Often armed with a congregation of dedicated fans, the door has opened for everyday people to build their name  by broadcasting themselves chatting, playing video games or placing wagers on an online casino. 

As online casino operators and suppliers have recognised the impact that streamers can have on exposure and acquisition, we spoke to Shane Roberts, a Kick streamer otherwise known as SH4NE_R, at SBC Summit to discuss how live streamed content has changed the marketing game.

Roberts explained how COVID had a seismic impact on streaming viewership, stating that “since the COVID era finished, we see a lot of people going online, watching a lot of short-form videos, YouTube, and a lot of the younger generation enjoy watching streamers rather than sitting down and watching soap operas or films. 

“During COVID,” he continued, “We had a huge spike with our stats, with our viewers, with our followers, because unfortunately everyone was stuck at home. People were gaming, people started watching Fortnite or Call or Duty streams or went to casinos to watch us rather than spend their own money.

“I think for streaming as a platform at the moment, we’re doing incredibly well. I think the industry is pushing towards streamers, especially in marketing with streamers because we are the face of a lot of casinos, rather than these advertisements that you’d get on TV with not many people watching. 

“We’re going up and up, I think there’s no stopping us now.” 

Describing the impact that Twitch regulation changes in 2022 had on himself and the rest of the casino streaming industry, Roberts said: “It was very difficult at the very start. I was originally streaming on Twitch and once we were told we were no longer allowed to stream on there, Kick was a new streaming platform that not many people knew about. 

“I think with Kick, the trust was built quite quickly because of the names and top streamers that all went over. It expanded dramatically and quickly and then got known for being where the streamers are for casinos.”

As many companies within the online casino industry have begun to form partnerships with slot streamers to produce content or represent certain brands, Roberts suggested that this form of branded content is “definitely something the viewers like”. 

“The viewers are our life and soul so expanding into producing a game, say a SH4NE_R game, with features that I like and my viewers like is very good, and probably very profitable to begin with. 

“The only issue we have seen with things like this in the past is that games like this, just like other games, get old. 

“Maybe if you were to continue releasing new games, or your own brand of slots where your face is on the slot and you’re releasing games weekly, or every other month, then I think it’s something that is definitely doable.” 

To hear Roberts discuss how the casino streaming industry aims to promote responsible gambling, and how the growth of slot streaming can continue, click here to watch the video above.

The post ‘There’s no stopping us now’ – the rise of slot streaming with SH4NE_R appeared first on CasinoBeats.

The event will host its last edition at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino from October 29-31, with 4,000 attendees gathering to explore the latest in Latin American sports betting and igaming.

The show will offer three days of premier networking opportunities, product exhibitions and educational panels. Next year, SBC will relocate the event to Fort Lauderdale, combining SBC Summit Latinoamérica and SBC Summit North America into a newly-branded SBC Summit Americas.

Running across Wednesday and Thursday, the conference will feature three stages in parallel, with over 200 industry leaders and speakers addressing topics ranging from leadership and sports betting to igaming, media, affiliation, advertising, lotteries, land-based casinos, emerging technology, payments and compliance.

In addition to keynote speaker René Higuita, Colombian motor racing talent Tatiana Calderón will also take the stage to discuss the transformative potential of collaboration and Iraja Abreu (Senator, Province of Toncantins) will outline the key steps and regulatory requirements for operators and stakeholders to apply for and secure land-based casino licenses in Brazil.

Key figures such as Alexandre Fonseca (CEO Brazil, Superbet), Dr Evert Montero Cárdenas (Presidente, Fecoljuegos), Elizabeth Maya Cano (Presidente, Cornazar), German Sarmiento (CEO, Mexbet), Gonzalo Pérez (CEO, Apuesta Total), JD Duarte (CEO, Betcris), João Gerçossimo (CEO, EstrelaBet), Martín García Santillan (Gerente General, Loteria de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires – LOTBA), Sebastián Salazar (CEO, Estelar Bet), and Xabier Maribona (CEO, Grupo Retabet) will also bring their insights on Latin American markets.

The exhibition will bring together over 70 leading regional and international brands from various sectors, including key players such as Altenar, Aviatrix, BetConstruct, Betcris, Better Collective, Digitain, EveryMatrix, Evolution, Fast Track, iGP, Kaizen Gaming, Logifuture, OKTO, Pragmatic Play and Sportingtech, among others.

Networking will remain a top priority at SBC Summit Latinoamérica, with multiple opportunities to build connections during the day on the expo floor and through exclusive evening events. The summit will open on Tuesday with a spectacular Opening Party at the DAER Day Club. Wednesday’s networking highlight is the Official Party at Chase Stadium, with the week culminating in the Spooky Closing Party at Entice Nightclub on Thursday.

Rasmus Sojmark, CEO & Founder of SBC, said: “We are thrilled to bring together such a remarkable lineup of speakers, exhibitors, sponsors, and attendees for the final edition of SBC Summit Latinoamérica at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. This year’s event, with over 4,000 industry professionals, truly reflects the tremendous growth and innovation shaping the Latin American sports betting and igaming markets.

“It’s a testament to the region’s increasing influence on the global stage, and we are proud to provide a platform where leaders can share insights, forge new partnerships, and showcase the latest advancements in technology, products, and services.”

As the Latin American online gambling market continues to expand, SBC Summit Latinoamérica will provide the perfect setting to capitalize on this booming sector. The event will focus on addressing key challenges like regulatory shifts and opportunities like market expansion, drawing input from regulators, operators, affiliates, suppliers, and industry associations across LATAM. 

With over 1,300 operator representatives attending, including 43% senior decision-makers, this event promises to be an unparalleled platform for fostering partnerships and gaining insight into the region’s growth potential.

Please note that a separate ticket is required to attend the SBC Awards Latinoamérica ceremony. You can find the available table and ticket options here.

For groups of three or more, you can purchase the ‘Group Pass’ gaining you access to both days of SBC Summit Latinoamérica for the discounted price of  $400 per person.

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 LinkedIn Newsletter.

The post SBC Summit Latinoamérica set to deliver final edition at Seminole Hard Rock appeared first on CasinoBeats.

The keynote titled ‘Fearless Football: René Higuita’s Game-Changing Impact’ will kick off the conference programme on Wednesday, 30 October, the first core day of the event, which is scheduled to take place at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino from 29-31 October.

Andrea Rossi, Commercial Director at Betsson LatAm, will lead the interview. Earlier this year, Betsson named Higuita their brand ambassador and collaborated with SBC to bring the iconic goalkeeper to the SBC Summit Latinoamérica stage.

Higuita will provide delegates with a firsthand account of his experience as a professional footballer in South America, detailing his innovative approach to goalkeeping, the world-renowned ‘scorpion kick’ and his decision to play primarily in South America throughout his career.

Additionally, Higuita will discuss the powerful lessons his journey offers for driving change, challenging conventions and staying ahead in today’s fast-evolving sports landscape.

Ahead of his appearance at the event, Higuita stated: “Over the past decade, sports fans have gained unprecedented access to more games than ever before, alongside detailed athlete analytics and the ability to express opinions on social media globally. Having observed the evolution of football and the broader sporting landscape over the past fifty years, I am excited to offer delegates an exclusive insight into the world of South American football and the rich cultural developments that have shaped it.”

Born in Medellín, Colombia, Higuita began his football career in 1985 when he joined the Colombian football team Millonarios. Although his time at the club would only last one season, it was a notable season for Higuita, scoring seven goals in just 16 appearances, a notable feat considering his role as a goalkeeper. 

In 1986, Higuita moved to Atlético Nacional where he made 112 appearances and was first called up to international duty for the 1989 Copa America and the 1990 Fifa World Cup, where he played an instrumental role in Colombia making the round of 16 for the first time in the country’s history. 

A year after returning from the 1990 World Cup, Higuita moved to Real Valladolid where he played for two seasons, before returning to Atlético Nacional in 1993. In 1997, he moved to Veracruz and in 1999, the same year as his final international call-up for the 1999 Copa America, Higuita joined Independiente Medellín, where he scored 11 goals in 20 appearances. 

In his final decade of professional football, Higuita would play for several South American clubs, including Real Cartagena (2000–2001), Atlético Junior (2001–2002), Deportivo Pereira (2002–2003), Aucas (2004), Guaros FC (2007) and Deportivo Rionegro (2008), before retiring at Deportivo Pereira in 2009. 

After retiring from competitive football, Higuita transitioned into a career in professional coaching. In December 2008, he was appointed as the goalkeeper coach for his former club, Real Valladolid. He later joined Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr FC, where he served from 2011 to 2016. In 2017, Higuita realized a dream return to Atlético Nacional, taking on the role of goalkeeping coach at the club where he spent many of his formative years as a player.

Rasmus Sojmark, CEO & Founder of SBC said: “As a huge football fan, it’s an incredible honour to have such a legendary player at SBC Summit Latinoamérica. Higuita is widely credited with pioneering the ‘sweeper keeper’ role, transforming the position with his bold style of play and inspiring millions.

“With his vast experience in leadership, risk-taking, and maintaining remarkable control, Higuita redefined what it means to be a goalkeeper. He’s the perfect figure to inspire delegates in the sports betting and iGaming industry to take calculated risks, push boundaries, and innovate their respective fields.”

For groups of three or more, you can purchase the ‘Group Pass’ gaining you access to both days of SBC Summit Latinoamérica for the discounted price of  $400 per person. 

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.

The post SBC Summit Latinoamérica: Original ‘Sweeper Keeper’ René Higuita to keynote appeared first on CasinoBeats.

The upcoming SBC Summit Latinoamérica presents a unique opportunity for 4,000 delegates to explore these transformations, understand evolving player behaviours, and gain insights that can help them modernize their offerings through the dedicated ‘Lotteries, Casinos & iGaming’ track.

The specialised track is scheduled for 31 October, the final day of Latin America’s leading iGaming and sports betting event, hosted at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Miami.

Attendees can look forward to a series of discussions, including key takeaways from the recent Copa America soccer tournament and their potential to enhance customer engagement, strategies for lottery operators to attract younger audiences, an exploration of the rapidly growing Brazilian lottery market, and much more.

Rasmus Sojmark, CEO & Founder of SBC said: “Lotteries and land-based casinos have long been the foundation of our industry. While it’s natural that much of the focus is now on new digital products and services, we shouldn’t overlook the huge potential for innovation in these well-established sectors.

The upcoming ‘Lotteries, Casinos & iGaming’ track will shine a light on the impressive success these verticals continue to enjoy, helping attendees discover new ways to unlock their potential, drive growth and boost engagement..” 

Opening the track is the session titled ‘Converging worlds of iGaming, Sports betting, & Land-Based Casinos’, which will examine the influence of online platforms on the Latin American gaming market.

Featuring experts Jhon Mario Giraldo (President Board of Directors, CORNAZAR ), Fernando Ortega (CEO, Lottofy), Arturo Chaltelt (Business Development Manager LATAM, EveryMatrix), Juan Jose Mantese (Director Latam, MeridianBet) and panel moderator Natalia Torres (Senior Commercial Manager, Evolution Gaming), the panel will explore how casino-first, sports betting and multi-brand operators are likely to perform as more countries regulate iGaming alongside sports betting.

The discussion will also address how brands can secure market share and whether the industry will witness continued M&A activity in this evolving landscape.

The panel titled ‘Copa America 2024 Insights and Learnings’ will delve into the key takeaways from the 2024 tournament. Featuring industry specialist Ignacio Iturraspe (Sales Director, StatsPerform), the discussion will cover how operators leveraged the tournament to create unique betting markets and attract new customers, and strategies for delivering engaging content.

Additionally, the panel will cover the tournament’s impact on both player and team performance betting, and how these insights can be applied to enhance player engagement.

Providing delegates with optimal strategies to modernize lotteries is the panel titled ‘Innovating Lotteries: Embracing Tech, Digital, and AI Advancements’. During this panel, industry experts will explore how Latin American lotteries can harness cutting-edge technologies, digital platforms, and artificial intelligence to transform their operations and elevate player experiences.

The discussions will cover the latest trends and innovations shaping the lottery sector, the role of AI in enhancing security and analytics, lotteries’ transition to digital platforms, and the use of data-driven strategies to engage and retain players.

Concluding the track is the panel titled ‘Lotto Insights – Analyzing Brazil’s Lottery Markets,’ which will explore the Brazilian lottery sector.

Expert speakers Wesley Cardia (Former President, National Association of Lottery Games (ANJL)), Ana Clara Barros (Head of Legal, Sorte Online), Adriana Ferreira Tavares (Senior Associate, TozziniFreire Advogados), Filipe Rodrigues (Founder, Sports Management Institute (IGE)) and moderator Thiago Balieiro (VP of Compliance & People, Sorte Online) will discuss the rise of new state and municipal lotteries in Brazil and examine the market challenges.

Alongside the ‘Lotteries, Casinos & iGaming’ conference track, delegates will have the opportunity to expand their educational scope through dedicated programs covering leadership, sports betting & media, affiliates & advertising, emerging markets & technology and payments & compliance. 

Secure your spot at the upcoming SBC Summit Latinoamérica with our ‘Group Pass’ and enjoy a group discount for three or more attendees, saving $200 per ticket per person.

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 Latinoamérica LinkedIn Newsletter.

The post SBC Summit Latinoamérica: Exploring traditional verticals appeared first on CasinoBeats.

With operators required to sift thousands of games to find what their players desire, game developers are tasked with creating unique ways to push their content to the top of the pile and cement themselves as key figures in the industry. 

This challenge was put under the spotlight at SBC Summit as a panel addressed the current state of the online casino market to analyse the ways that studios are taking revolutionary business approaches to achieve long-term success. 

Moderated by CasinoBeats’ Danny Lee, the panel first questioned why developers are tasked with taking alternative and often challenging business strategies to gain prominence in the industry – as even the audience agreed by show of hands that it’s no mean feat. 

Dan Phillips, CEO at Playnetic, began by talking through the challenges facing new and emerging studios, pointing out that operators themselves are also turning to different strategies for uploading content, such as forming in-house studios. 

“I’m old enough to have seen the cycle of this industry,” he said. “Going from operators that understood their betting business, to using technology companies who could deliver everything else. 

“We’ve been through this cycle where it comes in-house, with operators deciding that they want to build their own games, before turning to out-sourcing again. 

“We have a lot of content suppliers out there, we have a hell of a lot of content out there. It’s about how you differentiate yourself, and how you keep yourself relevant.”

Phillips then referred to the strategies taken by Playnetic, an igaming supplier that burst onto the scene within the last year, to make a name for itself in an overcrowded industry. 

“What we’re trying to do is service operators at different levels, at the same rates, at the same time,” he continued. “We built three game studios to be able to do that, but that’s not necessarily easy for others to do so from the start. 

“To keep yourself relevant, frictionless, to be credible and to listen – there are some really fundamental things that studios need to do, and then you will get through to the operators. If you can show that you are delivering when you say you’re going to deliver, and it’s relevant to the market you want to work in, then I think you can make headway.”

Mia Nyland-Evers, Co-CEO at Omnigame, then jumped into the conversation. Faced with a question on the difficulties being faced by new studios, she emphasised that companies need to place players at the forefront of their practices. 

She commented: “In the end, something is happening now where everyone is forgetting the player. What does the player actually want? There are so many different things [for studios to consider], from aggregators to operators, people to help with marketing, they’re forgetting to actually ask what the player wants. 

“There are more and more game studios, and they come because – like also with our game studio – they come from a passion of wanting to make great games. But when the revenue share that you get from each deal you make is shared out to so many different ends of the rope, it’s so hard to make a business. It’s so hard. 

“When there are so many middle men that need to have something, then it’s a real struggle. What game studios then have to do is make games that are more cheap, and the quality isn’t there. 

“The player doesn’t want that, they want good quality games. Game studios need to be acknowledged more for the hard work they put in so they can make greater games.”

“Show me something innovative, something that is going to revolutionise customer behaviour”

Giorgi Gvenetadze, CCO at Adjarabet

The panel then moved onto analysing the different strategies and techniques that studios are using to push their games to the forefront of the industry, with Giorgi Gvenetadze, CCO at Adjarabet, explaining the approaches that his company appreciates as an operator. 

“We’re approached dozens of times each week, some of them my gaming team will meet and others we have to turn away. How do we filter them? The priorities for us, and I’m sure for the majority of other operators, is innovation within the games and mechanics, as well as the stability in the tech that the product is built on.

“There are plenty of other fish in the sea but not all the fish must look like the best ‘Big Bass Bonanza’ fish. We are receiving offers that say ‘oh my god we are creating a game that looks like your most popular game, but we will give you a better price’, for example. 

“I don’t care about the better price, because my users already play their favourite slot. Show me something new, show me something innovative, something that is going to revolutionise customer behaviour. 

“This is something that we have seen in the industry for the past couple of years. The innovation finally pays off. We see the boom of crash games – that was innovation. We saw the boom of bonus buys – that was innovation.”

Recalling that he himself has been in the seat of an operator before, Phillips was brought back into the conversation to provide a rebuttal for Gvenetadze’s desire for innovation, suggesting that it can be “a big challenge”. 

“I don’t disagree, but to say ‘show me the innovation’ can be a big challenge. It’s a process, because what might be innovation to me in one market may not be [innovation] for your markets. 

“I want to produce five or six good games every month. So you [operators] will know that you’ll get them from me every single month. And then, hopefully, one of those will become a hit. That’s how we’re approaching it, rather than trying to force innovation.”

The next panellist to question whether studios should approach operators with “the next best thing” was Andrew Reader, Partner at Venture Capital Partners LLP, a firm with a wealth of experience in investing in game studios.  

“I think a start-up studio, if they’re trying to differentiate themselves, shouldn’t necessarily come with ‘I’ve got the next best thing that hasn’t been seen’, because that’s very risky. 

“I’ve seen many graveyards of unfortunate studios that have tried that approach straight off-the-bat without the reputation, coming with something that hasn’t been seen before. It’s not impossible, but I wouldn’t be betting on it, or investing in it.”

To provide an alternative approach through experience with new studios gaining success in the oversaturated online casino industry, Reader suggested that unique insights, research and knowledge of narratives and trends can provide great selling points. 

“I think what they need to be doing is coming up with some unique insight into why they think a certain game has been successful. Not the ‘I’ve copied Big Bass Bonanza’ story, but ‘I’ve looked at that game and played it a lot and it’s a narrative that resonates with me and operators’.” 

Reader continued: “Say ‘these are the four or five mechanics or things that I think have done really well with that game, I understand that and I’ve actually incorporated that into this game. It looks and feels completely different, but I think it has all the same ingredients’, I think that’s a much more compelling narrative.”

Although operators are usually looking for new games to add to their platforms to encourage player acquisition and retention, many tier-one brands continue to look for gamification features that can support these metrics, often turning to free-to-play games. 

As these titles also require developers, the panel featured Paul Cobley, Gaming Director at Dizplai, who outlined the difficulties being faced by studios creating such products. 

“It’s the same thing as the innovation with the games, it’s really important, ” he said. “We aim to enhance the entire customer lifecycle. Acquisition, engagement, retention, referrals and revenue. 

“you need to make sure you stand out and make your passion pay out”

Mia Nyland-Evers, Co-CEO at Omnigame

“Not everyone wants all of those things, especially not out of the gate, and even with a client you have different stakeholders that want different objectives. So we need to make sure that you have a product suite that targets those objectives. 

“A second thing is ease of integration. No one has bandwidth anymore, everyone has got a full roadmap. With a free-to-play product that isn’t focused on immediate revenues, we just have to appreciate that we’re not going to be a priority. So we have to be easy to integrate and easy to work with.”

Before the clock ran down and the panel drew to a close, Lee asked the panel what they believe are the most important things to consider when entering the online casino industry and striving for long-term growth and success. 

This led Phillips to encourage “transparency and honesty”, suggesting that studios should “say no and say yes, but make sure that you’re doing everything for the right reasons and for what you got into the industry for”. 

The CEO continued: “You can compromise, but not to the point where you stop being what you are. I do think it’s important to retain that. After that, those deals will come.”

Gvenetadze then echoed Phillips’ sentiment, stating that “transparency is number one”. He then explained that finding the “right balance between innovation and key revenue drivers” is equally important, as well as striving to have “the best management team” to take care of partner relations. 

“The relationship with the client is probably the most important thing for us,” agreed Cobley. “If you haven’t got someone championing your whole concept, then you’re in a lot of trouble. 

“There are a lot of Jerry Maguires wanting you to ‘show me the money’ in gambling so you really need someone on board that is actually thinking about the long-term strategies.”

Nyland-Evers also reiterated Phillips’ point on doing everything for the right reasons, explaining that “really making sure why you’re doing it needs to come through, you need to make sure you stand out and make your passion pay out”.

The post SBC Summit: How can new studios cement themselves in the igaming industry? appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Mobile payments have seen significant growth within a range of African markets, with Ecobank Mobile, MTN Money Mobile and M-Pesa leading the charge. There is still however much more gambling operators can do to provide a true unified payments approach. 

During a panel discussion at SBC Summit‘s Payment Expert Summit in Lisbon, this topic was broadly analysed by leaders in both the payments and gambling sectors to outline some of the solutions operators can provide to its user bases. 

Andria Evripidou, CEO of crypto gambling payment processor XDA.io, believes that there is a new thirst for more payment methods to be introduced by emerging market residents and exemplifies the need for more. 

She said: “We know that emerging markets have struggled with their payments, but I think we are hoping that they leapfrog from heavy cash usage. Within the time span of five years they have jumped to mobile payments, and now they are jumping into the adoption of cryptocurrencies. 

“So it really does show something about their thirst for innovation and unified payments is exactly that innovation they are after.”

What the growing appetite for new payment methods means for operators in the gambling space is how to successfully implement them. 

Merchants and operators alike within emerging markets are seeking these payment integrations but the capabilities are, more often than not, too challenging to find. This is also particularly even more challenging when seeking to adopt more niche payment methods. 

Galina Bineva, Commercial Director for OKTO, believes that not only does this integration process needs to become more streamlined, she also highlighted additional benefits to adopting some of the more unknown methods. 

“Card payments could be reviewed in one market as a predominant payment method, which could help make for great adoption,” said Bineva. 

“I believe not only that the main and vital payment methods can enter the market is the first component for acceptance, but also the niche methods that have yet to see great adoption as there needs to be greater focus on this area. 

“These aspects also go a long way for other aspects such as compliance, KYC, loyalty, and a whole range of features that can be enabled by integrating various payment methods.”

From an igaming perspective, what more can operators do to better facilitate a more seamless payment process for those who are underbanked in these emerging markets, who predominantly still interact with traditional financial services. 

George Haralabopoulos, Head of Payments Product at Kaizen Gaming, believes that igaming companies should first consider what are the market preferences for such payment methods, placing a heavy emphasis on localisation. 

“it all depends on the maturity of the market”

Tom Chandler, Payments Director at Flutter

He shared: “What an igaming platform should do in the case of an emerging market with limited resources, it should first consider alternative payment methods, which are increasing more and more. 

“We have seen this in a big number of markets showing they can make a difference. Also, implementing local payment providers is something that can definitely help in the right direction to give the customer options that they are familiar with, but by also integrating these local rails, this can also help attract customers.”

When it pertains to payments in localised, emerging markets, igaming operators are increasingly viewing this aspect of a player’s experience on their platforms as vital for customer retention and loyalty. 

If a player can not perform a deposit or receive money in their preferred payment method, more often than not they will decide to leave that platform in search for another operator that will cater to their payment needs. 

For Tom Chandler, Flutter’s Payments Director, he believes that how mature a market is becomes essential for a company like Flutter when it comes to knowing which payment methods and processes to implement. 

When discussing how igaming and betting companies can overcome these challenges, he proposed a more unified frontend approach, if that can be attained. 

He said: “If you have a multitude of methods on a unified frontend, obviously from an access aspect it is a lot easier. If you look at markets that are more mature, sometimes it can work in a way that can work a lot faster when you look at Open Banking products.”

“But it all depends on the maturity of the market and also, what would you define as an emerging market? Is it regulated yet and has it become accessible for commerce?”

Relating back to a previous panel session at the Payment Expert Summit, defining what exactly a mature market is to many payments and gaming companies is a non-starter. 

Even if you were to look at one of the most perceived mature payments and gambling markets, the UK, even this country is embarking on new regulations on both fields that will change the trajectory of its landscape. 

However, a shining example of an emerging market that has sufficiently prepared for the enormity of gambling payment processing it is about to endure is Brazil, and its instant payment rail PIX. 

PIX accounts for more than 90% of all monthly transactions in Brazil and is only active in its native country for the time being. All gambling operators will almost certainly be implementing PIX to gain a headstart in the potentially lucrative Brazilian online sports betting market. 

But for those operators seeking to further expand into different territories, if the market does not have a predominant localised method like PIX, education and knowledge of the payments landscape in said country will go a long way in being able to thrive as a platform that players will no doubt return to again. 

The post SBC Summit: The importance of localisation for igaming payments in emerging markets appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Held on Thursday 26 September, the final day of the SBC Summit, the prestigious awards ceremony marked its 11th edition at the MEO Arena, one of Europe’s largest indoor sports venues. The evening was a tribute to the extraordinary achievements of global companies and individuals who have driven innovation and transformation within the industry. Over 1,200 industry professionals gathered to recognise excellence across 39 award categories.

Hosted by SBC Awards veteran and TV personality Kirsty Gallacher, alongside former Danish international goalkeeping legend, Peter Schmeichel, the ceremony highlighted the industry’s leading operators, affiliates, suppliers, media organisations and leaders.

Kaizen Gaming upheld their accolade as ‘Casino Operator of the Year,’ and also claimed the title of ‘Operator of the Year – Large’ while bet365 Partners successfully defended their title as ‘Best Affiliate Program’.

In other operator categories, Betsson Group earned the title of ‘Sportsbook Operator of the Year,’ Campeón Gaming claimed the ‘Operator of the Year – Medium,’ and Retabet secured the award for ‘Operator of the Year – Small.’

In the Rising Star categories, Vegas Legends and Boomerang Partners were named ‘Rising Star in Casino’ and ‘Rising Star in Sports Betting,’ respectively. Novibet was awarded the ‘Marketing Campaign of the Year’ award, whilst Coolbet were celebrated for their transformative impact on the industry, taking home the ‘Innovation in Casino & Gaming Entertainment’ award. 

Winners in the Affiliate categories included FairPlay Sports Media, which earned the ‘Affiliate Product Innovation’ award, while Casino Guru was named ‘Casino Affiliate of the Year.’ Better Collective retained their title as ‘Sports Affiliate of the Year’.

SOFTSWISS secured the coveted ‘Employer of the Year’ award, while the prestigious ‘Leader of the Year’ honour was shared by Corinne Valletta (Betsson), Marina Ostrovtsova (BGaming), and Uri Poliavich (Soft2Bet).

In addition to being recognised for its outstanding leadership, Soft2Bet also garnered accolades for its cutting-edge offerings, winning awards for both ‘Innovation in Mobile’ and ‘Innovation in Casino Entertainment.’

IDnow was named ‘Fraud & Compliance Solution of the Year’ for the third year running, while Pay4Fun and Noda triumphed in the ‘Payment Innovation of the Year’ and ‘Payment Solution of the Year’ categories, respectively.

Pascal Gaming, Wazdan, and Pragmatic Play each reinforced their positions as innovators in slot design, taking home the awards for ‘Casino / Slots Developer of the Year – Small,’ ‘Casino / Slots Developer of the Year – Medium,’ and ‘Casino / Slots Developer of the Year – Large.’

Other notable winners on the night included: 

• Fast Track: Acquisition & Retention Partner
• BETBY: Esports Supplier of the Year
• OpenBet: Land-Based Betting & Gaming Product
• Stats Perform: Sports Data Product
• EveryMatrix: Multi-Channel Supplier
• Gabsys: Rising Star in Sports Betting Innovation / Software
• Evolution: Live Casino Supplier
• Sportradar: Live Betting Product
• Winfinity: Rising Star in Casino Innovation / Software
• Optimove: Marketing & Services Provider of the Year
• Entain Foundation U.S.: Socially Responsible Initiative of the Year 
• NSoft: Virtual Sports Supplier
• BetConstruct: Industry Innovation of the Year
• Alea: Platform Provider of the Year
• White Hat Gaming: White Label Supplier of the Year
• Digitain: Sportsbook Supplier of the Year

The awards ceremony capped off the final day of the SBC Summit, which drew 25,000 industry professionals to the Feira Internacional de Lisboa from September 24-26.

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The agenda will kick off with the “Driving Brand Success with AI: High-Speed Partnerships that Move the Needle” keynote panel where the intersection of motorsports, AI, and strategic brand collaborations takes centre stage.

The panel will feature racing star Tatiana Calderon, AI visionary Alvaro Melendez (CEO and Co-founder, Crant AI), and product strategy specialist Lina Silva (CEO, WANDR Studio). Together, they will explore the transformative power of data-driven partnerships between brands and female racing drivers, and discuss how AI is revolutionising brand analytics, fan engagement, and sponsorship strategies.

Following the keynote panel, attendees can participate in exclusive roundtable discussions guided by top industry professionals, focusing on critical markets throughout Latin America. The discussions will include insights into Brazil (Muriel Le Senechal, Sales Consultant, Fast Track), Chile (Carlos Baeza, Founder, Carlos Baeza & CIA Abogados), Mexico, the Caribbean & Central America (Jose Carlos Figueroa, GLI), Colombia (Juliana Duque, Senior Associate, Asensi Abogados), Argentina, and Peru.

Following the lunch break, Cristhian Gomez, Head of Latam at Growe, will take the stage to present “Mastering iGaming Marketing in the LATAM Market: Challenges, Best Practices, and Future Trends.” The presentation will cover critical strategies for iGaming success in the region, addressing each country’s market maturity, regulatory hurdles, and competitive environment. Attendees will discover how to implement innovative marketing tactics and boost first-time deposits, positioning their iGaming brands for growth in LATAM.

The “Navigating Online Gambling Regulation in Chile” panel will bring together key stakeholders to discuss the future of online gambling regulations in Chile. With deliberations ongoing in the Chilean Senate, this session will feature insights from Marianela Artoni (Chief Compliance Officer, Enjoy), Cecilia Valdes (President, ACCJ), Carlos Baeza Guíñez (Founder, Carlos Baeza & CIA Abogados), Cristina Romero de Alba (Partner, Loyra Abogados), and Jorge Cárdenas (Head of Marketing – Latin America, Coolbet). Attendees will gain key insights into Chile’s evolving online gambling landscape and the potential implications for stakeholders.

The “Peru: A Year Later” panel will evaluate the impact of Peru’s online gaming market one year after its launch, focusing on how operators are adapting to the new regulations. Featuring Vanda Silva (Chief Corporate Officer, Clever Advertising), Gonzalo Perez (CEO, Apuesta Total), Xabier Maribona (CEO, Retabet Group), Andrea Rossi (Commercial Director for Latin America, Betsson Group), Gabriel Grados (Chief Financial Officer, La Tinka) and Carlos Fonseca Sarmiento (CEO, Gaming Law SAC), the session will explore how retail operators are embracing remote sports betting and forming strategic partnerships to capitalize on this burgeoning market.

Rasmus Sojmark, CEO and Founder of SBC, said: “With the rapid advancements taking place across Latin America’s gambling markets, it’s an exciting time for the industry. The SBC Summit Latinoamérica is designed to spotlight these opportunities and innovations, particularly through our Emerging Markets and Technology track. This event will offer an exclusive look at the groundbreaking developments shaping the region, helping businesses capitalize on Latin America’s growth trajectory.”

In addition to the  ’Emerging Markets & Technology’ conference track, delegates will have the opportunity to expand their educational scope through dedicated programs covering leadership, sports betting & media, affiliates & advertising, lotteries, casinos & iGaming and payments & compliance. 

For groups of three or more, you can purchase the ‘Group Pass’ gaining you access to both days of SBC Summit Latinoamérica for the discounted price of  $400 per person.

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 LinkedIn Newsletter.

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Celebrated by industry executives as the can’t-miss show of the year, with record numbers and extraordinary industry involvement, the Summit undoubtedly lived up to its billing as “The Greatest Show in Gaming.”

Shimon Akad, COO of Playtech, emphasised the impact of first impressions. “When we arrived, the first thing everyone said was just ‘wow.’ This event is becoming the industry standard.”

A fellow COO from Casumo, Tim de Borle, also shared his thoughts on the new venue and the event’s impressive growth. “The bar has been raised to a whole new level. It’s really good to see, and it’s inspiring.”

Tammi Barlow-Marang, VP of Global Responsible Gaming at Bally’s Corporation, admitted she had initial concerns about the scale of the event: “I was unsure of what to expect when I heard there would be 25,000 attendees. I thought, ‘What am I walking into?’ But it is so well executed – everything is clean, entertaining, and educational.”

Game Lounge CEO Richard Dennys emphasised the tremendous buzz surrounding the event even before it began: “Prior to the event, you get this critical mass where everyone’s asking, ‘Are you going to Lisbon?’ And everyone’s going. The centre of gravity for our business shifted to Lisbon for this week.”

Rasmus Sojmark, CEO & Founder of SBC commented on the success: “We knew this event would be a hit; we put everything into making that happen! I’m beyond thankful for all the incredible feedback from exhibitors, sponsors, speakers, attendees, media and even the Portuguese officials who made us feel so welcome. It’s been an unforgettable experience to see it all unfold.”

Pedro Machado, Secretary of State for Tourism, who visited the event, said: “The SBC Summit 2024, a major international event dedicated to igaming, betting and esports, has made a considerable financial contribution to the national economy. We hope that the SBC Summit will return to Lisbon, as scheduled for September 2025, and continue to be an event not to be missed.” 

A common theme echoed by attendees was that even with its dramatic expansion – including a 70% rise in attendance and an increase in expo floor space to a staggering 110,000 square meters at the Feira Internacional de Lisboa and MEO Arena – the SBC Summit preserved the exceptional quality it is known for.

Relax Gaming‘s Marketing Director Marija Hammon commended the meticulous attention to detail by the organiser. “Everything has been exceptional. It’s clear that no stone has been left unturned.” She added: “I’ve been absolutely blown away. From the moment I collected my badge at the airport to the amazing QR codes with budget loaded onto them. I can’t believe the size of this event – the sheer scale is phenomenal. The whole industry is buzzing.” 

De Borle joked: “You might need a GPS to navigate, but luckily, you have that in the app, which is great.” Akad remarked that despite the growth, the event “also feels more organised. You haven’t increased the complexity – you’ve actually made it simpler.” Gonzalo Perez, CEO of Apuesta Total, also praised the layout: “I love how it’s organised by specific themes – like sportsbook, casino and affiliates—it makes networking much easier, even though the space is huge.”

The event’s success was further highlighted by the industry’s praise for the caliber and diversity of its attendees. With participation swelling to include delegates from an impressive 134 countries, the show also expanded its reach into critical regions such as Africa, Latin America, North America and Asia. 

Perez, who travelled from Peru, said: “This is one of the most diverse exhibitions I’ve ever attended.” Barlow-Marang who came all the way from the US, echoed similar sentiments. “The audience here in Lisbon is top-notch. I’ve met people from all over the world who do the same thing I do, and it’s been great.” She added that, despite the large scale of the event, she feels seen and recognised: “I’ll go back and say it was amazing – an experience that everyone in this industry should be a part of, no matter where they are. You all just continue to make people feel welcome.”

An exciting enhancement to this year’s event was the introduction of dedicated summits tailored specifically for the affiliate, payments and esports sectors. These focused summits provided industry professionals with a unique platform to engage in in-depth discussions, explore emerging trends, and foster collaboration within these rapidly evolving areas, making the event even more comprehensive and impactful.

Dennys commented on the Affiliate Leaders Summit: “This is actually the first proper exhibition stand we’ve had—maybe ever.” The CEO was also very pleased with the quality and quantity of connections the company made at the event: “We’ve had an incredible number of leads—way, way higher than we thought we’d have.”

OKTO CCO Simon Dorsen also appreciated the more focused approach. “The fact that the show floors and activities are segregated according to themes or subjects, like payments, helps channel the right people to the right areas.”

Sofascore Co-founder and CEO Zlatko Hrkac highlighted the advantages of exhibiting at the Affiliate Leaders Summit, where his company has been a consistent presence for the past three years, this time bringing over twenty team members to Lisbon. “It’s such a big event, having a dedicated space where affiliates can meet operators, and vice versa, is definitely a good idea. Having a stand makes a big difference when you’re trying to make new deals or form new partnerships. It feels like your temporary office.”

BetBlocker Founder & Trustee Duncan Garvie praised the Player Protection Zone and commended SBC’s role in promoting initiatives aimed at minimising harm to players. “The Player Protection Zone is a great initiative that’s helping to highlight a lot of the social good and harm minimisation efforts going on in the sector. It’s great to see conference organisers, getting involved and ensuring that these initiatives get the attention they deserve.”

A major draw at the SBC Summit was its impressive conference lineup, featuring eight stages, headlined by the Super Stage at MEO Arena. The sessions left a lasting impact on many. Hammon was thrilled to see her childhood hero, Tony Hawk, in action, while Barlow-Marang was captivated by the keynote conversation with Sir Tim Berners-Lee, the creator of the World Wide Web. Richard Dennys was equally excited to see legendary goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel share his insights.

The SBC Summit has undergone a major transformation, transitioning from its previous identity as SBC Summit Barcelona to this year’s highly anticipated debut in Lisbon. The relocation was driven by overwhelming industry demand for exhibition space, culminating in a record-breaking 600 exhibitors.

Dorsen commented on the move: “You guys are very experienced, and even though it’s a new venue, your team’s expertise has really shown through.” 

Sojmark added: “Our primary aim for this event was to create a space where the entire industry could come together for meaningful experiences—whether that meant learning something new, forging powerful connections, showcasing your brand, or leaving with valuable leads. 

“We wanted everyone to take away something that truly matters to them. And in doing so, we’ve shown that SBC Summit really is the Greatest Show in Gaming.”

SBC Summit will return to Lisbon in 2025, with the event scheduled at the Feira Internacional de Lisboa on 16-18 September and a projected attendance of 30,000 delegates. Reach out to sales@sbcgaming.com for exhibition and sponsorship opportunities. 

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The summit drew almost 25,000 attendees, marking a 70% surge over the 2023 edition in Barcelona. With representation from 134 countries, 20 more than the previous year, and a massive show floor of 110,000 square metres at Feira Internacional de Lisboa and MEO Arena, the event has claimed its place as the fastest-growing and leading event in the industry.

Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas, alongside Portuguese Minister of Economy Pedro Reis and Secretary of State for Tourism Pedro Machado, welcomed the SBC Summit to the city, acknowledging the event’s considerable economic contribution. Estimated to generate up to 100 million euros in indirect benefits, SBC Summit has left a lasting mark on the city. 

The SBC Summit expo floor was a resounding success, with over 600 exhibitors creating a vibrant and bustling atmosphere. Of these, 250 were new to the SBC Summit, and more than 100 were first-time exhibitors at any SBC event. According to data from the official SBC Summit app, SBC Connect Plus, a record 10,000 meetings were scheduled through the app alone, with thousands more meetings taking place across the summit.

As SBC’s flagship event, the company strategically focused on boosting attendance from key geographic regions vital to the industry’s growth, with impressive results. Attendance surged by 126% from Latin America and the Caribbean, 80% from Asia, 45% from Africa, and a remarkable 127% from North America, highlighting the event’s global appeal and expanding influence.

The event further reinforced its focus on global markets through the introduction of the Global Markets Lounge, where 11 market-specific sessions and meet-ups were held. Country and region-focused panels and 12 high-level Global Roundtables, featuring prominent market experts, further deepened engagement with key international audiences.

A major highlight of the event was its celebrity power, as the SBC Summit welcomed World Wide Web inventor Sir Tim Berners-Lee, iconic skateboarder Tony Hawk, UFC Champion Merab Dvalishvili, football legends Luis Figo and Peter Schmeichel, and renowned British TV presenter Laura Woods. These global stars took the Super Stage at MEO Arena, one of Europe’s largest indoor venues, which was one of eight stages running simultaneously during the summit. They were part of an impressive lineup of 600 speakers, including industry leaders, decision-makers, and numerous C-level executives.

The SBC Summit also attracted top-tier leadership from the industry, with notable speaker appearances from C-levels such as Alex Fonseca, CEO Brazil of Superbet; Carsten Koerl, CEO of Sportradar; Gustaf Hagman, CEO of LeoVegas; Livia Troise, CEO of Betmais; Neal Menashe, CEO of Super Group; Nils Anden, CEO of Kindred Group; Per Widerstrom, CEO of Evoke; Stuart Simms, Group CEO of FairPlay Sports Media; Zlatko Hrkać, CEO & Co-Founder of Sofascore; and Zsófia Bánhegyi, CCO of Szerencsejáték Zrt.

500 industry leaders, including prominent CEOs and C-level executives, also assembled for the invite-only SBC Leaders Summit on 24 September at the 5-star Myriad By Sana hotel. The high-profile event featured exclusive networking opportunities, educational sessions, and a prestigious Hall of Fame ceremony honouring Barry Gibson, who marked his final engagement as Chair of Entain Group. The event also featured a keynote interview with Formula 1 legend and SOFTSWISS Non-Executive Director, Rubens Barrichello.

Networking was a major highlight of the event, with dedicated dinners and parties spanning the three days. The undeniable crescendo was the spectacular closing party, INFINITY Lisbon, hailed as one of the industry’s largest-ever celebrations. Hosted at the iconic MEO Arena, the party featured electrifying performances from world-renowned DJs Miss Monique, Don Diablo, and Darude.

Another major highlight of the event was the record-breaking SBC Awards ceremony, where 1,300 industry professionals gathered to celebrate excellence across 39 categories. Leading names such as Soft2Bet, Betsson Group, and Kaizen Gaming were among the night’s biggest winners.

New to this year’s event were the ESI Lisbon, Payment Expert Summit, and Affiliate Leaders Summit, each boasting their own dedicated space on the expo floor with curated educational content and networking events. The Media Headquarters served as the pulse of media activity, hosting top media houses, press conferences, and interview rooms for global industry outreach. The expo also featured the Startupsphere, which showcased the best of industry innovation, culminating in the First Pitch competition, where Match Hype took home the crown. SBC Summit also proudly launched the Women Empowerment Initiative, which garnered widespread support from global organisations championing women in sports betting and iGaming.

SBC Summit is set to return to Lisbon from 16th-18th September 2025, promising to deliver another unmissable event. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the industry’s biggest gathering — reach out to sales@sbcgaming.com to secure your exhibition and sponsorship opportunities.

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