SBC Summit Launches Gamification Academy to Explore Innovative Player Engagement Strategies

With gamification emerging as a driving force in the casino industry, SBC Summit introduces the Gamification Academy, an initiative built to confront pain points in engagement, retention, loyalty, and differentiation by exploring what truly keeps players coming back.

Launched in partnership with leading iGaming turnkey solutions provider Soft2Bet, the Gamification Academy will take place on Tuesday, 16th September, at the Sala Tejo, MEO Arena. 

The programme forms part of SBC’s newly introduced Tech Academies,  a series of immersive learning streams designed to arm summit attendees with practical know-how in AI, marketing, Web 3.0 & blockchain, and gamification. 

Delegates can anticipate discussions examining the role of personalisation in driving loyalty, strategies for balancing gamified features with brand authenticity, and honest reflections on both the successes and challenges of gamification in the industry.

“Gamification has transformed how people interact with digital products across industries, and iGaming is no exception,” SBC Founder and CEO Rasmus Sojmark said.

“Players now expect fun, engaging, and rewarding experiences, and that’s exactly what gamification delivers. The Gamification Academy will show the industry how to apply these proven principles to build deeper connections, keep players returning, and create more meaningful player journeys,” he added. 

Kicking off the Academy, Soft2Bet’s Chief Product Officer Yoel Zuckerberg will lead the ‘Introduction to Gamification & Player Engagement’ workshop. Setting the stage for the day, the session offers a comprehensive overview of gamification’s power and how it has shaped the industry in recent years.

Chief Business Development Officer Toni Jermaniš (SofaScore),  CEO & Co-Founder Josh Jones (Rise & Hustle), and Senior Solutions Engineer Alec Gehlot (Optimove) will focus on the player retention angle through their ‘Why Personalisation is the Key to Retention‘ panel moderated by Soft2Bet’s Chief Business Development Officer Martin Collins.  The session will explore how tailored offers, customisable interfaces, and personalised recommendations are giving players more control over their experience and, in turn, strengthening loyalty and long-term value.

Following a networking break, two case studies will spotlight real-world lessons from gamification, dissecting what works, what doesn’t, and how to measure success.

First up is the case study titled “Baking in Gamification During Design”, led by Alexis Wicen (CEO, Scatters Group). In this session, delegates can learn how to weave gamification into their products without losing brand authenticity. Drawing on real-world examples, the session will examine where brands have succeeded in integrating gamification into their games and platforms, and where they have fallen short, showing delegates how to approach gamification more effectively in their own projects.

The second case study, ‘The Metrics of Gamification’, will examine where the impact of gamification is most evident and how brands can measure it effectively. Featuring Uri Admon (CEO, Captain Up), the session will cover key factors such as retention, loyalty, engagement, revenue, and player enjoyment, helping delegates understand how to balance player needs with company goals.

The Academy will close with ‘The Five Steps of Gamification,’ a panel hosted by Soft2Bet’s Head of Sales, Alon Eshed, joined by Helen Walton (Founder & CCO, G Games), David Olim (CEO, FootAR), and Tom Jang Lemke (CEO and Founder, SavageTech). By breaking down the fundamental building blocks of gamification, including rewards, progression, competition, and storytelling, the session will highlight how these principles form the foundation of more engaging and personalised player experiences.

The Gamification Academy will feature at the upcoming SBC Summit 2025, SBC’s global flagship event, taking place at Feira Internacional de Lisboa and MEO Arena from 16–18 September. The summit will also host a six-track conference, a 135,000 square meter exhibition, the Affiliate Leaders Summit and Payment Expert Summit, plus a full schedule of evening networking events.

Participation in the Tech Academies is exclusively for VIP Event Pass and Expo+ holders only.

You can RSVP to attend our tech academies here.

VIP Event Pass: Access to the show floor, all networking areas and conference sessions, complimentary food and drink from the summit’s food festival and access to exclusive evening networking sessions and parties.

Group VIP Event Pass: Get your passes for just €400 each when you purchase for three or more people (a saving of €200 per ticket!) – perfect for bringing your team along.

Expo+ Pass: Access to the show floor, conference sessions and daytime networking only.

Expo Only Pass: Our free option, which gives you access to the show floor only. This is perfect for individuals from outside the gaming industry who want to explore potential partnerships. Please note that this will not grant you access to our academies.

Operator and Affiliate Passes: Operators and affiliates are eligible for a free VIP event pass. Simply apply.