SBC Summit Rio 2025 in this edition will move to its new, bigger home at Riocentro, covering an area of 70,000 square meters in exhibition space and hosting over 15,000 delegates. In this context we talk with Lucía Mouriño, VP Relationships LatAm of SBC and she explanis that "As event organizers, we always ask ourselves how we can contribute to the industry from our position. In this case, we recognize the importance of the gaming and betting market in Brazil, the growth it has experienced, is experiencing, and will continue to experience, and the need to offer a space where the community can come together to share ideas, network, and do business.

 An added "When we launched this event in 2024, it was the first one focused on Brazil since the approval of regulation. One year later, we are celebrating the second edition, making it the first at the local level since the official market opening.

 The goal remains the same: to provide the best possible space for the industry, with all the necessary tools so that those who are already part of it can generate more business, and those who want to enter can access the best knowledge and opportunities.

 Moving to Riocentro, the largest convention center in South America, also demonstrates our commitment to the local industry: here, there are endless possibilities to continue progressing and raising the bar higher and higher, both for us and for the industry as a whole."

What criteria have you used to select the speakers and panelists who will participate at the 250 conferences in the three rooms of SBC Summit Rio?

SBC has a highly experienced Conference team, and one of its main focuses is always finding new speakers and moderators who can push conversations forward. The idea is that those attending the panels can gain the knowledge they are seeking on the most relevant topics. It’s not just about learning new things but also about hearing different perspectives—sometimes, it’s easy to fall into believing that what we think is most useful for our businesses is the only way, but these panels are a great tool to consider other viewpoints that we wouldn’t have access to otherwise. That’s why there is a strong emphasis on finding new voices each year from key sectors and companies.

This year, all sessions will be in Portuguese and English, with live translations. We have keynotes from Bebeto, a local football legend and current deputy in Rio de Janeiro. Senator Irajá Abreu will also participate in two sessions where he will review the future of gaming licenses and provide an overview of the law shaping this market. Additionally, leading local and international betting operators will be present, as well as sports teams and local celebrities.

 Moreover, this edition features two key workshops for local development. First, Jonathan Smith, founder of Sportsbook Training Services, will open the doors to those interested in learning and developing in sports betting—from the basics of the business to how odds work and the importance of micro-markets. Second, we have the Influencer Academy. We understand that having a strong affiliate program is essential for the local industry, and influencer marketing is probably stronger in Brazil than anywhere else. With Propane, these workshops provide essential knowledge for affiliates, operators, and other key stakeholders who want to understand why this is a crucial area and how they can become part of it.

 What role do you think the city of Rio de Janeiro played in the setting and promotion of the event?

Behind every decision we make, there is a thorough process and a great team of professionals weighing all these factors. This also applies when choosing where to hold each event. In the case of Rio de Janeiro, I think the name speaks for itself. It is one of the most iconic and populous cities and probably one of the most attractive tourist destinations. At SBC, our events reflect that it’s not just about business but also about networking and having an exceptional experience. And what better place for that than Rio?

 This year, we are hosting the event the week before Carnival, arguably one of the most famous celebrations worldwide. As I mentioned at the beginning, we aim to provide the best possible experience for attendees and make SBC a key part of that journey.

 We can also say that our bet on Rio de Janeiro has already paid off, as we have received support from Governor Claudio Castro, who attended in 2024, as well as from TurisRio, the local tourism authority, among others.

 What can you tell us about the current situation of the gaming industry in Brazil and about the great growth of online gaming in the country that places it at the forefront in Latin America?

Personally, I have been following the development of the betting industry in Brazil for many years, mostly from an editorial perspective. Today, from a different position, I am thrilled to see firsthand how far the industry has come and the scale it has reached in such a short time, alongside the key players who have made it happen. Of course, this hasn’t happened overnight—it is the result of the relentless efforts of thousands of executives who have worked and continue to work daily in the industry. But, on a broader scale, and especially given the exponential growth, it seems that the "Brazil phenomenon" is taking everything by storm.

 I believe Brazil can serve as an example of a market striving to do things right. It may have its flaws, peculiarities, and even disadvantages, but it is undeniable that many people are actively working to create favorable conditions for all stakeholders. This is something unique and worth celebrating.

 That said, while Brazil is not the first country in the region to promote online gaming—there have been pioneers like Colombia who have set the standard in South America and Latin America—it is hard to ignore that this phenomenon is driving the entire region forward. Local regulation has compelled companies to look at neighboring markets and consider new opportunities. Personally, I welcome this growth because I believe all roads lead to something positive.

 Even before launching the first edition in 2024, we envisioned SBC Summit Rio as the gathering place for senior executives in Brazil’s industry, providing them with the best opportunities. The success of last year’s event has allowed us to aim even higher, and we hope that all the work we have put in over the past year results in three days of the most productive networking and learning experiences for all attendees.

To finish, Which is the main message you want to sent to attendees and the rest of the industry with the Rio 2025 Summit?

SBC Summit Rio is fully prepared to be the best platform for attendees to do business. We take pride in hosting a high-quality audience with key industry players.

And, as I mentioned before, it’s not all about work. We also provide an unparalleled networking experience, from the Affiliate Leaders Summit and Payment Expert Summit to the Food Festival and the grand closing party, INFINITY Rio, featuring Afrojack and Dubdogz. Every detail of the event has been designed to meet all attendees' needs. Our wish, then, is that they enjoy it as much as we have enjoyed developing this experience.