The gambling and sports betting industry is undergoing significant transformations in the digital space, aiming to utilise all available innovations. However, the emphasis on understanding and prioritising player safety remains constant.

To this end, the upcoming SBC Summit will feature a dedicated ‘Player Protection Zone’, providing a framework for a robust gambling harm prevention ecosystem. This event, welcoming 25,000 industry professionals, will take place from 24-26 September at the Feira Internacional de Lisboa.

The dedicated show floor will allow delegates to explore the next generation of safeguarding systems and products, and meet leading safer gambling service providers and associations. Confirmed brands include BetBlocker, Crucial Compliance, EPIC, GamCare, Gamble Alert, Gordon Moody, Mindway AI, Neccton, Recover Me, Safer Gambling Training, Verifeye Online, and W2 by FullCircl.

Additionally, the zone’s position on the show floor will provide delegates with easy access to the Food Festival, featuring various food trucks offering multiple catering options and a dedicated lounge.

Rasmus Sojmark, CEO & Founder of SBC, remarked, "The online space has brought a wealth of innovations to the industry, from advanced betting platforms to new marketing avenues. However, with each innovation, there is always a risk that a small minority may seek to exploit it.

“The goal of this zone is to educate companies on best practices, tools, and strategies to ensure responsible gambling and safeguard players. This includes teaching them how to monitor player behaviour and protect vulnerable groups, educating them on current regulations and legal requirements, and encouraging them to connect with experts who can help enhance their protective measures.”

Delegates aiming to enhance their knowledge can look forward to three days of in-depth discussions on the latest issues affecting the player protection sector. On the first day of the educational programme, topics will include the future impacts of emerging technology on responsible gambling strategies, how operators can use existing data to make a meaningful difference in the lives of at-risk players, how operators should respond to increased regulatory scrutiny, how the industry can collaborate with influencers to ensure their interactions with players can be safe as well as profitable, and much more.

On the second day, discussions will focus on how compliance leaders can stay ahead of the curve and ensure thorough oversight, how technology suppliers are incorporating safer gambling initiatives into both new and existing products, and the differences and similarities in player protection across established and emerging markets. Additionally, panels will address whether the introduction of affordability checks and loss limits will benefit or hinder industry growth, and how operators can utilise technology, self-regulation measures, and partnerships to enhance regulatory framework implementation.

The final day will spotlight topics including the convergence of responsible gambling with environmental and social governance, the need for internal diversity to effectively address diverse external experiences, strategies for attracting talent from various fields outside the gambling industry, and whether harm prevention initiatives impact long-term profitability.

Confirmed player protection and safer gambling experts speaking at the conference include Fredrik Wastenson (CEO, Svenska Spel Sports & Casino), Tammi Barlow (VP - Global Responsible Gaming, Bally's), Martin Lycka (SVP for American Regulatory Affairs and Responsible Gambling, Entain), Andrea McGeachin (CEO, Neosurf), Hugo Baungartner (CCO, Aposta Ganha), Mike De Graaff (Co-Founder & Chief Compliance Officer, BetComply), Rasmus Kjaergaard (CEO, Mindway AI), Sam McKnight (Head of UK Compliance & Deputy MLRO, Fitzdares) and many more.

In addition to the Player Protection Zone, delegates can explore the Sports Betting Zone and Casino & iGaming Zone, the Media Headquarters, and dedicated Affiliate Leaders, Payment Expert & ESI Lisbon Summits. Each area will include a dedicated show floor, targeted networking sessions, catering options, and a focused educational programme.

Register to attend SBC Summit 2024 and use code GAMINSIDERPARTNERVIP to get 50% off the ticket price.