SBC Summit: Crypto & Blockchain Conference Track

SBC Summit will introduce a dedicated Crypto & Blockchain conference track at its 2026 edition, focusing on how gambling businesses are putting digital assets and blockchain technology into practice.

The track will take place on Thursday, 1 October 2026, at the Feira Internacional de Lisboa, bringing together operators, payments executives, fintech specialists, blockchain professionals and Web3 experts to discuss the current applications of these technologies, their challenges and their future role in the gambling industry.

Crypto and blockchain take centre stage

The new Crypto & Blockchain track will form part of the Payment Expert Summit stage, alongside the Fintech track on Tuesday, 29 September, and Global Payment Compliance on Wednesday, 30 September.

Across the day, sessions will address the integration of crypto payments, blockchain-based transaction technologies and the lessons that traditional gambling operators can draw from crypto companies in areas such as customer acquisition, engagement and loyalty.

“For a long time, conversations around crypto and blockchain were dominated by what the technology might eventually make possible. We are now at a point where the industry can have a much more practical conversation about where it actually works,” said Rasmus Sojmark, Founder and CEO of SBC.

“Faster payments and new approaches to engagement are exciting, but adoption also brings questions around compliance, security and regulation that operators cannot ignore. We want this track to look at both sides: where the genuine opportunities lie and what needs to happen for businesses to take advantage of them responsibly.”

Focus on crypto payments and compliance

The programme will open with ‘Blockchain Banking for Gambling Operators’, examining how regulated operators can integrate crypto and stablecoins into their payment ecosystems.

Lissele Pratt, Founder of Capitalixe; Domenico Roberto Paradisi, Head of Payments at PressEnter Group; Ian Sherrington, CEO of Crownstar; Julian Goffin, Co-Founder and CEO of Alunafi; and Martha Brincat, Chief Regulatory Officer at Malta Gambling Authority, will participate in the session, moderated by Bruce Porter Jr., CEO of GlobalBoost.

The discussion will focus on the potential benefits of digital assets while addressing AML requirements, transaction monitoring, security and player trust.

The relationship between transaction speed and regulatory safeguards will also be examined during ‘Speed, Security & Conversion for Crypto Gambling’.

Igor Shelamov, Chief Payments Officer/COO at VeliBC; Nick Fitt, CEO of Defynet; and Alex Codina, Head of Payments at Godzilla, with Jean-Michel Azzopardi, Blockchain Architect, as moderator, will explore how blockchain settlement can facilitate faster deposits and withdrawals while maintaining verification procedures, AML safeguards and regulatory compliance.

Lessons from crypto marketing

The programme will also move beyond payments and technology with ‘What iGaming Can Learn from Crypto Marketing’.

Valentina Diaco, Strategic Business & iGaming Advisor, and Becky Liggero, Lead Gaming Industry Video Reporter, Writer, Interviewer & Content Creator at CoinGeek, will examine how crypto companies have developed engaged communities and achieved rapid growth without relying on large marketing budgets.

The session will consider which of these acquisition, engagement and loyalty strategies could realistically be adopted by traditional iGaming operators.

Investment and Web3 opportunities

Other sessions will explore the investment landscape and the broader potential of Web3.

‘Fundraising 101: Crypto iGaming’ will examine what makes crypto iGaming ventures attractive to investors, while ‘Web3 in Gambling: Risks & Rewards’ will assess potential opportunities for operators and players and whether the benefits of Web3 adoption outweigh its complexities.

Networking opportunities throughout SBC Summit

Delegates will also be able to continue discussions around crypto and blockchain through networking activities taking place on the show floor during the week.

The Fintech Show Floor Tour will connect operators with blockchain and crypto technology providers, while Payments Speed Networking will offer attendees the opportunity to make multiple targeted introductions in a single hour.

Meanwhile, Smart Connect will facilitate prequalified meetings between crypto and blockchain specialists and senior operator representatives.

Passes and conference access

Access to the SBC Summit conference is included with Conference, Business and VIP Passes.

Delegates wishing to attend the conference sessions and compliance-focused networking initiatives will require a Business or VIP Pass.

Exhibitors interested in participating in the Fintech Show Floor Tour can contact the SBC sales team at sales@sbcgaming.com, while operators can reserve their place on their preferred tour through the event platform.