, compliance tech firms, and identity verification solutions providers join to address key challenges in payments, fraud prevention, and regulatory requirements, making the summit a comprehensive meeting point for all aspects.

Suppliers can secure their ticket with an Early Bird discount, saving €200 here.

Historically, the event has attracted over 40% of decision-makers, ensuring a high-level networking environment. 

Attendees will connect with senior leaders including CEOs, COOs, Directors, and department heads. 

With such an influential crowd, the event guarantees prime opportunities for networking and strategic discussions.

This diversity of attendees will also be reflected in the floor plan, which is currently being developed to accommodate the interest we’ve been receiving after the rebrand.

In 2025, we will host 75 exhibitors and sponsors.

Want to sponsor or exhibit? Submit the form and our sales team will get back to you.

You can follow the floor plan updates here.

The Awards

CasinoBeats Summit used to be complemented by a special awards ceremony called the Game Developer Awards.

Given the event’s expanded scope, this is now changing, as a casino-only focus is no longer an option.

The new awards ceremony will be called SBC Awards Europe and will include all your favorite categories, covering everything from betting and gaming operators and affiliates to suppliers in game development, sports platforms, payments, CRM, and more.

However, as a nod to the Game Developer Awards, we’ll be keeping some of its previous categories. Stay tuned for more information and check your inbox for the nomination launch!

The Infinity party

The Infinity Party has been on fire since we first launched it last year in Lisbon, with epic sets from Darude, Don Diablo, and Miss Monique. 

Before SBC Summit Malta, it’s making its debut in Rio with Afrojack and Dubdogz, and then heading to Fort Lauderdale (with a surprise act that I cannot yet reveal). 

And yes, Malta is getting its own Infinity Party too, so, get ready for an unreal DJ set at the epic closing party.

Final thoughts

There’s definitely a lot more information to come on SBC Summit Malta and everything it has to offer—exciting conference agenda reveals, newly confirmed speakers, fresh exhibitors and sponsors, meetups on the expo floor, and, of course, epic parties and dinners at night. There’s a lot to look forward to!

So stay tuned, but for now, just remember—SBC Summit Malta is for everyone in this industry. And that includes you. 😊