Player Protection Takes Center Stage at SBC Summit 2025

SBC Summit 2025 will once again shine a light on the industry's most pressing responsibility of safeguarding players, with a dedicated Player Protection stage running throughout the event from September 16–18 at the Feira Internacional de Lisboa (FIL).

The Player Protection stage will offer the event's 30,000 delegates an examination of how industry ethics intersect with regulation, technology, and player behaviour, featuring insights from experienced professionals across the sector.

Rasmus Sojmark, Founder and CEO of SBC, said: "Player protection has rightly evolved from a regulatory checkbox to a core business strategy. As global frameworks tighten and consumer expectations rise, the operators that succeed long term will be those that genuinely embed safety into their model.”

The Player Protection stage will tackle three vital themes across the event. The first day will examine regulation, Day Two will explore emerging trends, and Day Three will focus on innovative technologies that can better protect players.

Tuesday 16 September - Regulation: The opening day will explore the relationship between regulation and unintended consequences, asking whether strict compliance measures push players toward unregulated markets. It will also examine who should bear responsibility for player disputes: operators, regulators, or an independent body.

Wednesday 17 September - Research: The second day will focus on practical solutions to player protection. Panels will explore themes such as how AI is changing player engagement and why unlicensed sites continue to attract consumers. Sessions will also compare global approaches to affordability and risk assessment and ask who has the best approach to protecting players.

Thursday 18 September – Tech: The closing day will look at the latest tools and technologies for keeping players safe, including how different platforms can work together to protect players, AI-powered player monitoring, and how player protection functions when gamers play with cryptocurrencies.

The Player Protection Stage will host a number of safer gambling experts, including: Savo Bakmaz (CEO, Maxbet), Dr Maris Catania (Director of Player Sustainability, LeoVegas), David Foster (Head of Regulatory Affairs, Entain), Richard Hayler (Managing Director, IBAS), Dr Alexandra Koerner (Chief Legal & Compliance Officer, Grand Casino Baden AG), Katie Reynolds-Jones (Chief Marketing Officer, GamStop), and Monica Shafaq (CEO, Gordon Moody). Together, they’ll tackle the key challenges around harm minimisation, regulatory expectations, and sustainable gambling, making this stage essential for anyone responsible for player protection strategy.

The Player Protection stage is one of six dedicated conference stages at SBC Summit 2025, alongside Global Markets, Emerging Markets, Technology, Affiliation, and the Super Stage.

Looking to attend SBC Summit 2025? Here’s how:

Secure your place with a VIP Event Pass – enjoy full access to all conference sessions, the exhibition floor, exclusive networking events, and complimentary food and drink throughout the summit.

Bringing the team? Take advantage of our Group Pass Discount — purchase three or more VIP Event Passes and pay just €400 per ticket (saving €200 off the standard price).

Operator or affiliate? You may be eligible for a complimentary VIP Event Pass, which includes full access to the exhibition, conference, and exclusive networking events. Apply now to reserve your spot.

Expo+ Pass: Gain access to the full exhibition floor and all conference sessions across the three days. This does not include access to our exclusive VIP evening networking events.

Expo Only Pass: Free to attend, this pass gives you access to the exhibition floor –  perfect for networking and exploring the show without attending the conference sessions.