Anyone who has ever attended a music festival knows that the lineup can make or break the experience. What may come as a surprise is that the same holds true for industry events.

Thankfully, SBC Summit Americas is more Lollapalooza than Lollapa-loser (yes, it’s a cheesy joke, but I’m owning it!).

On the educational front, SBC Summit Americas will feature a six-stage conference program covering key industry areas such as leadership, payments, and affiliation. Building on the regional focus of SBC’s previous American-based events, the program will also feature dedicated tracks on North America and Latin America.

With 250 expert speakers set to take the stage at SBC Summit Americas, the agenda is packed with global insight—but today, we’re turning our attention firmly toward North America. 

From trailblazing operators to tech innovators and policy shapers, the conference features a standout lineup of speakers driving the industry forward across the region.

If you’re looking to hear from the key figures shaping the future of North American gambling, consider this your essential guide.

Julie Brown, Vice Chair, Florida Gaming Control Commission

Julie Brown is a highly experienced regulatory and legal professional who currently serves as the Vice Chair for the Florida Gaming Control Commission. She was reappointed by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2022 after previously serving as the inaugural Chairman. 

With extensive experience in both the private and public sectors, Brown previously led the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, overseeing 1.4 million licenses from 30+ industries and securing key legislative approval for licensing reforms.

Brown has also been a key figure in several civic and professional organizations such as the Florida Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commission, the Southern States Energy Board, and the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners. 

Brown will commence the summit’s conference program on Wednesday, May 14th, with an opening address on the ‘Leaders’ track, where she will welcome delegates to Florida and discuss the future of gaming in the state. 

Behshad Behzadi, Chief Product, Technology & AI Officer, Sportradar

Behshad Behzadi is the Chief Product, Technology, and AI Officer at Sportradar, leading AI-driven innovation in sports technology. A distinguished computer scientist and global technology leader, he has 20 years of experience in algorithms, search ranking, natural language processing, speech recognition, machine learning, and generative AI.

Before joining Sportradar, Behzadi spent over 14 years at Google, where he was instrumental in Google’s AI-first strategy. He co-founded Google Assistant, Google Lens, Google Smart Display, and the Next-Gen Assistant, playing a key role in the evolution of AI-powered consumer experiences. He also led Google Search Ranking teams, overseeing major AI-driven updates impacting over 50% of global search traffic daily.

Behzadi will be speaking on the panel ‘Integrating Sports Betting into Broadcasting’ which will be held on Wednesday, May 14th on the ‘North America’ track. The panel explores the potential integration of sports betting into broadcasting, delving into potential new revenue streams, its impact on audience engagement, and how it could revolutionize the sports viewing experience. 

Stuart Simms, Group CEO, FairPlay Media

With a 30-year career spanning digital media, technology, performance marketing, and cloud computing, Stuart Simms, CEO of FairPlay Sports Media, has firmly established himself as a leading figure in the industry.

Simms has previously held C-suite and board-level positions at some of the world’s leading companies, including Microsoft, Rakuten, IBM and Rackspace. 

Most recently, he served as Group CEO of XLMedia PLC, a company he successfully overhauled and transformed into a sports publishing and media business mainly operating in North America.

Now at FairPlay Sports Media, Simms leverages his extensive experience in technology, media, and sports betting to drive the company’s next phase as a tech-led, data-powered brand focused on leveling the playing field in sports betting.

Simms will feature on the panel ‘Integrating Sports Betting into Broadcasting’ on Wednesday, May 14th. As part of the ‘North America’ track, the panel will explore the potential integration of sports betting into broadcasting, delving into potential new revenue streams, arguing whether it will enhance audience engagement, and how it could revolutionize the sports viewing experience. 

The conference’s opening day will also see the FairPlay Sports Media CEO appear on the panel ‘Sports Betting Leaders: AI vs Sportsbooks: What are the odds?’ on Wednesday, May 14th. As part of the ‘Leaders’ track, the panel will explore the transformative power of AI, taking a detailed look at the advantages and disadvantages of relying on technology, and whether sportsbooks can strike the perfect balance between human interaction and technological innovation. 

Mike Ybarra, Chief Executive Officer, PrizePicks

Mike Ybarra, is a seasoned professional in the technology and gaming sectors, who has spent two decades leading multi-billion-dollar enterprises.

Having previously held key leadership roles at Microsoft and Activision Blizzard, Ybarra has played a pivotal role in shaping major gaming and entertainment platforms. 

During his 19-year tenure at Microsoft, Ybarra played an integral role in shaping Xbox’s future in the game console arms race. He was responsible for the implementation of the Xbox Game Pass, redefining the console gaming experience, managed over 2 billion in profits and losses, and contributed to titles such as Gears of War 3, Ryse: Son of Rome, and Sunset Overdrive. 

As CEO of PrizePicks, Ybarra has spent the last year spearheading the company’s strategic growth and innovation in daily fantasy sports and gaming.

Ybarra will lead a dedicated keynote panel, titled ‘In Conversation With Mike Ybarra,’ which will take place on the ‘Leaders’ track on Wednesday, May 14th. During his address, he will discuss the meteoric rise of fantasy sports in North America, providing insights into how PrizePicks are reshaping the fantasy landscape and the future innovations set to impact the gaming format. 

Kresimir Spajic, CEO, Betfred USA

Kresimir Spajic’s path to becoming CEO of Betfred USA is anything but conventional—he began his professional journey as an athlete with the Croatian Football Association before transitioning into the world of business.

With deep expertise in sports betting, iGaming, marketing, and business development, Spajic has played a key role in the growth of major industry players including Great Canadian Entertainment, Apollo Global Management, Rush Street Interactive, Borgata, Full Tilt, and bwin.

From 2016 to 2021, he served as Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Online Gaming and Sports Betting at Hard Rock International, where he was instrumental in building and expanding the company’s digital gaming and sportsbook division, while also leading product innovation.

In 2023, Spajic took the helm at Betfred Sportsbook, where he now drives the brand’s U.S. expansion and operational strategy—strengthening its foothold in the competitive North American sports betting landscape.

Spajic will appear on the panel titled ‘Igaming Leaders: Omnichannel Strategy for Enhanced Customer Experience’, which will commence on Wednesday, May 14th on the ‘Leaders’ track. The panel will examine how brands can best leverage innovative technology to ensure a seamless transition between physical and digital formats, whilst also driving engagement and player satisfaction. 

Seth Schorr, CEO, Fifth Street Gaming

Seth Schorr, CEO of Fifth Street Gaming, boasts a distinguished 30-year career in gaming and hospitality. Licensed in over 20 U.S. jurisdictions, he is widely recognized for his deep expertise in gaming regulations, market development, and industry innovation.

A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Schorr’s journey into the industry began before completing his degree, working as a Casino Marketing Executive at The Mirage. In 2001, he joined Wynn Resorts as Director of Interactive Gaming, where he played a pivotal role in expanding international marketing in Macau and launching the company’s first iGaming division—ultimately shaping Wynn Resorts’ first online casino.

In 2006, Schorr co-founded Fifth Street Gaming, which now owns and operates five casinos. Schorr also introduced esports to casino resorts in 2015, launching the first fully integrated esports program at The Downtown Grand. In 2017, he founded Commercial Streaming Solutions and developed BettorView, a patented media platform that delivers sports betting content to casinos, bars, and stadiums nationwide.

Schorr will be a featured expert on the panel “Limiting Bettors: Has it Worked?“, taking place on Wednesday, May 14th, as part of the ‘Leaders’ track. He and his fellow panelists will examine the effectiveness of betting limits, debating whether they truly help combat problem gambling or inadvertently drive bettors to unregulated markets.

Lee Terfloth, Chief Interactive Officer, Delaware North

Lee Terfloth was appointed Chief Interactive Officer at Delaware North in November 2024, bringing over a decade of experience in online casino and sports betting.

Prior to joining Delaware North, he served as Chief Executive Officer at Prime Sports from 2023 to 2024, where he led the company’s expansion in sports betting and interactive entertainment, following his tenure as COO in 2023.

Previously, Terfloth spent four years at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, first as Director of Product, Online Gaming, before advancing to Vice President of Online Gaming Products. He also held leadership roles as Director of Interactive Products at Resorts Digital Gaming and Online Gaming Poker Consultant at Borgata. 

Terloth will be featured in the session ‘Limiting bettors: Has it worked?’, on Wednesday, May 14th. The panel, as part of the ‘North America’ track, will examine the effectiveness of betting limits, debating whether they truly help combat problem gambling or inadvertently drive bettors to unregulated markets.

Additionally, he will appear on the panel titled ‘Igaming Leaders: Omnichannel Strategy for Enhanced Customer Experience,’ which will commence on Wednesday, May 14 on the ‘Leaders’ track. The panel will examine how brands can best leverage innovative technology to ensure a seamless transition between physical and digital formats, whilst also driving engagement and player satisfaction.

Lori Kalani, Chief Responsible Gaming Officer, DraftKings

As the first-ever Chief Responsible Gaming Officer at DraftKings, Lori Kalani has become an influential figure in enhancing player safety, protection initiatives, and responsible gaming strategies.

With an extensive background in law, regulation, and corporate compliance, Kalani has played a pivotal role in shaping the industry’s current responsible gaming policies and regulatory frameworks.

Prior to joining DraftKings, Kalani served as Co-Chair of Cozen O’Connor’s State Attorneys General Group—where she led regulatory enforcement, government affairs, and policy advocacy— a partner at Dickstein Shapiro LLP and Senior Counsel at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP.

Recognized as one of “America’s Leading Lawyers for Business” by Chambers USA,  and a “Woman Worth Watching” by Profiles in Diversity Journal, Kolani has proven herself as a respected authority in the intersection of law, gaming regulation, and corporate governance.

Kalani will deliver an exclusive keynote address, “It’s More Fun When It’s For Fun: In Conversation With Lori Kalani“, on Wednesday, May 14, as part of the ‘Leaders’ Track. This engaging session will provide fresh insights and thought-provoking discussions on the importance of bringing fun back to gambling, highlighting how entertainment and responsible play can drive a more enjoyable gaming experience for players. 

Cory Fox, SVP Public Policy & Sustainability, FanDuel

Cory Fox is the Senior Vice President of Public Policy & Sustainability at FanDuel, spearheading the company’s relations with lawmakers, regulators, and stakeholders across the U.S. and beyond.

With nearly a decade of experience at FanDuel, Cory has played a pivotal role in the company’s regulatory expansion, most recently serving as Vice President of Product & New Market Compliance. In that role, he oversaw licensing and product counseling efforts during a critical phase of FanDuel’s growth in the fantasy sports, sports betting, and iGaming markets. Earlier in his tenure, Cory led government affairs strategy and regulatory compliance for fantasy sports across more than 15 states.

Prior to joining FanDuel, Fox served as Senior Policy Counsel at the Entertainment Software Association, advocating on key issues related to privacy, cybersecurity, and intellectual property. He also held legal roles at Sony Computer Entertainment America and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
 

Cory will be speaking on the panel ‘RG Tech: Potential Game Changer?’ on Wednesday, May 14th, as part of the ‘Player Protection Symposium’. The session will explore how the industry can effectively evaluate the impact of responsible gambling technologies, examining key performance indicators such as reductions in problem gambling rates, risk mitigation, player awareness, and usage of responsible gambling tools. 

Tom Metzger, CEO, Lotto.com

Thomas Metzger is the CEO of Lotto.com Inc., the first digital platform for ordering official state lottery draw and scratch games via mobile and web. 

Since establishing Lotto.com in 2020, Metzger has led the company’s expansion from a four-person startup to a nationwide operation with over 200 employees and a rapidly growing customer base of nearly 3 million across multiple states.

Metzger previously served as Head of Corporate Development at Camelot Global Services, the international division of the UK National Lottery operator and Vice President of Lottery Development at Scientific Games, one of the world’s largest lottery and gaming technology companies. Notably, he was the youngest Vice President in the company’s history and played a key role in shaping industry legislation and public procurements.

Metzger will appear on the panel titled ‘Lotteries – a Road to Relevance?’, which is set to take place on the ‘North America’ track on Wednesday, May 14. The panel will offer instrumental strategies on how lotteries can maintain their relevance in a world captivated by iGaming, sports betting, and sweepstakes. 

View the full list of confirmed speakers here.

View the full SBC Summit Americas agenda here.