Key Insights of SBC Summit 2026

The evolution of the iGaming industry is faster than ever and there is no better example of this growth than at the SBC Summit. Lisbon, Portugal is the host city for the largest ever global gathering of iGaming professionals in September with over 30,000 attendees, all of whom were there to see what new trends, partnerships, and innovations would be influencing the future of online gambling and sports betting

The conversation will continue throughout the remainder of 2025 into 2026 and beyond, with many changes and new priorities emerging in the iGaming industry. We can also expect to see an increase in the number of global events and a stronger integration between technology, regulation, and player experience.

Here’s your updated look at the forces pushing iGaming forward - informed by SBC Summit 2025 reflections and the latest context for 2026.

From Lisbon 2025: What Really Mattered 

SBC Summit Lisbon threw a global spotlight on what iGaming will look like in the future and right now with an incredible 30,000+ attendees, multiple conference tracks, and dedicated exhibition and show zones that covered everything from compliance to player protection and emerging technology.

Innovative formats included a blend of structured education, panel debates, and true networking opportunities (workshops/ roundtable meetings/conversations outside the conference room).

Expanded content on payments/affiliate strategies, compliance, and the business of gaming increasingly emphasizes practical information rather than hype.

The attendees did not only talk about technology, but they also discussed how technology interconnects with regulation, customer expectations, and sustainable business models.

Discussions About Transparency/Trust

A common theme amongst all of the attendees was the focus on real proof of fair play and operational integrity, for both operators and regulators. Stakeholders are increasingly focused on using trust-generating technologies and frameworks that provide proof of transparency, fairness, and security in real time.

Top Trends of SBC Summit Lisbon 2026 

According to attendees and industry analysts, the following three key trends will be critical in developing strategic plans throughout 2026.

1. Purposeful Technology

Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, and Automation are all now proven tools of growth:

• AI-Powered Personalized Experiences to Drive Next-Level Player Engagement and Retention

• Blockchain Applications Beyond Speculation to Create Security, Fairness in Gaming Models, and Greater Accountability in Payment Processing

• Regulatory Frameworks Used by Modern Technology to Establish a Safe Play Environment Will Become a Competitive Advantage

2. Protection of Players and Responsible Gambling

The responsible gambling conversation is changing. It is no longer a compliance requirement, but rather a business differentiator for the operator:

• Operators are investing in technology to provide tools that enhance the safe play experience while not negatively impacting the user experience.

• At the SBC event, there will be much discussion around the importance of automating the detection of risks and utilizing behavioral data to drive long-term player satisfaction.

Global regulations will continue to tighten, and operators who integrate player protection into Gaming Operations rather than just add it will dominate the Industry.

3. Innovation in Payments: A Necessary Element for Strategy

The convenience of payment has always been part of a brand's promise.

• Participants looked into open banking, decentralized fintech companies, and instant settlement systems for payments.

• More and more companies want as few barriers as possible to getting paid and plan to use digital wallets with minimal fees.

When it comes to paying and being paid, consumers expect fast, transparent, and secure transactions will be the standard, there is no longer anything optional about this.

4. Global Markets Require Regional Solutions

iGaming companies today are doing business globally, but they're also often operating regionally.

• The various regions in North America (US and Canada), Latin America, and Africa all have different requirements for successful market entry strategies.

• Regulatory framework changes also require companies expanding into new regions to obtain knowledge and can alter their compliance and form strategic alliances with local entities on an ongoing basis.

This will continue to evolve through 2026, during which time companies will utilize hybrid business models to enable them to do business in multiple geographies.

What This Means for iGaming Strategy in 2026 for Operators 

The only limitation of Technology is that it cannot produce significant product or service improvements without solving problems for the business. Many operators are migrating toward:

• Technology that can produce measurable results in terms of player retention, Safety, and Monetisation.

• Solutions that comply with the various regulations and expectations of players based on their experience from trial all the way to the last interaction with the product.

1. Build A Competitive Advantage through Trust

Trust will continue to be a differentiator that customers and Regulators reward an operator based on factors including but not limited to, fair and transparent game Certification and compliance with regulations.

2. Act Globally, Think Locally

Geographic expansion should not be a replica of an operational model, but rather should be based on adapting the business model to different types of regulatory requirements, Culture, and Player Preferences.

3. Network Strategically

Major events, such as the SBC Summit, are opportunity creation platforms that can significantly impact your ability to create a competitive advantage in the future by providing new sources of information, a change of direction, and closers on deals.

Unique Opportunities at SBC Lisbon 2026 

Many factors contribute to what makes the SBC Lisbon unique global expansion opportunity. 

With a projected 30,000+ people attending in 2025 and an anticipated 40,000+ in 2026, there are plenty of potential decision-makers to network with at the conference. The Expo features numerous opportunities to make connections through including: curated matchmaking, private meeting spaces, evening networking events, and award ceremonies will all facilitate building long-term partnerships.

• Startups

Dedicated startup platforms and pitch opportunities provide startups an opportunity to present their business directly to investors, operators, and the media. For early-stage companies, attending the Summit is not only an opportunity to gather information regarding potential customers or partners, but it is also an opportunity to attract attention to their business. 

• Tangible Business Outcomes

The expo floor and conference tracks focus on delivering tangible business outcomes for operators, tech providers, affiliates, and investors. Attendees at the Summit can work on integrating their products and services while negotiating deals and developing accelerated go-to-market strategies, and in some cases, complete their business deals on-site.

• Global Expansion & Regulatory Access

The event’s programming highlights key global markets with specific content developed for these markets and includes participation by regulators and others in the regulatory process. This provides attendees with critical information about licensing, compliance, and expansion strategies, which are necessary for companies entering global markets.

Shaping the Future of the Industry 

The evolution of the iGaming landscape was evident at SBC Summit 2025. This past year alone saw an industry transformation from focusing on growth through scale to focusing instead on growth through sustainability, equity, and innovative technology solutions. 

In 2026, it is clear that success will go to companies that balance innovation and responsibility, have global vision and local understanding, and achieve rapid growth while also establishing long-term credibility. The SBC Summit is not only representative of change in our industry, but it also serves as an avenue for shaping that change.

Now is the time to turn insights into action, build the right relationships, invest in future trending solutions and position your business at the forefront of what's coming next in iGaming.