Mateo Lenoble, Sportradar VP, Account Management is very satisfied after the company's participation in SBC Summit Lisbon 2024 and explains this in this exclusive dialogue by reporting that “Our experience at the inaugural SBC Summit in Lisbon has truly been fantastic! It was a great opportunity to showcase our complete range of sports betting solutions and engage directly with attendees, many of whom showed real enthusiasm for what we offer. The event provided an excellent platform for us to enhance our brand visibility and connect with key stakeholders and potential clients from the gaming and betting sectors. The atmosphere was vibrant, with a well-organized exhibition floor buzzing with engaged visitors. 

And added that "We were also thrilled to contribute to the conference program. Javier Altamirano, our head of startups, shared his insights during the First Pitch panel on September 24, and our CEO, Carsten Koerl, delivered a compelling talk on artificial intelligence and immersive technologies the following day. These sessions allowed us to share our vision and innovations with a global audience. It’s always a pleasure to participate in events like this. It not only highlights our leadership in sports technology but also gives us the chance to network with industry peers and reinforce our commitment to shaping the future of sports betting with cutting-edge solutions”.

Regarding the expectations before the event and how they were met, he tells us that “We had high expectations regarding the event’s potential for networking, knowledge sharing, and showcasing our innovations, and the event exceeded these expectations. Our active participation in the conference program enabled us to contribute to critical discussions on artificial intelligence and technology in betting, which resonated well with the audience. These sessions not only allowed us to share our insights but also highlighted the importance of innovation in our field. Overall, the summit not only met our expectations but also positioned us as thought leaders in the industry. This experience reinforced our commitment to innovation and excellence in sports technology. The connections we’ve made and the insights we've gained will undoubtedly benefit our strategy moving forward, helping us to better serve our clients and adapt to the evolving landscape of the gaming industry”.

What do you think was your most outstanding product presented at this event? 

It can be a challenge to single out just one product as the most outstanding, as each of our solutions offers exceptional value in its own right. However, from a sales perspective, we concentrated on several key offerings at the event, including our Managed Trading Services (MTS), Marketing Services such as ad, a variety of betting engagement tools, and ORAKO, our end-to-end sportsbook and player account management solution. These innovations drew significant attention for their ability to empower operators with comprehensive, data-driven tools that enhance both operational efficiency and player engagement. At Sportradar, we are constantly pushing the boundaries of technology to solve our clients' most pressing challenges and deliver measurable business value. While AI plays a critical role across all of our products, we have placed particular emphasis on the development of Computer Vision capabilities. This cuttingedge technology enables us to process vast amounts of data, providing deeper insights and a more refined experience for our clients.

 How was the public's response to your brand/products during the show? 

The public's response to our brand and products during the SBC Summit in Lisbon was very encouraging. Throughout the event, we received positive feedback not only on the technical capabilities of our products but also on the proactive approach we take in the sports betting industry. Our participation in the conference program, where our executives engaged in discussions about the role of technology in sports betting, helped strengthen our reputation. The strong public engagement reaffirmed that our innovations are effectively addressing key challenges and opportunities in the market, positioning Sportradar as a trusted leader in the industry. Overall, the event provided valuable insights and connections that will benefit our future efforts in this dynamic sector.

 How do you rate the networking you have been able to do during the event? 

The networking opportunities at the SBC Summit in Lisbon were exceptional. We had the chance to connect with a diverse range of industry professionals, including operators, regulators, and technology providers. The event fostered an environment that encouraged meaningful conversations and collaborations, allowing us to strengthen existing relationships and forge new connections. Our participation in various panels and discussions also facilitated networking, as it positioned us as thought leaders in the industry. Engaging with other experts in the field helped us gain valuable insights and perspectives, enriching our understanding of current trends and challenges.

The gaming market in Portugal: growth and regulation

How do you see the growth of the gaming market in Portugal and Europe compared to other regions? 

We see the growth of the gaming market in Portugal and Europe as promising, offering unique opportunities compared to other regions. Portugal, in particular, has made significant strides in regulatory frameworks, creating a stable and attractive environment for both operators and players. This has led to increased participation and engagement, especially in sports betting and online gaming. The maturation of the Portuguese market reflects a broader trend across Europe, where regulatory clarity continues to drive innovation and investment. On a global scale, regions like Latin America are experiencing rapid growth, fueled by increasing internet access, mobile adoption, and a younger demographic eager for new gaming experiences. While Europe offers a more mature market with well-established operators, Latin America’s growth is accelerating at a fast pace as new markets open and regulations continue to evolve. Europe stands out for its technological advancements, particularly in the integration of AI and data analytics into gaming solutions.  This focus on technology, combined with a strong regulatory foundation, positions Europe as a key player in the global gaming landscape while also offering potential lessons for other regions experiencing rapid growth.

 How has the regulation of gambling in Portugal influenced your decision to participate in this event?

 We recognized the SBC Summit as a prime opportunity to engage with key stakeholders and discuss the implications of the ongoing changes in Portugal's regulatory framework for the industry. Being able to connect with these stakeholders at the event was particularly rewarding, as it allowed us to gain a deeper understanding of how these regulations impact the market and influence our business strategies. Moreover, the SBC Summit served as an excellent platform for us to showcase our innovative solutions and reaffirm our commitment to compliance and responsible gaming. By participating, we aimed to position Sportradar as a proactive partner for operators navigating the evolving regulatory landscape in Portugal. This engagement not only strengthens our relationships within the industry but also helps us align our offerings with the needs and expectations of our clients as they adapt to these regulatory changes.

AI and the future of the gaming industry

How important are AI and new technologies in your products?

 We believe that leveraging advancements in technology is essential for enhancing user experience, optimizing operational efficiency, and remaining competitive in the rapidly evolving sports betting landscape. AI, in particular, plays a significant role in our operations, allowing us to analyze vast amounts of data quickly and accurately. This capability enables us to provide our clients with actionable insights that drive better decision-making. For example, our Computer Vision capabilities enhance our offerings by processing real-time data, improving the accuracy of player statistics, and offering deeper insights into game dynamics.

 Which do you think will be the most important trends in the gaming industry in the near future?

 We believed that i several important trends will shape the gaming industry, particularly in Latin America. This region is becoming increasingly significant due to rising income levels, greater access to the internet, and the evolution of online gaming platforms. With a community of over 250 million users, substantial growth is anticipated in the coming years. Another trend is certainly the integration of AI and immersive technologiesthat will continue to transform how fans interact with sports. We are witnessing a shift from passive viewing to immersive, interactive experiences. Our Broadcast Solutions and Virtual Stadium initiatives exemplify this trend, providing fans with enhanced engagement opportunities through features like virtual courtside views and social betting experiences. The ability to process vast amounts of data using AI will allow us to create highly engaging micro-markets, moving beyond traditional betting options. This granularity enables us to offer nuanced markets, such as rally lengths and shot types in tennis, and we plan to expand these innovations to sports like the NBA, NHL, and MLB in the coming year.