Imagine Liverpool Football Club without Steven Gerrard.
Imagine the Chicago Bulls without Michael Jordan.
Imagine The Beatles without Ringo Starr.
It’s impossible, right? Some things are so just deeply intertwined that they end up defining one another.
Sports betting is not only one of the industry’s most profitable and long-standing sectors—accounting for 29% of Europe’s online gambling market—but it also strikes an emotional chord with millions of fans across the globe, connecting companies to players and helping to shape the modern sporting experience.
Rebranding CasinoBeats Summit to SBC Summit Malta—and expanding beyond a single vertical—gave us the opportunity to better include professionals working across this vibrant industry. Given that Malta is the European hub of gaming, home to countless companies and a strong community of sports betting professionals, this broader focus just made sense.
As a result, SBC Summit Malta now stands as a critical platform for sports betting professionals, offering a tailored educational programme, networking opportunities, and direct access to leading sportsbook operators, affiliates, and suppliers from across Europe.
Let’s dive into how SBC Summit Malta’s new sports betting focus can help you achieve the goals you’re after!
Sports Betting 101: Establish the Basics
By now, it’s clear: SBC Summit Malta is designed for sportsbook professionals who are serious about finding real solutions to real industry challenges.
But how exactly does SBC Summit Malta achieve this?
Well, SBC Summit Malta is set to aid sportsbook specialists on multiple fronts: education, product showcase and networking.
By focusing on these three key issues, sports betting-focused attendees will benefit from:
✔ Conference content built for sportsbooks & targeted market analysis: Explore niche sports markets, in-play betting evolution, and regulatory shifts —so you can stay profitable, compliant, and competitive.
✔ Meet the right tech & data providers: Discover next-gen sportsbook platforms, AI-driven risk management tools, leading affiliates and cutting-edge payment providers, enhancing speed, accuracy, and scalability.
✔ A business-first, deal-making environment: Unlike massive expos, SBC Summit Malta is highly focused, meaning no wasted time, just valuable meetings.
What does this mean for you?
Well, in short, it means whether you’re a Head of Trading, Sportsbook Director, Product Lead, or Risk Manager, there will be key market insights to glean and unforgettable networking opportunities to seize, no matter your specific area of expertise.
Who will be in attendance?
SBC Summit Malta is bringing together 6,000 industry stakeholders from all over Europe — a huge win for any sportsbook professional.
With the event’s focused, close-knit vibe and impressive attendee roster (over 39% of attendees are senior decision-makers like Founders, C-Level Execs, VPS, and Directors), this is one of the easiest places to spark game-changing partnerships and get your brand in front of the right people.
What really sets the event apart is the way it connects you directly with professionals from both established and emerging European markets. It’s a unique chance to dive into market-specific discussions—whether it’s trends, customer preferences, regulations, or any other topic on your mind.
On top of that, SBC Summit Malta will welcome 2,000 operators and 750 affiliates, setting the stage for plenty of high-value conversations and deal-making.
- If you’re a sportsbook operator, it’s a prime chance to team up with Europe’s best-performing affiliates, and suppliers such as DDD’s and data providers, trading and risk management platforms, sportsbook platform providers and more.
- If you’re an affiliate or supplier, you’ll have the ideal setting to build real relationships with some of the biggest sportsbooks out there.
Understanding Ticket Types
If you are a sports-betting stakeholder, your presence at the summit matters to everyone, from well-established affiliates to the most innovative suppliers on the scene.
And with a range of ticket options available, sports betting professionals can not only save on attendance costs but also leverage tickets strategically to invite key leads and strengthen networking efforts.
- Operator Pass: If you work for a sportsbook operator, you can attend completely FREE. Yes, you read that right — a full event pass at no cost! If you’re an operator, apply here!
- Affiliate Pass: Affiliates play a crucial role in a sportsbook operator’s marketing and customer acquisition strategy. Lucky, affiliates also receive complimentary passes, meaning you not only attend for free, but can also invite key partners or prospects to join you, putting powerful networking opportunities directly into your hands. Affiliates can click here to apply.
- EXPO+ PASS: Our newly introduced Expo+ Pass provides access to the exhibition floor and conference content for just €95 – a budget-friendly option for suppliers and service providers. This means even more networking opportunities with key partners across the supply chain. Click here to purchase your Expo+ Pass.
Word of warning: The Expo+ Pass does not include access to networking events, so those looking for the full experience may want to consider the Full Access Pass instead.
Conference: Sports Betting In the Spotlight
Running a profitable, compliant, and competitive sportsbook in today’s market isn’t easy.
You’re constantly balancing risk management, product differentiation, retention strategies, and evolving regulations—all while trying to stay ahead of sharp bettors and shifting player behaviours.
We get it. This is why, at SBC Summit Malta, you will find practical solutions to your biggest challenges by attending the newly introduced ‘Next Gen Sports Betting’ track.
Taking place on Thursday, 12th June, the second core day of the event, the tailored programme will tackle a number of crucial challenges such as enhancing player engagement, navigating regulatory shifts and enhancing brand awareness.
Challenge 1: Stand Out in a Crowded Market
- The Growth of Niche Sports → Learn how new sports markets and advanced analytics can give you an edge. Read more.
Challenge 2: Adapt to Regulatory Disruption
- The Changing Landscape of Sports & Lotteries → Get ahead of market shifts and learn how mergers, acquisitions, and new competitors will impact the industry. Read more.
Challenge 3: Retain Players as Engagement Habits Change
- Football – Is In-Play Betting Slipping Away? → Understand how short-form content and influencer-driven analysis are reshaping football betting engagement. Read more.
Challenge 4: Future-Proof Your Sportsbook Tech
- Modularisation of Sportsbook Platforms → Explore how customisable, plug-and-play solutions can help you scale faster, test new products, and stay agile. Read more.
Challenge 5: Keeping Up to Date with Industry Shifts
- What’s Next for Sports Betting? → Discover the latest player trends, behaviour shifts and technology trends impacting the future of sports betting. Read more.
Top Tip: Use the SBC Connect App to view the online agenda, star your favourite sessions and get your educational plan in place! (Available from 12th May)
European Market Analysis
As SBC’s dedicated European event, the conference agenda will also explore a diverse range of key European markets, addressing both regulated and emerging regions that hold significant potential for the sports betting industry.
Additionally, with the conference agenda featuring 250 industry experts, you’re hearing invaluable market insights from influential figures who know the market best!
Here’s a breakdown of the markets covered:
- Italy – Discussions on the new gambling licence regime, its impact on operators, and how it will shape the market. Read more.
- Germany – Analysis of channelisation challenges and the black market impact on regulated online gambling. Read more.
- Malta – A deep dive into the Malta Gaming Authority’s (MGA) 2025/2026 strategy, focusing on sustainability, compliance, and innovation. Read more.
- Curaçao – A six-month review of the new LOK licensing framework, assessing how compliance, responsible gaming, and crypto regulations have evolved. Read more.
- Also, we’ll have a panel on “Black, Grey, and New Regulated Markets: Navigating the Shifting Regulatory Landscape,” which will reference the following markets: Netherlands, Finland, Brazil, Philippines, and New Zealand. Read more.
Workshop to watch:
- Why Betting on Esports Isn’t Dead. It’s Just Beginning? – The evolution of esports betting vs. traditional sports betting, with a focus on growing markets and new product innovations. Read more.
- How to Launch & Run a Successful Betting or Gaming Operation – An essential start-up guide, covering everything you need to know—from choosing the right platform and licensing requirements to market selection and cost considerations. Read more.
View the full conference agenda here.
Exhibition Floor
SBC Summit Malta’s show floor is set to host 75 leading brands from across Europe, including notable operators, affiliates, and suppliers.
For sports betting professionals, this is the perfect opportunity to stay on top of the latest industry developments, cutting-edge sportsbook enhancements, and the chance to engage in conversations with desirable affiliates and suppliers.
Notable names to look out for on the show floor include: Aurum Solutions, BetConstruct, BluOr Bank, BridgerPay, FXMB, Guru Pay, and Payhound, among many others!
Additionally, the show floor will offer delegates a number of dedicated networking areas, providing the perfect setting to engage in meaningful conversations away from the hustle and bustle of exhibition stands.
Dedicated networking facilities include:
- Casino Bar sponsored by Mascot Games (F80)
- Kalamba Games Networking Lounge (F110)
- Refreshments Area (F70) & (F95)
- SBC Connect Lounge (F130)
- Synot Games Coffee Bar (F50)
- Xtremepush Networking Lounge (F120)
Explore the full exhibition floor here.
Evening Networking
SBC Summit Malta’s dedicated networking events are also a key part of the experience, giving sports betting professionals a powerful tool to connect, collaborate, and make things happen.
For those with an operator/affiliate pass or a full event pass, you will have the chance to attend the following networking events:
- SBC Summit Malta Opening Party (Collect your badge ahead of the event!)
Date: Tuesday, 10 June 2025:
Location: Infinity by Hugos - THE INFINITY Malta (With Galantis headlining!)
Date: Wednesday 11 June 2025
Location: Aria Complex - SBC Summit Malta Official Closing Party (Celebrate the week’s achievements!)
Date: Thursday, 12 June 2025
Location: Open Waters
With complimentary drinks and canapes, incredible music, and an unforgettable atmosphere, SBC Summit Malta’s evening networking events will provide ample opportunities to strike meaningful conversations with affiliates and suppliers and ultimately secure those crucial deals.
Want to make the best of this event? Here are some handy networking tips.
- Use the SBC Connect App – Download the app as soon as it’s available to browse attendees, exhibitors, and sponsors. Use it to schedule meetings in advance.
Plan Your Meetings in Advance – Identify key people and companies you want to connect with and reach out early to set up meetings. Don’t wait until the last minute! - Have a Clear Elevator Pitch – Be prepared to introduce yourself concisely—who you are, what you do, and why you’re attending.
- Be Strategic on the Show Floor – Plan your booth visits, mark down key exhibitors, and ensure you maximise your time instead of wandering aimlessly.
- Join Side Events & Meetups – Many require an RSVP, so check the event schedule and register early to secure your spot.
- Attend Evening Networking Events – These are free for operator attendees and offer the perfect setting to build relationships in a relaxed atmosphere. (Keep an eye out for information on our invite-only Operator Dinner.)
- Engage with Speakers & Panellists – Don’t just listen—ask questions, introduce yourself after their session.
- Leverage LinkedIn – Before the event, connect with key attendees and share a post announcing that you’ll be attending. Use event hashtags to increase visibility.
- Bring Business Cards (or Digital Contact Info) – Some people still prefer physical cards, but having a QR code to your LinkedIn or website is also a great way to share details quickly.
- Follow Up After the Event – Don’t let good connections go to waste. Send a personal follow-up message to the people you met to keep the conversation going.
Common Pain Points Addressed
By now, we hope you’re on the same page with us — SBC Summit Malta really is a must-attend event for anyone looking to take their sportsbook strategy to the next level.
That said, we know there might still be a few lingering concerns. So let’s put them on the table and clear things up. Below are some of the most common ‘pain points’ we hear — along with some solid reasons why they shouldn’t hold you back.
“I don’t learn anything new from conferences.”
If that’s how you feel, that’s exactly why you should come to SBC Summit Malta. You’ll hear from industry leaders tackling real challenges, from modular sportsbook platforms to new engagement strategies in niche sports and in-play betting. We have an entire track dedicated to this!
“I have a sporting event, I’m needed in the office.”
While you’re putting out fires at work, your competitors are building new partnerships, testing new technologies, and getting direct insights from regulators that will shape the next 12 months. Can you afford to miss that?
“All events are the same”
SBC Summit Malta is a more intimate, highly focused event. Unlike crowded trade shows, it’s designed for meaningful discussions with C-level executives, sportsbook directors, traders, and top tech providers. With a targeted audience and structured networking, you get high-value meetings without the chaos.
“Networking isn’t my priority.”
Fair enough, but business growth is—and that’s what networking is really about. Whether it’s solving a technical challenge with a supplier, finding new risk management solutions, or exploring an emerging betting market, SBC Summit Malta puts you in the room with the right people who can help your sportsbook grow.
Final Thoughts
SBC Summit Malta serves as a crucial platform for any sportsbook professional.
Through tailored educational opportunities, an industry-spanning show floor, and dedicated networking events with leading figures from across Europe, sports betting stakeholders will gain the insights, connections, and exposure needed to drive real business growth.
Whether you’re looking to stay ahead of market trends, form powerful partnerships, or simply be part of the conversations shaping the future of sports betting, SBC Summit Malta is the place to be.
