As the global betting and iGaming industry descends on Malta this June, payments will take centre stage as part of SBC Summit Malta’s dedicated Payments Innovation track.

The track, which takes place on Thursday, 12 June at the InterContinental Hotel, will unite payments executives, fintech specialists, and compliance leaders to explore the most pressing challenges and emerging opportunities in payment technology.

With sessions on Open Banking, crypto investment, and the future of fraud prevention and KYC, this track equips professionals to navigate regulatory changes, adapt to disruptive technologies, and meet rising player expectations.

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Discussing the inclusion of the Payments Innovation track at SBC Summit Malta, SBC CEO and founder, Rasmus Sojmark, said: “Payments are no longer just a backend function. They’re a key strategic pillar for driving engagement, trust, and scalable growth across the industry.

“That’s why we’ve introduced the Payments Innovation track: to give operators, suppliers, and payments professionals a focused space to deep-dive into critical trends in this space. Our goal is to turn these innovations into actionable advantage.”

Open Banking has the potential to reshape how the gambling industry handles payments, enabling faster deposits and withdrawals, real-time KYC checks, and a lower risk of fraud. Open Banking in Europe: The Disruptor Transforming Payments and Affordability will explore whether the technology can truly deliver on its promise. Featuring Theresia Mallia (Head of Payment Product, Kindred), Christian Reinheimer (Director Payments Product & Technology, LeoVegas), and Sean Spiteri (Head of Payment Solutions, PressEnter), and moderated by Rachael Kennedy (Editor, Payment Expert), the session will examine how Open Banking could enhance affordability checks, streamline transactions, and improve player experiences, while also tackling the regulatory and operational challenges facing operators.

As crypto adoption accelerates across gaming and payments, this session cuts through the hype to deliver grounded, actionable advice. The Crypto Myth-Busting and Trends: How to Invest Wisely and Avoid Common Pitfalls workshop will explore how operators, affiliates, and suppliers can approach digital assets with clarity and caution.Through practical exercises and expert insights led by Joseph Borg (Partner, WH Partners), Wesley Ellul (CCO, Quizando), Mark Grech (Founder & CEO, Pyaza), and Sabine Roiss (CEO & Founder, Crypto-Play), attendees will tackle risk mitigation, navigate market volatility, and develop compliant crypto strategies that enhance player trust within evolving payment ecosystems.

The panel Redefining Fraud Prevention addresses the evolving landscape of AML and fraud prevention. Featuring Piotr Lisak (AML Governance Officer & MLRO, Kindred), Sergio Muscat (Founder, Oxygia Consulting), Greg Papanastasiou (CCO, Play North), the session will explore how operators are leveraging AI, streamlined workflows, and cross-industry collaboration to combat fraud, maintain compliance, and stay ahead of increasingly complex threats.

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Also featured as part of the track will be the session Beyond Detection: The Convergence of Fraud & AML in iGaming Risk Management, a fireside chat featuring Tim De Borle (COO, Casumo) and Tamas Kadar (CEO, SEON) as they examine how operators can align fraud and AML strategies to strengthen risk management and streamline compliance.

Beyond the Payments Innovation track, SBC Summit Malta will offer attendees deeper insights into key European and global markets through focused tracks, including Casino Evolution, Europe: Regulation & Compliance, Affiliate Insights, Next-Gen Sports Betting, and the Marketing Playbook. Expert-led workshops across both days will also deliver opportunities for hands-on learning.

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Secure your spot at SBC Summit Malta with our discounted ‘Group Pass‘. For groups of three or more, you can gain access to three days of networking, exhibition, and conference content for the price of €400 (a discount of €200 off a Full Event Pass).

Additionally, you can purchase our ‘Expo+ Pass‘ for €150. This pass grants you access to the conference and exhibition only.

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Operators and affiliates can apply for complimentary passes, granting them full access to the event.

With Greece’s iGaming market having been fully regulated since 2021, affiliates must adapt to a landscape where compliance and local expertise go hand in hand. In this article, we explore the key strategies that can be used to build trust, stay compliant, and grow organic presence in Greece.

The Greek iGaming market has now been fully regulated for several years, creating a clear but competitive space for operators and affiliates. The framework established by the Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC) provides clarity, but achieving organic marketing success still requires precision, local touch, and a strong commitment to compliance.

Greece has a single national system in place. This makes things more predictable, but also means there’s a lot of attention on the market. The competition is already heating up, with well-known international brands holding licenses alongside strong local companies. All fighting for their slice of the pie.

“The Greek market isn’t new to betting, far from it,” notes Alexandros Michas, Head of Linkbuilding at BetBrothers.gr. “What’s changed is the formalisation and stronger supervision. For affiliates, there are plenty of opportunities, but the days of the grey market are long gone. Building trust and following HGC rules are a must today.”

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Understand the Regulations

When it comes to digital marketing and organic traffic, there are important rules and market specifics to consider. Greece has one main regulator, the HGC, and all online gambling activities, including marketing and affiliation, are closely controlled by it.

One of the most important requirements is that affiliates must hold their own HGC license to promote Greek-facing gaming sites. It’s not enough to partner with a licensed operator: any website, blog or social channel directing traffic to gambling platforms must be registered and approved by the HGC. This ensures affiliates understand and commit to local rules on advertising, responsible gaming messaging and transparent bonus disclosures.

Furthermore, marketing communications have strict rules. They must be truthful, not misleading, and must not target vulnerable individuals or minors. Responsible gambling messaging is mandatory, and the HGC closely checks for compliance, ready to impose big fines for any violations.

To build a sustainable organic strategy in Greece, affiliates should focus on foundational, authentic marketing practices.

Apply Hyper-Local SEO

Creating content requires more than simple translation. It demands language that is culturally resonant and tailored for Greek search queries. This means going beyond simple keyword matching to understanding genuine user intent.

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“Keyword research is fundamental, but it’s more than just typing terms into a tool,” Alexandros stresses. “At BetBrothers, we spend time understanding how Greeks actually search – the slang, the abbreviations, the specific player or match queries. It’s about thinking with a local mindset, not just translating. Basic SEO doesn’t make it here, content needs to feel native and natural.”

Create Authentic Credibility

Developing authority involves seeking out link-building opportunities with established Greek sports blogs, news portals, and fan forums. It’s important to make sure that guest content is truly valuable to the platform’s readers. Building relationships with trusted local sources also helps enhance credibility and establish a strong presence within the community.

“Link building in Greece requires patience and genuine outreach,” Alexandros comments. “It’s not just about volume. We focus on earning links from reputable Greek sources that add value to our users and theirs. A link from a respected Greek sports site carries far more weight than ten generic international links.”

Connect with Greek Culture

Content should dive deep into local sports, centering on the Greek Super League, the Greek Cup, national team performances, and the intense basketball rivalries in the Basket League and EuroLeague. It’s important to use betting terminology familiar to Greek bettors and understand popular local bet types. Reflecting the passion, rivalries, and cultural significance of major sporting events will ensure content resonates more deeply.

“If you’re writing about a derby between Olympiacos and Panathinaikos, you need to understand the decades of history and passion involved,” Alexandros notes. “Generic match previews don’t work. Your content needs to breathe Greek sporting culture. It’s those nuances that build connection.”

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Build Trust and Promote Responsible Gambling

Trust-building begins with prominently and genuinely integrating Responsible Gambling (RG) messages. This is an HGC requirement that also reassures users. Affiliates should provide clear, honest information and unbiased reviews about licensed operators to show they are reliable sources in a market where players value well-informed choices. Following all advertising and compliance rules is essential to maintain credibility and user confidence.

“Trust is perhaps the most valuable currency in the Greek iGaming market,” Alexandros states. “Players want to feel safe and informed. By promoting responsible gambling and providing transparent, high-quality information, affiliates can become go-to resources.”

Final Thoughts

The Greek iGaming market offers significant opportunities for affiliates who are prepared to invest in a long-term, organic strategy built on compliance, understanding local culture, and offering real value. While the HGC’s firm regulatory hand requires careful attention, it also creates a level playing field where quality and authenticity can truly shine.

“For affiliates in Greece, the game has changed towards quality and compliance,” Alexandros concludes. “Shortcuts will lead to penalties. But for those who invest in understanding the local market, respecting the rules, and delivering real value through their content, the potential for sustainable growth is endless. It’s about playing the long game, authentically.”

Outstanding games from Germany and a great show with many well-known personalities: the year’s best games made in Germany were honoured at the German Computer Game Awards 2025 (DCP) in Berlin. In the Palais am Funkturm, guests from the areas of culture, society, media, politics and the game industry celebrated the creative teams behind the high-quality games. The hosts Katrin Bauerfeind and Uke Bosse led the audience through the entertaining evening, which numerous viewers also followed via live stream.

The winner in the highest-profile category, “Best German Game,” was “Enshrouded” from the studio Keen Games. The coveted award was presented by Federal Minister for Research, Technology and Aerospace Dorothee Bär, who is responsible for computer and video games in the new Federal Government. The survival RPG game also won in the category “Best Innovation and Technology”. The award for “Studio of the Year” went to Megagon Industries from Berlin, the studio behind the successful “Lonely Mountains” games. The games community and DCP jury chose the streamer Stephan Bliemel, known as Steinwallen, “Player of the Year”. For over a decade, Steinwallen has impressively demonstrated in his video streams how history can be successfully imparted through games. Prize money totalling 800,000 euros was awarded in the framework of the DCP 2025.

The German Computer Game Awards were hosted by the German Federal Government and game – The German Games Industry Association.

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“We congratulate all the award winners. Impressive variety, captivating stories and first-rate technologies: once again, on the grand stage of the German Computer Game Awards 2025, the enormous strength of German games studios was clear to see. Germany produces exciting games with world-market potential. These successes send a strong signal and show what Germany has to offer as a game production location. Together with the new Federal Government, we want to enable this creative and technological excellence to shine even more brightly on the international stage in the future,” said Felix Falk, Managing Director of game – The German Games Industry Association.

Overview of all the winners of the German Computer Game Awards 2025:

Best International Game (not endowed)

• Split Fiction (Hazelight Studios / Electronic Arts)

Best German Game (endowed with 100,000 euros)

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• Enshrouded (Keen Games)

The other nominees each receive 30,000:

• Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders (Megagon Industries)

• Thronefall (Grizzly Games)

Best Family Game (endowed with 40,000 euros)

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• PRIM (Common Colors / Application Systems Heidelberg)

Newcomer Award – Best Debut (endowed with 60,000 euros)

• Nordhold (Stunforge / Stunforge & HypeTrain Digital)

The other nominees each receive 25,000 euros:

• Footgun: Underground (Turtle Knight Games / CobraTekku Games)

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• Mindlock – The Apartment (Roof Cut Media / United Soft Media)

Newcomer Award – Best Prototype (endowed with 50,000 euros)

• Blob the Klex (Melena Dressel, Alejandro Rebolledo, Laura Octavianus / Hochschule Darmstadt)

The other nominees each receive 25,000 euros:

• MapMap – A game about Maps (HAW Hamburg / Pipapo Games)

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• Stuntboost (Julian Höltge, Tobias Kozel)

• Echoes of Mora (HTW Berlin / Meike Strippel et al.)

• Exhibit A (MDH München / Olivia Falke et al.)

Best Innovation and Technology (endowed with 40,000 euros)

• Enshrouded (Keen Games)

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Best Audio Design (endowed with 40,000 euros)

• ODDADA (Sven Ahlgrimm et al.)

Best Game Design (endowed with 40,000 euros)

• Thronefall (Grizzly Games)

Best Graphic Design (endowed with 40,000 euros)

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• Harold Halibut (Slow Bros.)

Best Mobile Game (endowed with 40,000 euros)

• Duck Detective: The Secret Salami (Happy Broccoli Games)

Best Story (endowed with 40,000 euros)

• Vampire Therapist (Little Bat Games)

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Best Serious Game (endowed with 40,000 euros)

• Deine Stimme (Sebastian Grünwald & Reality Twist / Bavarian State Centre for Political Education)

Studio of the Year (endowed with 50,000 euros)

• Megagon Industries (Berlin)

Player of the Year (not endowed)

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• Steinwallen

Special Jury Award (endowed with a total of 10,000 euros; the two winners each receive 5000 euros)

• Flipper und Arcade Museum Seeligenstadt

• GAME:IN