January 1st marks a historic milestone for the Brazilian gambling market.
After years of setbacks, regulatory hurdles, and delays, Brazil is finally ready to launch.
This milestone will grant millions of Brazilian players access to safe and secure products, while paving the way for a surge of new operators, affiliates, products and services.
Just two months after this pivotal moment, SBC Summit Rio will take place at Riocentro in Rio de Janeiro from February 25 to 27, 2025, marking the industry’s first major gathering following the launch.
This Brazil-focused event will offer delegates three dynamic days filled with networking opportunities, engaging educational sessions, and an expansive show floor.
To gain a clearer perspective on this dynamic and rapidly evolving market, we spoke with Sofia Pinto, Conference Producer at SBC, who offered an exclusive glimpse into the insightful topics set to be covered across the upcoming SBC Summit Rio conference program.
SBC: Hi Sofia, thank you for sitting down with us to discuss the agenda! As we approach the second edition of SBC Summit Rio, what key lessons did you take from the inaugural 2024 event? Were there any unexpected challenges, and how are you addressing them for 2025?
Sofia Pinto (Conference Producer, SBC): The 2024 event taught us the value of fostering deeper local connections and tailoring our content to reflect regional trends. A key takeaway from last year’s event was the demand for regulatory-focused topics and the inclusion of professionals directly involved in the decision-making process.
For 2025, we’re building on this attendee feedback to create an even more impactful agenda, shaped by industry experts in each field, directly addressing the questions you want answered. Now featuring a Superstage and four conference stages, there’s something for every sector!
SBC: From a conference producer’s perspective, what would you say are the three most important questions this year’s agenda will address?
SP: This year is all about the regulatory changes and their impact across key industry areas from the payments sector to affiliation and marketing, technology, sports, iGaming and player protection.
With these industry verticals in focus, the three main questions will address:
1 – Regulatory impact and adaptation: How is regulation changing?
2 – Sustainable strategies: How will the industry evolve, particularly through tech-driven innovations?
3 – Market entry: What is the strategy for success?
SBC: The 2025 edition of SBC Summit Rio will introduce two new summits, including the Affiliate Leaders Summit. Could you share what delegates can expect from this specialized affiliate conference?
SP: The Affiliate Leaders Summit’s dedicated stage will highlight Brazil’s bold approach to affiliation.
The region is known for its emphasis on social platforms and celebrity endorsements, distinguishing it from more “traditional” strategies of established markets.
However, with new guidelines in place, strategies remain a topic for debate.
The summit will offer both veterans and newcomers a platform to explore fresh ideas and shape the future of affiliate marketing.
Beyond the content, the Affiliate Leaders Summit serves as the ideal space to connect with key players in affiliation and build valuable partnerships.
SBC: How did you approach crafting the Payment Expert Summit agenda? What topics can delegates expect?
SP: Payments are especially important this year due to the substantial regulatory changes.
With Pix now established as Brazil’s sole government-approved payment method, delegates can look forward to in-depth discussions on technology integration, compliance updates, payment solutions, KYC strategies, fintech innovations and AML protocols.
Additionally, the summit will explore the implications of the crypto ban and alternative payment options.
SBC: With 200 expert speakers slated to participate, can we expect any new profiles this year?
SP: Absolutely! This year, we’re thrilled to welcome a diverse range of new profiles to the stage.
Alongside our industry leaders, we’re bringing in voices from outside the sector to provide fresh perspectives, including senators and legal experts who have played an instrumental role in shaping the Brazilian gambling law.
On the regulatory and enforcement front, we will welcome figures like a Tax Auditor from the Federal Revenue Service, the Director of Investigation and Organised crime from the Federal Police, and the Coordinator of Tax Matters at the Office of the Attorney General.
Sports enthusiasts can also look forward to insights from professionals representing local football teams, including the Head of Commercial Activations at Botafogo and Fellipe Drommond, the CEO of Magnus Futsal.
With the conference agenda tripling in size, we have ample space to feature these new profiles and host more niche, in-depth discussions.
SBC: 2024 has seen a surge of brands looking to establish themselves in this extremely promising market. How does the conference agenda support brands entering the Brazilian market for the first time?
SP: Our regular attendees already know that our conference space is designed to foster connections, and the 2025 Rio Summit will be no different.
Our content provides valuable insights into local dynamics, localisation strategies, M&As, consumer behaviour—the list goes on! We aimed to give attendees the opportunity to learn from those who have already navigated and established themselves in the market. Learning from the experiences of others ultimately helps delegates create their own roadmap for market entry success.
SBC: Looking at the agenda I noticed various panels focused on traditional verticals such as land-based casinos, lotteries, and horse racing. Why do you think it is vital to include these sectors in the agenda’s discussions?
SP: These sectors remain foundational pillars of the industry, especially in a dynamic market where even “slow-moving” sectors must prepare for change.
For some, such as horse racing, discussions will focus on opportunities for innovation.
For others, like land-based casinos, the emphasis will be on the potential impact of future regulations. The newly regulated online market could spur shifts affecting all industry verticals, making it crucial to stay ahead of developments across the board.
SBC: While a major stage of regulation is complete In Brazil, operators, suppliers, and affiliates entering Brazil still face significant challenges. Will there be dedicated panels on regulation and compliance to address these ongoing concerns?
SP: Yes, given the current market dynamics, regulation will be a key focus of this year’s agenda.
We have a dedicated conference stage that will cover both regulation and player protection over the two days of the event. On top of that, the other conference tracks will delve into regulatory changes and their potential impact on their respective sectors, ensuring meaningful regulatory discussions for all stakeholders involved.
Attendees can also explore topics such as taxation and legal security, lottery regulation, land-based reputation, Loterj’s pathway, state vs. federal issues, strategies for player protection, and creating a more sustainable and compliant gaming environment.
To top it all off, you’ll hear insights from key figures within the federal government and have the opportunity to participate in an “Ask the Experts” session, where your questions will lead the discussion. This means that if, after two days, you still have questions on regulation, you can address them directly to the experts!
SBC: This year’s conference promises a variety of exciting panels. On a personal note, which panels are you most looking forward to and why?
SP: That’s a tough question, as I’ve spent months curating the perfect agenda! While every panel is unique, I’m looking forward to the discussion on social media marketing.
Influencers in Brazil are adapting to new compliance guidelines, marking a major shift in one of the region’s most impactful marketing channels. I’m eager to see how the industry plans to adapt and how these strategies will differ from those in other markets.
Panel to watch: From Insta-Fame to Insta-Compliance: Influencers Adapt to New Regulations
SBC: What are the key takeaways you hope attendees will leave with after this year’s conference?
SP: Ultimately, it’s about fostering growth, innovation and collaboration.
I hope attendees leave the conference with a clear understanding of the regulatory landscape and actionable next steps.
With the market in its prime and regulations emerging during and after the event, this is the perfect time to build and strengthen key connections. The conference is packed with opportunities waiting to be seized!
Secure your spot at the upcoming SBC Summit Rio with our ‘Early Bird Special’, granting access to all three core days of the event, including the exhibition floor, conference content, and evening networking parties, all for the discounted price of just R$1500.
Additionally, operators and affiliates can apply for free passes to the event. If you are an operator, you can apply for a free pass here, if you are an affiliate, you can apply for a free pass here.
You can keep up-to-date with the latest news, speakers & exhibitor additions, and conference content by subscribing to the bi-weekly SBC Summit Rio LinkedIn Newsletter.