With sessions covering leadership, payments, and affiliation—plus dedicated tracks focused on North America and Latin America—the agenda will provide a holistic overview of the most pressing developments impacting the region.

But as any seasoned conference-goer will tell you, even the most promising agenda can fall flat without the right speakers. 

A well-delivered talk can turn a standard session into a game-changing moment, one that inspires new ideas or even redefines your career path. 

Fortunately, our team has secured an all-star lineup, ensuring you only receive the best insights to help achieve your career goals. 

Across the event, you’ll hear from 250 of the most influential voices in the industry—leaders, innovators, and changemakers from both North and Latin America. 

With so many experts taking the stage, narrowing down who to see might become your biggest challenge—but it’s a good problem to have— trust us.

We’ve already shared our picks for must-see North American speakers, but now it’s time to shift the spotlight south. 

Consider this your ultimate speaker guide for all things Latin America—the industry’s answer to a Pokédex, but filled with thought leaders. We’ll break down who they are, why they matter, and where to find them as they share insights into some of the world’s most exciting markets.

Karen Sierra-Hughes, Vice President, Latin America Caribbean & Spain, GLI 

Karen Sierra-Hughes has been a pivotal figure at Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) since 2004, leading efforts to develop new gaming jurisdictions across Latin America and the Caribbean.
 

Currently serving as Vice President of Latin America, the Caribbean, and Spain, Sierra-Hughes has been instrumental in shaping GLI’s regulatory and supplier strategies. 

Holding a Law Degree and a Master’s Degree in Commercial and Public Law from the Latin America University of Science and Technology, she has significantly contributed to the development of gaming laws, decrees, and regulations across the region.

Before joining GLI, Sierra-Hughes served as Director of the Legal Advisory Department at the Panama Gaming Control Board from 2002 to 2004. In that role, she coordinated legal efforts, drafted regulations, and acted as Director Ad-Hoc during absences. She also worked as an Associate Attorney in the Administrative and Public Law Department at SUCRE ARIAS REYES, where she advised on various legal matters, including gaming law and commercial promotions.

Sierra-Hughes’ extensive experience and dedication have made her a key player in the gaming industry, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean. She will be moderating the panel titled ‘LATAM LEADERS – Beyond Brazil: Balancing Growth Across LatAm’s Other Markets’, taking place on Wednesday, May 14th on the ‘Leaders’ track. The panel will explore the untapped potential of Latin American markets beyond Brazil. While acknowledging the rise of the formerly dubbed “sleeping giant,” the discussion will also highlight other emerging markets in the region that deserve your attention.

Julio Cesar Tamayo, CEO, Wplay

Julio Cesar Tamayo has been at the helm of Wplay since its inception in 2017. 

Under his leadership, the company entered a groundbreaking partnership with the regulatory body Coljuegos, becoming the first Colombian operator authorized to offer online betting in the region. Since then, Wplay has emerged as an advocate of legal gambling and player safeguards, committing substantial resources to community welfare initiatives. 

Wplay’s meteoric rise in the industry places them as one of the largest operators in Colombia. Wplay solidified itself as a regional powerhouse, becoming the official partner to some of the most high-profile sports organizations in Colombia, including Primera A-League football teams and the Colombian Olympic football team.

Tamayo will be speaking on the panel titled ‘LATAM LEADERS – Beyond Brazil: Balancing Growth Across LatAm’s Other Markets’, taking place on Wednesday, May 14th on the ‘Leaders’ track. The panel will explore the untapped potential of Latin American markets beyond Brazil. While acknowledging the rise of the formerly dubbed “sleeping giant,” the discussion will also highlight other emerging markets in the region that deserve your attention.

Fellipe Fraga, Chief Business Officer, EstrelaBet

Fellipe Fraga has served as the Chief Business Officer at EstrelaBet since January 2023, leading the company’s commercial strategy, business expansion, and international market positioning.

With a strong background in international business, law and sports marketing, he has played a pivotal role in shaping regulatory frameworks, business strategy, and operational growth within the Latin American gaming industry. 

Beyond his leadership at EstrelaBet, Fraga serves as the Director of F. Fraga Law Firm, where he provides expert legal counsel in sports law, gambling law, and business consulting, advising clients on regulatory compliance and industry best practices. 

Previous roles have also included AML compliance Officer at Stars Investments N.V., an auditor for the Sports Law Court of Minas Gerais – American Football, and legal advisory roles at renowned law firms across Brazil. 

Fraga will feature on the panel titled ‘LATAM LEADERS – Beyond Brazil: Balancing Growth Across LatAm’s Other Markets’, taking place on Wednesday, May 14th on the ‘Leaders’ track. The panel will explore the untapped potential of Latin American markets beyond Brazil. While acknowledging the rise of the formerly dubbed “sleeping giant,” the discussion will also highlight other emerging markets in the region that deserve your attention.

Laura Gago, COO, BETANDEAL

Laura Gago is the Head of Operations at BETANDEAL, a leading online marketing company specializing in affiliate marketing within the iGaming sector. Since joining BETANDEAL in 2020, she has played a pivotal role in optimizing operations, enhancing performance, and driving strategic growth.

Gago began her journey at BETANDEAL as an Affiliate Manager, focusing on market strategies, process optimization, and performance-driven initiatives. In 2022, she advanced to Operations Manager, where she led strategic planning, resource allocation, and revenue growth efforts.

Recognized for her leadership and expertise, she was promoted to Head of Operations in 2023, where she oversees strategic communications, team management, and business performance, ensuring seamless execution and continuous expansion across the company.

Gago will speak on the ‘Entering the Gaming Affiliate Market in Latin America’ panel set to take place on Wednesday, May 14th on the ‘Affiliate Leaders Summit’ track at SBC Summit Americas. The panel will provide Latin American affiliates with practical tips, proven strategies for market entry, and the key lessons learned from other countries.

Cecilia Valdez, President, ACCJ

Cecilia Valdez is a distinguished journalist and corporate affairs expert with over 20 years of experience in strategic communications, governance, and regulatory engagement.

As President of the Chilean Association of Gaming Casinos (ACCJ), she leads the Chilean market’s strategic direction, fosters regulatory collaboration, and champions responsible gaming initiatives. Previously, she served as Corporate Affairs Manager at Corfo, Chile’s Economic Development Agency, where she played a pivotal role in public-private partnerships and economic development strategies.

Valdez’s expertise also extends to corporate governance and compliance, having held board positions at Inacap, Sercotec, and the Responsible Gaming Corporation. Valdez also serves as President of the Women’s Networking Commission at Chile’s National Chamber of Commerce (CNC). In recognition of her contributions to public service, she was named one of Chile’s 100 Women Leaders in 2021.

Valdez will join the panel ‘All Eyes on the Andes: What is to Come?’ on Wednesday, May 14, as part of the ‘Latin America’ track at SBC Summit Americas. This session will delve into key markets in the Andeon region, including Colombia, Peru, Chile, and Ecuador, analyzing future opportunities for operators and the potential ripple effects these markets could have on their neighbors.

David Fica, CEO, Land Vegas

A leader in gaming, technology, and immersive entertainment, David Fica brings more than two decades of industry experience to the table

As Founder and CEO of Land Vegas Group, he has been a keen advocate of Virtual Reality (VR) and Mixed Reality (MR) innovations in the betting industry, shaping the next generation of interactive gaming experiences.

Prior to launching Land Vegas in 2022, Fica spent seven years as CEO of Siempre Games, a company specializing in esports and gaming development across Latin America. His career also includes a number of key leadership roles, serving as Director of Games at Dreams S.A. and Supervisor of Gaming Tables at Enjoy S.A., where he honed his expertise in game optimization, player engagement, and tournament management.

Fica will appear on the panel ‘All Eyes on the Andes: What is to Come?’ on Wednesday, May 14, as part of the ‘Latin America’ track. This session will delve into key markets in the Andeon region, including Colombia, Peru, Chile, and Ecuador, analyzing future opportunities for operators and the potential ripple effects these markets could have on their neighbors.

Thomas Carvalhaes, Brazil Country Manager, Stake

With over 15 years of experience in online casinos, sports betting, and business development across Brazil and Latin America, Thomas Carvalhaes has cemented himself as a key industry figure in the Latin American region. 

Currently serving as Country Manager for Stake in Brazil, he oversees commercial operations, strategic growth, and regulatory alignment for one of the world’s leading gaming platforms. 

He is also a founding member of the Brazilian Association of Online Gambling (ABRAJOGO), where he has been instrumental in fostering a healthy relationship between the Brazilian government and the gaming sector. 

Carvalhaes’s distinguished career has seen him in senior roles at GR8 Tech, Hero Gaming, LeoVegas, and Betmotion, where he played a pivotal part in launching and growing brands in Brazil, Peru, Chile, and Mexico. 

Carvalhaes will speak on the panel ‘Brazil 2025: A Surge in Licensing and Lessons So Far’ on Wednesday, May 14, as part of the ‘Latin America’ track. The discussion will provide key insights into Brazil’s evolving licensing framework, offering practical guidance on navigating regulatory complexities, seizing opportunities in the market’s rapid growth, and learning from real-world experiences of companies that have successfully completed the licensing process.

Carvalhaes will also join the panel ‘Player Protection in Brazil: Responsible Gaming in a New Landscape’ on Thursday, May 15, as part of the ‘Latin America’ track. This discussion will explore how operators can collaborate with regulators to develop stronger educational programs, implement effective strategies for identifying at-risk players, and leverage technology to enhance player protection in Brazil’s evolving market.

Carlos Fonseca Sarmiento, CEO, Gaming Law

A distinguished gaming law expert, Carlos Fonseca Sarmiento currently serves as the CEO of Gaming Law SAC, as well as a Managing Partner at Fonseca Abogados LLC. 

Sarmiento holds over 20 years of experience in gaming regulation, arbitration, constitutional law, and corporate law across Latin America, and has advised governments in Peru, the Dominican Republic, and Nicaragua on the development of gaming regulations and legal frameworks.

Beyond his legal practice, he has conducted extensive research on the gaming industry in countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Uruguay, shaping regulatory discussions across the region. 

Sarmiento is set to appear on several panels across the event. He will appear on the ‘All eyes on the Andes: what is to come?’ panel on Wednesday, May 14th. Part of the ‘Latin America’ track, the panel will delve into key markets in the Andeon region, including Colombia, Peru, Chile, and Ecuador, analyzing future opportunities for operators and the potential ripple effects these markets could have on their neighbors.

On the second core day of the event, Thursday, May 15th, Sarmiento will feature on two panels. He will kick off the ‘Latin America’ track, speaking on the ‘Peru’s Evolving Betting Market – The impact of licensing’ panel. This first panel will break down Peru’s new licensing and tax regulations, including the recently introduced Selective Consumption Tax (ISC) on online gaming and sports betting. 

In the afternoon, he will speak on the panel titled ‘Consumer Rights x Betting Websites,’ which will provide operators with a comprehensive overview of the most up-to-date consumer rights for bettors, and offer key strategies for ensuring operators remain compliant. 

Sebastian Vivot, Manager of Modernization and Information Technologies, LOTBA

Since 2017, Sebastian Vivot has served as the Manager of Modernization and Information Technologies at Lotería de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires (LOTBA)—the regulatory body responsible for overseeing and managing gaming and lottery operations in Buenos Aires, Argentina. 

Before his role at LOTBA, Vivot held key leadership roles at Lotería Nacional S.E., where he was responsible for IT strategy, systems management, and digital transformation initiatives. His career also includes extensive consulting experience at IBM, Deloitte, and Seidor, where he specialized in SAP implementations, enterprise resource planning (ERP), and IT solutions. 

Vivot will speak on the panel  ‘LATAM LEADERS – Beyond Brazil: Balancing Growth Across LatAm’s Other Markets’, taking place on Wednesday, May 14th on the ‘Leaders’ track. The panel will explore the untapped potential of Latin American markets beyond Brazil. While acknowledging the rise of the formerly dubbed sleeping giant, the discussion will also highlight other emerging markets in the region that deserve your attention.

View the full list of confirmed speakers at SBC Summit Americas here.

View the full SBC Summit Americas agenda here. 

Get Your Ticket to SBC Summit Americas: 

Group Pass 3+ (Full Event Pass): Available for groups of three or more, this pass grants full access to conference sessions, the expo floor, networking events, and evening parties—all for a discounted rate of $500 per person. Get your Group Pass.

Expo+ Pass: Includes access to the expo floor and all conference sessions (does not include access to evening networking events). Get Your Expo+ Pass at $95.

Complimentary Operator & Affiliate Passes: Operators and affiliates can apply for free passes for SBC Summit Americas, subject to approval. Apply for Your Complimentary Operator Pass. Apply for Your Complimentary Affiliate Pass.

With SoloAzar have access to an exclusive 50% discount in your entrance ticket to SBC Summit Americas using the code: SOLOAZARPARTNERVIP
See you May 13- 15 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida!