SBC Summit 2025 is shaping up to be the ultimate global iGaming conference — and our most international event to date.
With attendees from 134 countries, last year’s summit was a powerful reflection of the global scale and influence of the sports betting and iGaming industries.
What made it even more exciting was the influx of newcomers to the SBC community, with first-time delegates joining us from every corner of the globe, from the Caribbean and the Middle East to Asia, the Pacific, and sub-Saharan Africa.
As we look ahead to this year’s edition, which is set to welcome 30,000 attendees, this blog explores the incredible international momentum behind the event, the surge in regional participation, and a major new feature in the conference agenda that reinforces our commitment to a truly global perspective.
Top Countries by Company Representation at SBC Summit
Portugal, our host country, led the pack with the highest number of companies in attendance, showcasing the nation’s rapidly growing role as a European hub for gaming and innovation.
The United Kingdom and Malta followed closely behind, bringing deep regulatory expertise and a powerful mix of operators, suppliers, and service providers.
Emerging powerhouse Brazil made a big impact, with a strong presence of local operators and platforms reflecting the country’s explosive growth following regulatory developments.
Meanwhile, Spain also stood out with a wide range of companies covering everything from tech to content and compliance.
Ukraine and Cyprus reinforced their status as key players in gaming tech and affiliate marketing, while Nigeria marked Africa’s most notable representation, spotlighting the region’s fast-growing mobile-first market.
The United States brought a mix of innovative startups and major players eyeing European partnerships.
Northern and Eastern Europe were also strongly represented, with Poland, Sweden, Estonia, and Bulgaria all showing the strength and diversity of the continent’s gaming ecosystem.
Major European economies like Germany, Italy, France, and Denmark rounded out the top contributors, highlighting SBC Summit’s position as the global crossroads for decision-makers, disruptors, and industry leaders.
Interesting detail: In terms of delegates, Portugal (unsurprisingly) has seen the biggest surge in delegate numbers, with a remarkable 480.7% increase compared to last year. This local momentum, paired with strong growth from Brazil (+154.8%) and Cyprus (+68.3%), showcased the deepening engagement of these markets.
A Record Number of Countries Joined our Global iGaming Conference in 2024
SBC Summit 2024 welcomed first-time delegates from 27 new countries, further establishing its reputation as a truly global iGaming conference.
- Saudi Arabia
- Pakistan
- Morocco
- New Zealand
- Jamaica
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Zambia
- Belize
- Bangladesh
- Liechtenstein
This level of global engagement signals a powerful message.
SBC Summit is a TRULY international gathering that transcends borders and brings together decision-makers from EVERY CORNER of the world.
Record-Breaking Growth Across Continents
It’s not just the diversity of countries that stands out.
It’s also the remarkable surge in delegate numbers across several key regions.
Compared to 2023:
- Latin America & the Caribbean experienced a 126% increase, with 25 countries represented, including Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Peru, Uruguay, and the Dominican Republic.
- Asia saw an 80% jump, with representation from 30 countries such as the Philippines, India, Turkey, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, and the United Arab Emirates.
- Africa grew by 45%, with 29 nations in attendance — including South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Morocco, Ghana, Uganda, Tanzania, and Zambia.
- North America recorded a 127% increase in delegate numbers.
Small But Mighty: The Role of Microstates in the Global iGaming Ecosystem
While they may be tiny in size, these microstates and small nations punch well above their weight in the global gambling industry.
From licensing giants to luxury casino destinations, these countries prove that influence isn’t always measured in square kilometers.
- Malta: A trailblazer in online gambling regulation, Malta is home to the respected Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and hundreds of iGaming operators and platforms.
- Isle of Man: With strong player protections and a business-friendly setup, the Isle of Man’s GSC license is a trusted choice for major betting operators.
- Gibraltar: A key base for top UK-facing brands, Gibraltar offers a robust legal framework and tax perks, attracting both established and emerging operators.
- Curaçao: A long-time offshore licensing hub. In 2024, major reforms are boosting transparency and reshaping its reputation.
- Cyprus: A growing hub for regulated betting and affiliate networks, especially in Limassol and Nicosia, with a mix of local talent and business incentives.
- Monaco: Known for its luxury Monte Carlo Casino, Monaco is a global symbol of elite, land-based gaming, driven by tourism.
- Saint Kitts and Nevis: An emerging player in crypto-friendly gaming licenses, appealing to startups and digital-first ventures.
Conference: Two Dedicated Stages for a Truly Global iGaming Conference Experience
For a truly global event, staying ahead of international trends and regional shifts isn’t optional. It’s essential.
That’s why this year, we’re excited to introduce a major evolution to our conference format — two dedicated stages, each focused on the world’s most critical markets.
Stage One: Global Markets: This stage focuses on the most mature and influential regions shaping the gaming and betting ecosystem today:
- Western Europe: Get updates on shifting regulations, advertising trends, and key innovations in markets like the UK, Spain, Italy, Germany, and beyond
- Latin America & Brazil: From Brazil’s booming potential to Colombia’s regulatory leadership, we’ll dive into the region’s rapid rise and investor appeal.
- North America: Hear from leading operators, regulators, and affiliates driving the US and Canadian markets, with updates on state-by-state developments and consumer trends.
This stage will gather C-level executives, compliance experts, and strategists with boots on the ground in these markets, offering attendees a roadmap of where the industry is now and where it’s going.
Stage Two: Emerging Markets: On this stage, we’ll spotlight dynamic regions that are fast becoming the next frontiers for industry growth:
- Africa: From mobile-first betting to localised gaming content, Africa’s unique market conditions demand tailored strategies.
- Eurasia & Middle East: Gain insight into complex regulatory environments, untapped audiences, and culturally specific market behaviours.
- Asia: With its tech-driven user base and rapidly evolving frameworks, Asia remains one of the most exciting (and challenging) markets to enter and thrive in.
This stage is your gateway to exploring opportunities in less saturated but highly promising regions. Experts will unpack legal frameworks, payment infrastructure, cultural nuances, and more.
So whether you’re looking to strengthen your presence in a well-established region or expand into high-growth territories, we’ve built an agenda designed to give you the insights, access, and edge you need.
Why We’re Doing This
The gaming and betting world isn’t one-size-fits-all.
Growth, opportunity, and challenges vary drastically by geography, and to stay competitive, you need nuanced, region-specific insights. Our updated conference setting reflects this need.
By splitting the agenda across two focused stages, Global Markets and Emerging Markets, we’re giving attendees the chance to tailor their experience and deepen their understanding of the markets that matter most to them.
Whether you’re an operator looking to expand, a supplier assessing entry strategies, or an investor scouting the next big opportunity, this new format ensures you’re plugged into the pulse of the entire global ecosystem.
See You in Lisbon
With delegates from every corner of the world, a record-breaking surge in international participation, and a renewed commitment to delivering region-specific insights, SBC Summit 2025 will be a truly global experience.
These two dedicated stages are just one of the many ways we’re evolving to meet the needs of our ever-growing international community.
Join us on 16-18 September in Lisbon and be part of the industry’s most influential, inclusive, and insightful summit to date.
You can purchase your Early Bird ticket, gaining you access to four days of networking, exhibition, and conference content for the discounted price of €400 ( a discount of €200 off a standard ticket).
Additionally, you can purchase our ‘Expo+ Pass’ for €95. This pass grants you access to the conference and exhibition only.
Operators and affiliates can apply for complimentary passes.
