Key Takeaways
⏱ 3 min read
1
Super Stage Stardom
— UFC champion Charles Oliveira and prominent industry founders David Natroshvili, Gustaf Hagman, and Vigen Badalyan headline today's keynote events
2
Revenue and Safety Focus
— Morning discussions evaluate tech-driven retention strategies in Europe alongside advanced player protection and oversight tools
3
Next-Gen Play
— Afternoon panels explore the rise of Gen Z social gaming, gamification ecosystems, and autonomous AI agent workflows
4
Emerging Opportunities
— Day Two concludes with deep dives into the expanding regulatory and commercial landscape of prediction markets
Day 2 of SBC Summit 2026 is officially underway in Lisbon today, delivering another high-octane schedule across the Feira Internacional de Lisboa and MEO Arena. Building on yesterday’s massive momentum, today’s comprehensive agenda features star-studded keynotes, groundbreaking tech discussions, and deep dives into the future of global gaming, sports, and AI innovation.
Super Stage Highlights: From UFC Icons to Visionary Founders
The MEO Arena Super Stage during the Summit takes center stage today with a dynamic lineup of back-to-back keynote sessions and founder spotlights:
- Record Success: Leadership & Partnership with Charles Oliveira (12:00 – 12:30): UFC lightweight fighter and Aviator brand ambassador Charles Oliveira takes to the Super Stage to discuss breaking down barriers, his daily routine as a champion, and his perspective on the future evolution of MMA and sports.
- Founders Stories I (12:30 – 12:45): David Natroshvili, original architect of Spribe, traces his entrepreneurial journey from Georgia to Estonia via New York and Pennsylvania after founding one of the world’s biggest game developers.
- Founders Stories II (12:45 – 13:00): Gustaf Hagman, CEO and Co-Founder of LeoVegas Group, shares insights on his transition from the Swedish gaming giant to his latest venture, Avantii Studios.
- Founders Stories III (13:00 – 13:15): Vigen Badalyan, Co-founder of Softconstruct, discusses his pivotal role in building BetConstruct AI into a leading international provider of iGaming technology.
Morning Sessions: Tech, Retention, and Player Protection
As the morning sessions get started, industry experts are tackling core operational and safety challenges across dedicated stages:
- The Impact of Tech on Operator Revenues and Player Retention in Europe (11:00 – 11:40, Stage 2): Moderated by Soft2Bet Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Cochrane, this panel explores whether technology can boost revenues and retention without adding unnecessary complexity. Speakers include Eberhard Dürrschmid (CEO, Golden Whale), Paddy Desmond (Group COO, Tote), Marinos Shiapanis (CEO & Co-Founder, Campeon Gaming Partners), Elena Rousseva (CEO, Playtech Managed Services), and Jaswant Deol (CEO, SportsDevHub).
- Innovation in Tech: How Can Technology Keep Players Safe from Harm? (11:00 – 11:40, Stage 5): Moderated by Player Protection Hub Editor Steve Hoare, this Player Protection Symposium panel examines how real-time technology can maintain oversight and promote sustainable gaming. The panel features Paula Murphy (Head of Commercial, Mindway AI), Scott Burrows (Director – Technical Compliance, Super Technologies), Rupert Ecker (CEO, Grand Casino Kursaal Bern AG), Dr. Larrie York (Chairman, CallsU), and James Elliott (Founder, Gamecheck).
Afternoon Innovations: Gamification, AI Agents, and Prediction Markets
The afternoon schedule shifts focus toward cutting-edge products, autonomous workflows, and emerging market trends:
- Gamification, Gen Z and the Rise of Social Play (14:20 – 15:00, Stage 3): Moderated by Wandando CEO/Co-Founder Brett Calapp, industry leaders discuss how AI, adaptive UX, and social-first expectations are reshaping modern play. Speakers include Tero Holopainen (Head of Product, Casino & Games, Coolbet), Anthony Gaud (Founder & CEO, Gaud-Hammer Gaming Group), Marion Ryan (Managing Director, Tombola), Andrés Blanco (Managing Director and Chief Product Officer, Gamanza Engage), and Giorgi Gvenetadze (COO, Flutter CEE).
- AI Agents in Action: Autonomous Systems Transforming Modern Workflows (15:50 – 16:30, Stage 3): Moderated by Throughwork Founder Paul McNea, this session explores autonomous AI systems and “AI employee” pilots in coding, operations, and customer support. The expert panel features Fellipe Fraga (Chief Business Officer, Stellar Gaming), Adi Dagan (Senior Director of Partnerships, Optimove), Dr. Eyal Loz (CPO, RubyPlay), Tim De Borle (COO, Casumo), and Nodar Lasha Jojua (Head of AI & Workplace Tech Innovation, Flutter CEE).
- Prediction Markets: The Future’s Not Near, It’s Here (16:30 – 17:10, Stage 2): As traditional sportsbooks tap into the prediction market opportunity following US platform successes, this panel analyzes regulatory environments and future jurisdictional reactions. Speakers include Dmitry Starostenkov (CEO, Evenbeter), Joey Levy (CEO & Co-Founder, Betr), William Chambers (Chief Operating Officer, Smarkets), and Anton Lishchuk (Prediction Markets Commercial Strategist, SOFTSWISS).
