SBC Summit 2026: Western European Gambling Industry in the Spotlight

The show’s organisers anticipate approximately 40,000 guests. A key feature of the conference is a dedicated track focusing on legislation, technology, and industry trends across Western Europe.

Region-Oriented Section’s Programme

The panel series is scheduled for September 30th on the Global & Emerging Markets Stage. Among the confirmed guests are operators, providers, legislators, and other key delegates from the UK, Sweden, Italy, Portugal, and other nations.

The discussions will focus on:

• regulatory amendments;
• technological innovations;
• competition from shadow portals;
• emerging user behaviour trends in the region.

Rasmus Sojmark, SBC’s CEO, notes that Western Europe hosts some of the world’s most advanced gambling markets. However, maturity does not guarantee stability, as increasing taxes and legislative changes pose ongoing challenges for niche brands.

The programme will start with a session focused on how technology impacts operator GGR and player engagement in Europe.

The list of lecturers comprises:

• Paddy Desmond, Tote’s Group COO;
• Marinos Shiapanis, Campeón Gaming’s CEO;
• Eberhard Dürrschmid, Golden Whale’s CEO, among others.

Speakers will explore which advanced tools can boost user LTV and retention. Attendees will also consider the downside of innovation: some solutions increase operational complexity without providing proportional benefits.

Additional key panels include:

Beyond the Reform: Italy

This session will address regulatory shifts and new tenders. The domestic market currently sees rising competition along with emerging opportunities.

The following experts will join the discussion:

• Marco Tiso, Sisal’s MD;
• Fabio A. Bufalini, Stake Italy’s Country Director;
• Marco Castaldo, Microgame’s CEO, and others.

The panel will cover how the latest legislative reforms and forthcoming bidding processes impact offline gambling operations. Specialists will also discuss potential effects on market entry, competition, and strategic planning for business owners.

The Dutch Dilemma

The list of experts includes:

• Björn Fuchs, VNLOK’s Chairman;
• Cristiano Blanco, Spincore Group’s CEO;
• Justin Franssen, Franssen Tolboom’s Partner, etc.

Attendees will examine the Netherlands’ increasing constraints and the growth of the offshore segment. Unlicensed operators now make up 20–30% of total local demand, fueled by strict regulations and high GGR taxes.

Speakers will address the main challenges in the online gambling sector, including:

• betting limits;
• marketing restrictions;
• rising operational expenditures;
• competition from grey companies.

The UK Squeeze

Intensifying regulatory pressure in the UK’s gambling industry will be a key focus. Experts will analyse the national market’s maturity and emerging challenges.

Andy Wright, LeoVegas Group’s MD UK&I, will serve as the primary speaker, discussing legislative changes that could greatly affect the local sphere.

The main emphasis will be placed on:

• increasing taxes;
• measures related to iGaming accessibility;
• harshening rules regarding business promotion;
• financial risks associated with market shifts, and more.

Scandinavia: Norway, Denmark, and Sweden

This session will be dedicated to fiscal obligations and other operator requirements. Attendees will explore a wide range of topics, including shifts in player behaviour and increasing marketing costs.

Among the confirmed speakers are:

• Jesper Eliasson, PAF’s Director;
• Anders Dorph, Spillemyndigheden’s Director;
• Fredrik Wastenson, LeoVegas’ MD Nordics, and others.

Specialists will examine how tax burdens, payment controls, bonus payout limits, and legal compliance expenses impact operations. They will also analyse how new regulations influence audience acquisition and retention across Scandinavia.

Portugal’s Gambling Evolution

The local market has expanded quickly, leading to new operational standards. This panel will address both development prospects and urgent challenges in the state. Alongside increasing iGaming profits, guests will examine opportunities for further growth while also considering concerns related to customer protection and regulatory compliance.

The list of speakers includes:

• Bernardo Neves, APAJO’s Secretary General;
• Fernando Carvalho, Solverde’s Head of Operations;
• Monica Rangel, WPT’s VP of Marketing & Strategy, etc.

Additional Discussion Panels and Subjects

Among the remaining topics are:

1. Sweepstakes beyond the hype. Alexandre Tomic, Alea’s founder, will discuss the segment’s true potential, supported by collected data. Participants will hear about player behaviour, market trends, content strategies, and GGR forecasts.
2. Ukraine’s gambling legislation. Visitors will learn about measures to combat shadow operations, new promotion methods, and strong security systems in the state. The session will also outline the national development roadmap.
3. Licensing disruption in Georgia. The country is preparing a comprehensive global operating base that integrates fiscal, certification, banking, relocation, and other services. Guests can learn about the progress of this initiative.
4. Prediction markets. EU attendees will gain insights from their US counterparts. The key focus will be on the swift expansion of this vertical. Experts will share American cases relevant to operators and legislators and evaluate the applicability of their experience in Europe.

Consequences of Regulatory Reforms

Mr Sojmark underscored that the conference aims not just to highlight current challenges but also to explore hands-on solutions. The event’s participants, including operators, tech providers, regulatory bodies, and legal advisors, will gain practical insights during these sessions.

Comparing different markets’ approaches enables visitors to:

• consider strategies for stable growth;
• evaluate the sphere’s response to similar issues;
• understand the impacts of specific regulatory measures, etc.

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