Interview with Aidan Brain, VP of Conferences at SBC Summit
SBC Summit Rio 2025 has established itself as a key meeting point for the iGaming industry in Brazil and Latin America. With an enriched conference program, the addition of new thematic summits, and a notable increase in attendees and speakers, the event has reflected the dynamism of the Brazilian market at a crucial moment in its regulatory process. To learn more about the highlights of this edition, we spoke with Aidan Brain, VP of Conferences at SBC Summit, who shared his insights on the impact and future of this event in the region.
Q1. What was the main focus of the conference program at this edition of SBC Summit Rio? What topics stood out the most among attendees?
A: Regulatory topics were at the center of attention in this edition, as Brazil is still in the process of defining its regulatory framework for iGaming. Panels on taxation and the debate between state and federal regulatory models attracted significant interest. Additionally, sessions on affiliation strategies, particularly the role of influencers in the industry, were highly attended, highlighting the importance of this channel in the Brazilian market.
Q2. Over the past few days, which panels or talks generated the most interest or debate among participants?
A: The panels on regulation and taxation, such as the debate on state vs. federal regulatory models, were among the most relevant. Sessions on advertising strategies and affiliation also stood out, especially those focused on influencers, a key channel in the Brazilian industry. Attendance at these talks reflected the audience’s interest in understanding how the gaming ecosystem in the country will evolve.
Q3. How did the audience respond to the introduction of the “Payment Expert Summit”? Did it meet expectations?
A: The Payment Expert Summit generated great interest, as payment methods are a crucial aspect of the iGaming industry. This segment, which we have integrated into our global events, covered evolving trends and technologies, focusing on security and accessibility. In Brazil, Pix is the dominant system, but that didn’t prevent deep discussions on payment innovation within the sector.
Q4. In terms of speakers and content, what new features or innovations were introduced in this edition compared to last year?
A: SBC Summit Rio 2025 doubled in size compared to the previous edition, allowing us to include new themes and formats. The Payment Expert Summit was one of the key additions, along with specialized influencer workshops organized in collaboration with Propane. Furthermore, we had the honor of hosting key figures such as Senator Irajá Abreu and representatives from the Ministry of Finance, which elevated the level of discussions about Brazil’s regulatory future.
Q5. From an organizational standpoint, what key learnings or aspects would you highlight for improvement in future editions?
A: We always strive to improve with each edition. One key takeaway this year is the importance of balancing the networking atmosphere with the conference sessions. For example, we’ll avoid placing samba groups too close to the conference rooms to minimize distractions. Overall, we’ve confirmed that the Brazilian industry wants to learn, connect, and, of course, enjoy a vibrant environment—everything SBC Summit successfully delivers.
Q6. After these days of conferences and networking, what impact do you think SBC Summit Rio 2026 will have on the iGaming industry in Brazil and the region?
A: The event’s growth demonstrates its relevance to both the Brazilian and global markets. The 2025 edition served as an essential meeting point for local businesses as well as European and North American operators interested in the region. With its doubled size, diversified content, and engaged community, SBC Summit Rio 2026 is shaping up to be the must-attend event for the industry in Brazil, combining an iconic location with an unparalleled networking and learning experience.
SBC Summit Rio 2025 has reaffirmed its position as one of the most relevant conferences for iGaming in Latin America. With exponential growth, key discussions on regulation, and new initiatives such as the Payment Expert Summit, the event has not only captured the industry’s attention but has also laid the groundwork for an even more impactful edition in 2026.
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