SBC Summit 2025 on Monday announced the launch of its Global Markets – Western Europe track.
Scheduled for September 17 at Lisbon’s Feira Internacional de Lisboa in Portugal, the track will deliver insights about how major operators are navigating escalating compliance demands, shifting player expectations, and intensifying global competition.
“Western Europe has long set the standard for gambling regulation, but the landscape continues to evolve,” SBC Founder and CEO Rasmus Sojmark said in a statement. “Today’s leading operators must build strong relationships with regulators, drive responsible innovation, and retain customers in an increasingly complex global environment. This track provides the practical insight and expert guidance delegates need to succeed in Western Europe.”
The Western Europe track will equip delegates with actionable strategies to thrive in regulation-heavy markets such as Italy, the Nordics, the Netherlands, and Portugal. From revised licensing frameworks to new consumer protection mandates, the sessions will examine real-world challenges and opportunities facing operators on the ground. Whether expanding regionally or maintaining position in legacy markets, attendees will learn about critical tools to drive innovation, compliance, and player retention in a changing European landscape.
The track opens with the “European Leaders Panel: Old World, New Way Forward – How the Most Established Brands Are Rethinking Regulation and Retention,” bringing together industry voices to discuss how operators can navigate tightening regulations, foster player loyalty, and remain competitive. Pascal Chaffard, FDJ Chief Financial Officer & Strategy Officer; Tipico CEO Axel Hefer; BoyleSports CEO Vlad Kaltenieks; Mattias Wedar, LeoVegas CEO; and moderator Martin Collins, Soft2bet Chief Business Development, will share strategies for maintaining compliance while continuing to innovate, engage players, and thrive in Western Europe’s highly-regulated markets.
The session “Italy’s New Online Gambling Regime: A Game-Changer for the Industry” will explore how stricter regulations, higher licensing fees, and enhanced player protection measures are reshaping the market. Industry leaders Fabio A. Bufalini, Country Director, Italy Stake; Microgame CEO Marco Castaldo; eCogra CEO Will Shuckburgh; Agipro Chief Editor Nicola Tani; Betsson Managing Director Italy Stefano Tino; and Marco Tiso, Sisal Managing Director will examine whether this transition has the potential to strengthen market sustainability or create unforeseen roadblocks, as they offer delegates practical strategies for navigating Italy’s new framework.
“Portugal: Smooth Sailing or Danger Ahead?” will feature Tiago Bessa, Vieira de Almeida Partner; Apostas Sociais (Santa Casa) Managing Director Tomas Goncalves; Solverde Director Americo Loureiro; Rui Magalhães, Estoril Sol Digital CEO; Bernardo Neves, APAJO Secretary General; and LeBull.pt Head of Portugal Tiago Pereira, to examine the current state of Portugal’s sports betting and iGaming market. With icasino activity growing while sports betting declines, the panel will consider whether this could signal tighter regulation.
Other sessions featured in the track include “Over the Finnish Line: Regulation in the Nordics,” which will analyze Finland’s upcoming move to open its market to private operators, and “Dutch Courage: Collaboration in the Changing Face of Regulations,” which will look at Dutch proposals to raise the age threshold for online slots and introduce stricter deposit limits.
