SBC Summit will return to Lisbon from September 29 to October 1, 2026, with an enhanced format featuring a six-stage conference agenda designed to deliver a comprehensive 360-degree view of the global iGaming industry.
The 2026 edition has been structured to reflect how the industry truly operates from multiple perspectives. Each stage will focus on a key force shaping the market, including Global & Emerging Markets, Technology & Innovation, the Payment Expert Summit, the Affiliate Leaders Summit, and Regulation & Compliance.
As these areas become increasingly interconnected, the agenda aims to provide clarity, helping delegates understand how different sectors overlap, evolve, and define best practices across the global gaming ecosystem.
Aidan Brain, VP of Conference Production at SBC, noted that success in today’s market depends on managing multiple moving parts simultaneously, from entering new markets to building better products and navigating regulatory frameworks.
He added that the agenda has been designed to reflect this reality, with each stage focused on helping delegates make more informed decisions in areas that directly impact growth.
Conference stages
The Global & Emerging Markets stage will help attendees identify where the next wave of growth opportunities lies and how to capitalise on them. Over three days, sessions will examine both mature and emerging markets, exploring the impact of regulation and shifting player behaviour.
- Day 1: Emerging Markets – Africa, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East
- Day 2: Western Europe – UK, Italy, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia
- Day 3: Latin America – Brazil, Peru, Mexico, and regional trends
The Technology & Innovation stage will explore how technology is reshaping gaming businesses, from platforms enhancing player interaction to systems improving operational performance. Sessions will focus on enhancing player experience, strengthening infrastructure, and gaining competitive advantage.
Each day will highlight a specific theme: sports betting innovation, iGaming product design, and marketing & customer experience.
The Payment Expert Summit will examine how payments have evolved into a critical factor influencing player choice. It will provide insights into building fast, secure, and compliant payment systems, covering fintech, AML & compliance, and crypto & blockchain.
The Regulation & Compliance stage will analyse how global regulatory changes are transforming the industry. Topics will include international regulation, player protection, and compliance technologies, offering guidance on building sustainable operations across diverse markets.
The Affiliate Leaders Summit, a standalone event co-hosted alongside SBC Summit, will focus on how affiliate businesses are evolving into full-scale media brands. Across three days, it will explore regulatory challenges, new acquisition models, and multi-channel strategies. Access requires a separate ticket.
The event will also feature the return of the Super Stage at the MEO Arena, hosting headline sessions with leading industry figures and global personalities. Previous speakers included Gary Vaynerchuk, Randi Zuckerberg, and Oleksandr Usyk.
In addition, the 2026 edition will introduce new educational formats for delegates seeking hands-on learning, including SBC’s Tech Academies covering AI, Web3, marketing, and gamification, alongside workshops and specialised sessions.
SBC Summit will bring together industry professionals from around the world to discuss the future of gaming, combining a large exhibition floor, a multi-track conference agenda, and a full networking programme.
Affiliates, regulators, and C-level executives can apply for a complimentary VIP Pass with full event access, while other operator roles may qualify for tailored passes, including upgradeable Business Pass options.
For all other attendees, a range of ticket options is available, from expo-only access to full VIP experiences, including exclusive networking, social events, and premium services.
Attendees will also be able to use the SBC Connect app to schedule meetings, connect with participants, and access on-demand content after the event.
