SBC Summit on Track to Welcome 30,000 Attendees to Lisbon

SBC Summit returns to Lisbon next week with its biggest edition yet, delivering 20% year-on-year growth to reach 30,000 delegates. The event will also debut fresh features addressing urgent industry priorities, alongside a renewed emphasis on hospitality.

With attendees from over 130 countries, the summit will take on its most international scope to date, introducing stages on Global and Emerging Markets and regionally focused networking spaces to spotlight opportunities across Africa, Latin America, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America.

Agenda highlights include keynotes with Gary Vaynerchuk, Randi Zuckerberg, and a lineup of sporting icons, plus the launch of Tech Academies with hands-on learning in AI, blockchain, gamification, and marketing.

The expo floor, conveniently split into themed zones to help delegates navigate the 700 exhibitors across 135,000 square metres, will also feature lounges, interactive showcases, plus nine Food Festival areas offering more than 40 options. Notable names exhibiting on the floor include 1xBet, Altenar, Amusnet, Clever Advertising, Digitain, EveryMatrix, GR8 Tech, iGP, Kaizen Gaming, Optimove, PayFuture, Smartsoft, Soft2Bet and Stake.

Adding to the excitement, the show floor will also feature celebrity appearances and walkthroughs from the likes of award-winning artist Jordan Dawson, Portuguese actress and influencer Margarida Corceiro, and international footballers Cafu, Marco Materazzi, Claude Makélélé, and Marek Hamšík, among others.

Rasmus Sojmark, CEO and Founder of SBC, commented: “We are looking forward to SBC Summit returning to Lisbon next week. Last year was a huge success and taught us a lot, especially when it comes to what really connects with delegates.

“This year, we focused on the topics that matter most, from adding new stages covering global and emerging markets to dedicated academies on AI and marketing. And of course, some super star appearances to add that iconic SBC flair.”

On the educational front, the six-stage conference programme, which now includes the new Global and Emerging Markets stages, will bring together over 550 industry experts, 44% of whom are C-level executives. Affiliation and player protection will be discussed extensively, while the revamped technology stage will now include a focus on martech and payments, complementing the offerings at the Payment Expert Summit.

Adding to the event’s star-studded line-up will be the return of the Super Stage at the MEO Arena. The stage will host a series of inspirational talks from some of the biggest names in sport, including Oleksandr Usyk, Rubens Barrichello, and legendary footballers from the Legends Charity Game such as Kaká, Edwin van der Sar, Roberto Carlos, Michael Owen and Petr Čech. 

Super stage attendees will also have the chance to explore the latest industry thought processes and strategies during a ‘Super CEO Panel‘ featuring the likes of Daniel Taylor (CEO International, Flutter International), Neal Menashe (CEO, Super Group), Joanne Whittaker (CEO, Betfred), Jesper Svensson (CEO, Betsson Group) and Simon Lidzén (CEO & Co-founder, Fast Track).

In the evenings, the MEO Arena will be transformed into a stage of celebration, hosting two industry award ceremonies. On Wednesday, 17 September, the venue will welcome the inaugural Affiliate Leaders Awards, a ceremony dedicated to honouring the brands driving innovation in the affiliate sector. The following evening, the industry will gather for the 12th edition of the SBC Awards. Hosted by renowned goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel, the evening will recognise the achievements of global operators and suppliers across payments, marketing, platform provision, and data.

The Affiliate Leaders Awards will also anchor the expanded Affiliate Leaders Summit, which this year runs across all three days and features a 40% larger show floor, bringing together the industry’s leading affiliates and operator affiliate programmes under one roof.

Closing the week, delegates will gather on Thursday evening for the INFINITY Lisbon Closing party, hosted at the MEO Arena. The finale will feature headline performances from EDM icons ALOK and Timmy Trumpet, ensuring the Summit concludes on a high note.

Ahead of the main event, SBC will host the Legends Charity Game on Monday, 15th September, where Portugal Legends will take on World Legends in a match aiming to raise more than €1 million for local and international charities.

Other standout features of SBC Summit include:

• Airport Registration:  Collect your event badge on arrival at Humberto Delgado Airport (14–17 September) for seamless entry on Tuesday.
• SBC Connect app: Your dedicated event app allowing you to network with attendees, book meetings, view the agenda, and bookmark key sessions.
• SBC Summit Opening Party: Celebrate the start of SBC Summit at Urban Beach with headline sets from world-class DJs Joel Corry and Imanbek (VIP pass holders only).
• Media Headquarters: Uniting the industry’s leading media publications, allowing brands the chance to boost visibility through interviews, press conferences and podcasts.
• Masterclasses: Participate in expert-led masterclasses on sportsbook trading, designing engaging slot machines and Ukrainian regulation.
• First Pitch Competition: Watch five startups pitch their products for a prize package worth over €90,000.
• Numerous daytime & evening networking events.

“SBC Summit 2025 wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of the industry. To our sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, and attendees, thank you for helping us bring to life what has truly become the greatest show in gaming.” Sojmark added.