The SBC Summit North America returns next week to the Meadowland Expo in Secaucus, New Jersey. Launched in 2020, the conference, which focuses on online sports betting and igaming, has grown in both prestige and attendance.
This year organizers expect about 5,000 attendees across the four-day summit.
SBC VP Marketing, Americas, Cristian Robalino says the event has surpassed expectations in various ways.
“We’re particularly proud to have become the largest gathering of industry professionals from igaming and sports betting in the United States, which speaks to the event’s significance and impact,” said Robalino via email. “The event has evolved not only in scale but also in its content diversity, networking opportunities, and the caliber of speakers and participants. We have witnessed both anticipated and unforeseen positive developments that have solidified its position as a premier gathering for industry leaders and innovators. It will be exciting to see future editions of the event as more states open and igaming continues to evolve. “
New this year is the Earnings & More: Capital Markets Forum. To be held at Freedom Hall in the New York Stock Exchange, the event will feature 200 executives from the investing world and the gaming industry discussing topics including private equity and gaming, investing in igaming, and activist investors.
Robalino said the addition of the forum was spurred by the need “to provide a comprehensive platform that addresses not only the gaming industry’s operational aspects but also its financial dynamics. … Recognizing the growing interest and impact of capital markets on the gaming sector, this forum aims to delve into topics such as investment trends, financial strategies, market analyses, and opportunities for growth and diversification. It reflects a strategic move to cater to the broader spectrum of stakeholders and provide valuable insights into the financial landscape shaping the industry.”
Two Hall of Fame members in different fields are among the many speakers scheduled to attend SBS Summit North America. NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino and American Gaming Association Hall of Fame member Jan Jones Blackhurst are among the many thought leaders and experts participating this year.
Robalino noted that the SBC Summit North America now gets requests from speakers who want to appear “because of how well we unite the ecosystem, reflecting the event’s reputation as a platform where top-notch expertise converges to discuss critical issues, share insights, and drive meaningful discussions that shape the future of gaming. … After five successful years, the summit has established itself as a premier industry event, attracting eager participation from speakers and attendees alike.”
The May 8 and 9 panels at the Meadowlands Expo Center are segmented along five tracks, including Industry & Growth, Sports Betting, Compliance & Regulation, Payments & Tech, and the new Tribal Symposium. The new track will feature panels such as Elevating Tribal Gaming: How Can the Industry Ensure This Sector Continues to Thrive? and ‘California Dreaming – Is There a Second Shot at 26 and 27?, an examination of the sports betting landscape in the Golden State.
“This symposium focuses on the unique challenges, opportunities, and regulatory landscape of Tribal gaming enterprises. It delves into topics such as sovereignty, economic development, community impact, and partnership opportunities within the tribal gaming sector,” Robalino said. “This addition reflects the dynamic nature of the gaming industry and addresses emerging trends comprehensively.”
The Player Protection Symposium, taking place May 7 at Tribeca360, will feature an array of speakers and responsible gaming experts. Robalino noted the symposium underscores SBC’s commitment to responsible gaming and player well-being.
“Its inclusion as a key pillar of SBC’s programming reflects our dedication to industry sustainability and responsible business practices,” Robalino added. “Additionally, the symposium’s popularity continues to grow, with an increasing number of attendees each year. Last year, we reached full capacity with 350 registrations. In response to high demand, we’ve relocated the event to Tribeca360 this year, accommodating up to 600 delegates. This shift underscores the increasing interest in and emphasis on player protection within the industry.”
