The upcoming SBC Summit 2025 will provide a sharp focus on Europe’s most competitive and tightly regulated gaming markets with the launch of the new Global Markets – Western Europe track.
Scheduled for Wednesday, September 17, at Lisbon’s Feira Internacional de Lisboa (FIL), the track is set to deliver critical strategic insights into how leading operators are navigating escalating compliance demands, evolving player expectations, and intensifying global competition.
As a key component of the summit’s broader Global Markets programme, the Western Europe track will equip delegates with actionable strategies for success in regulation-heavy jurisdictions like Italy, the Nordics, the Netherlands, and Portugal.
The sessions will unpack the real-world challenges and opportunities facing operators on the ground, from revised licensing frameworks to new consumer protection mandates.
Rasmus Sojmark, Founder and CEO of SBC, commented on the new initiative, stating: “Western Europe has long set the standard for gambling regulation, but the landscape continues to evolve.
Today’s leading operators must build strong relationships with regulators, drive responsible innovation, and retain customers in an increasingly complex global environment. This track provides the practical insight and expert guidance delegates need to succeed in Western Europe.”
The track will open with the European Leaders Panel: Old World, New Way Forward, bringing together some of the industry’s most prominent voices. Pascal Chaffard (CFO & Strategy Officer, FDJ), Axel Hefer (CEO, Tipico), Vlad Kaltenieks (CEO, BoyleSports), Mattias Wedar (CEO, LeoVegas), and moderator Martin Collins (Chief Business Development Officer, Soft2bet) will discuss strategies for navigating tightening regulations while fostering innovation and player loyalty.
The focus will then shift to Italy’s new post-licensing landscape in the session, Italy’s New Online Gambling Regime: A Game-Changer for the Industry. This panel will explore how stricter regulations and higher licensing fees are reshaping the market. Speakers include Fabio A. Bufalini (Country Director Italy, Stake), Marco Castaldo (CEO, Microgame), Will Shuckburgh (CEO, eCogra), and leaders from Betsson and Sisal.
Another key session, Portugal: Smooth Sailing or Danger Ahead?, will examine the current state of Portugal’s iGaming market, where iCasino activity is growing while sports betting declines. The panel features Tiago Bessa (Partner, Vieira de Almeida), Tomas Goncalves (Managing Director, Apostas Sociais (Santa Casa)), Americo Loureiro (Director, Solverde), Rui Magalhães (CEO, Estoril Sol Digital), and other local experts.
Other sessions in the track include Over the Finnish Line: Regulation in the Nordics, analyzing Finland’s upcoming market opening, and Dutch Courage: Collaboration in the Changing Face of Regulations, which will look at new proposals in the Netherlands.
Ticket and Registration Information
Tickets for SBC Summit 2025 are now available. Delegates can take advantage of an Early Bird offer and choose from several pass types.
- Early Bird Price: €400 (Standard Rate: €600)
- Pass Types:
- VIP Event Pass
- Expo+ Pass
- Expo Only Pass (Please note this pass does not include access to conference panels)
- Industry Passes: Operators and affiliates may be eligible for a complimentary pass. Applications can be submitted online for review.
