The SBC Summit 2025 has come to a close on a record-breaking high, confirming its status as the leading global event for the gaming industry. More than 30,000 delegates from 150 countries attended, making it the biggest and most international edition to date.
This year, participation grew by 20% year-on-year, bringing together top operators, suppliers, affiliates, regulators, media, fintechs, and sports professionals. The exhibition floor featured 700+ sponsors and exhibitors, while more than 550 expert speakers delivered insights across an expanded 135,000 m² venue space at the FIL and MEO Arena.
A Must-Attend Gathering for Industry Leaders
For Elaine Gardiner-Ruddock, Managing Director at TAG Media, the decision to return was easy: “Last year’s Summit was the most fruitful in terms of business. That made this year a must-attend for us.”
Jesper Svensson, CEO of Betsson Group, described it as “a yearly occurrence in the calendar,” while Dinos Stranomitis, COO of Altenar, emphasized: “SBC is one of the best shows in the world. Based on our metrics, it stands out as one of the most valuable global events.”
Global Reach at Unprecedented Levels
The 2025 edition welcomed representatives from 16 additional countries compared to last year, with significant growth from Latin America (78.2%), Asia (68.8%), Africa (40.4%), and Europe (49%).
Svensson highlighted the importance of this diversity: “Meeting people from so many different jurisdictions is invaluable for us as a global operator.”
Ivan Gojic, Chief Sportsbook Officer at Entain, added: “What I love is the inclusivity here—you see CEOs and team members at all levels exchanging ideas on equal footing.”
New Stages and Networking Zones
The launch of Global & Emerging Markets stages and region-specific networking areas gave delegates fresh opportunities to explore high-growth markets across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and North America.
Marcel Prioteasa, CEO of NetBet, praised the addition: “It’s a smart feature. It allows operators to focus on the regions that really matter to them.”
The summit also attracted an unparalleled senior audience, with over 5,900 C-level decision-makers in attendance, reaffirming its role as the central meeting point for the industry’s most influential leaders.
Exhibitions, Conferences & Memorable Experiences
The expo floor featured 235 new exhibitors, complementing the strong lineup of 700 brands. Companies like EveryMatrix, OPAP, and Alea highlighted the quality of networking, new business leads, and opportunities to showcase innovations.
On stage, more than 550 speakers shared insights, with standout appearances from Gary Vaynerchuk, Randi Zuckerberg, Oleksandr Usyk, and Rubens Barrichello.
The launch of Tech Academies offered hands-on learning in AI, blockchain, gamification, and marketing, addressing some of the industry’s most pressing topics.
Beyond Business: Charity & Entertainment
One of the highlights was the Legends Charity Game, featuring football icons such as Kaká, Del Piero, Roberto Carlos, and Edwin van der Sar against Portuguese legends Luís Figo, Quaresma, and Nani. The match raised €600,000 for charitable causes, adding a philanthropic dimension to the summit.
Evenings brought unforgettable experiences, including a Food Festival with 40+ food trucks, and headline performances from Joel Corry, Imanbek, ALOK, and Timmy Trumpet at the Opening and Closing Parties.
Economic Impact & Looking Ahead
The summit’s influence extended beyond the industry, generating more than 72,000 hotel nights and contributing an estimated €80–100 million to the Portuguese economy.
Rasmus Sojmark, CEO and Founder of SBC, summarized:
“We are incredibly proud of what we achieved. SBC Summit is not just growing in size but also in impact—bringing the global industry together for meaningful conversations, partnerships, and experiences. Our priority remains delivering strong ROI and the greatest show in gaming.”
As Noelia Groisman of Codere Online described it: “At SBC Summit, you can start the day with an idea and end it with a complete vision.”
Elaine Gardiner perhaps said it best: “It’s Disneyland for iGaming professionals—there’s something new and exciting around every corner.”
With planning already underway, SBC Summit 2026 will return to Lisbon from 29 September to 1 October 2026, promising to once again raise the bar as the most international, innovative, and impactful event on the gaming calendar.
