This year’s SBC Summit at Feira Internacional Lisboa is intensifying its focus on equipping the gambling industry with top-tier payment solutions and compliance offerings.

A new addition to achieve this goal is the dedicated Payment Expert Summit. Here, international operators can engage directly with payment service providers, fintech firms, and compliance experts specialising in KYC and AML. 

Named after SBC’s media brand, Payment Expert Summit represents the evolution of the ‘Payments & Compliance’ Zone familiar to past SBC Summit Barcelona attendees. It underscores our growth as event organisers in convening key industry players while addressing the industry’s crucial need for player-centric payment solutions and optimised compliance processes.

This blog post aims to offer comprehensive information for those planning to attend the Payment Expert Summit and the entire SBC Summit event.

Some basic details about SBC Summit/Payment Expert Summit:

• When – SBC Summit: September 23-26, 2024 (Monday the 23rd is entirely optional, with only side activities planned for the day, as you can see in the ‘Schedule’ section below). Here’s a handy booklet that you can access for a comprehensive overview of everything that’s taking place at SBC Summit.
• When – Payment Expert Summit: September 24-26, 2024.
• Location: Feira Internacional de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal & MEO Arena (that will host the Super Stage, the SBC Awards Ceremony and the Closing Party).
• Attendee Count: 25,000 for SBC Summit.
• Exhibitors: 600 in total, 70 for Payment Expert Summit.
• Speakers: Over 450 (in total)

Here’s what you can look forward to at the Payment Expert Summit:

• Dedicated Summit: Last year, we had the ‘Payments & Compliance Zone’ This year, we’re stepping up with a full-fledged Payment Expert Summit. You’ll have your own expo space (6,000 square meters), a conference stage, and networking areas to facilitate meaningful interactions.
• Support Team: If you’re new to SBC or have any questions, email info@sbcgaming.com. We can assist with any queries and guide you through the event.
• Efficient Badge Pickup: To avoid long queues, you’ll be able to pick up your badge separately. With 25,000 attendees expected, we want to make this process as smooth as possible. Pre-registration is available at Humberto Delgado Airport from 6:30 to 23:00 on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday so you can collect your badge as soon as you land in Lisbon. If you prefer, you can also pick up your badge during pre-registration at Feira Internacional de Lisboa on Monday, 23 September, between 11:00 and 16:00. Our team will be working on creating a dedicated registration guide before the event that will be emailed to all attendees, so keep an eye on your email inbox for this. You can also pick up your badge during the core conference days.

• Options: At the SBC Summit, suppliers can choose between two passes. The Full Access Pass provides access to all event areas (expo and conference) and evening networking parties. Alternatively, the Expo Only Pass costs €95 and grants access to the show floor and the Super Stage at MEO Arena for keynotes. Please note, that Expo Only Pass holders do not have access to evening networking parties but can participate in networking gatherings on the expo floor. Operators can claim a complimentary pass.
• Be sure to check the full event schedule to avoid missing out on any opportunities. Also, badges will be colour-coded, so you’ll be able to easily identify operators among the 25,000 attendees!
• Comprehensive Conference Content: In addition to the dedicated Payment Expert stage, you’ll have access to all conference content, including keynotes and high-profile panels at the Super Stage at MEO Arena, and stages dedicated to Sports Betting, Casino & iGaming, Affiliation, Player Protection, and more. If you have overlapping sessions, don’t worry—all content will be available on-demand after the event via SBC Connect – you’ll receive an email post-event when the content becomes available.

Navigate the Show Floor

Whether you’re an operator seeking robust payment solutions or compliance experts to navigate diverse market requirements, the expansive Payment Expert expo floor is your destination. It features an impressive lineup of companies ready to discuss the products and services you need. For suppliers in the same sector, this platform offers valuable visibility and insights into competitors’ strategies, showcasing how they’re enhancing their offerings to meet the gambling industry’s demands.

Exhibiting companies in the zone include: 

Adyen, Bilderlings, DNS Pay, Inpay, ISX Financial, Jetonbank, Noda, ODDS Group, OKTO, Paybrokers, Payfuture, Payhound, Payok, Paytently, Pagsmile, PGWay, Rapyd, SmartFastPay, Trustly, VallettaPay, VOLT, XDA, ZRO Bank, and many more.

To access the full list of exhibitors, please visit the exhibitors page.

In addition, the expo floor offers a variety of networking lounges, coffee bars, and food areas, ensuring attendees have ample space for conducting business meetings and networking in a comfortable, relaxed setting. 

• Payments Bar & Lounge, sponsored by Kushki
• Coffee Bar and Lounge, sponsored by Neosurf
• Networking Lounge, sponsored by Pay4Fun

Who Can I Meet on the Expo Floor?

When attending the Payment Expert Summit, you’ll encounter a variety of attendee profiles including:

• CFOs, Payments Directors, Head of Payments, Payments Managers
• Heads of AML/Fraud, KYC Managers, Risk Managers
• Compliance Directors, Heads of Compliance, Compliance Managers
• Payment Providers, Service Providers.
• Lawyers, Responsible Gaming Stakeholders

Network Like a Pro: Here’s What You Can Look Forward to

With so much happening at the Summit, we’ve gathered everything relevant to you in one place. Take notes to ensure you don’t miss out!

Monday, 23 September, 2024

We’re excited to kick off the SBC Summit Lisbon with some engaging activities on Monday, 23 September 2024, designed to help you connect, relax, and enjoy the beautiful city of Lisbon before the main event.

• SBC Football Championship:

Join us for a friendly 5-a-side tournament between industry professionals at the iconic Benfica Stadium. The event runs from 13:00 to 18:00 and promises to be a fantastic opportunity for some healthy competition and networking. This event is invite-only, so if you’d like to participate, please email info@sbcgaming.com. However, spectators are warmly welcome to come and cheer on the teams and enjoy BBQ and drinks. You can even pick up your event badge at the stadium.

• Cultural Tour:

For those arriving early, we’re offering a cultural tour of Lisbon on the same day between 12:00 and 18:00. As we move to this new city, we want to treat our attendees to an immersive experience, exploring the rich history and beautiful sights of Lisbon. Details will be available soon, and you’ll need to book in advance to secure your spot.

Tuesday, 24 September, 2024

While the Affiliate Leaders Summit officially kicks off on Wednesday, there’s no shortage of exciting events to keep you engaged on Tuesday, 24 September 2024.

• SBC Leaders Summit:
  

The SBC Leaders Summit is the gaming industry’s most exclusive conference, held at the luxurious Myriad by Sana, a 5-star hotel. Running from 10:00 to 01:00, this invite-only event will gather over 500 C-Level executives. Attendees will enjoy networking and world-class conference content.

• Main SBC Summit Expo and Conference & Payment Expert Summit: 

Running from 10:00 to 18:00, the main SBC Summit and Payment Expert Summit will feature an extensive schedule of sessions and exhibits. Be sure to check the schedule so you don’t miss out on anything.

• Official Opening Party:

Also from 19:00 to 01:00, the Official Opening Party will be held at Patio da Galé, a historic venue that once housed the Royal Palace and the India House before the earthquake of 1755. It’s a perfect setting to mingle and kick off the summit festivities. Remember to bring your wristband for access!

Wednesday, 25 September, 2024

• Main SBC Summit Expo and Conference & Payment Expert Summit: 

Running from 10:00 to 18:00, the main SBC Summit and Payment Expert Summit will feature an extensive schedule of sessions and exhibits. Be sure to review the schedule to make the most of your experience.

• Payment Expert VIP Dinner & Networking Party

Join us for an exclusive evening at the award-winning Trindade bar in the heart of Lisbon from 19:00-01:00. Payment providers, fintech professionals and operators will enjoy a 3-course dinner with complimentary drinks. This is an invite-only event with limited capacity. Reach out to your dedicated account manager if you wish to attend.

• Official SBC Summit Party:

Don’t miss the Official SBC Summit Party at Warehouse ONE16 from 20:00 to 01:00. This networking event is essential for strengthening existing partnerships and forging new connections. With 25,000 attendees expected, arriving by 21:00 is advised to ensure entry. Remember to bring your wristband for access!

Thursday, 26 September, 2024

• Main SBC Summit Expo and Conference & Payment Expert Summit: 

Running from 10:00 to 18:00, the main SBC Summit and Payment Expert Summit will feature an extensive schedule of sessions and exhibits. Be sure to check the schedule so you don’t miss out on anything. Be sure to review the schedule to make the most of your experience.

• SBC Poker Championship:

Come and join us for the SBC Poker Championship, presented in partnership with GG Poker, promising an evening filled with excitement and exclusivity. Experience thrilling poker matches, network with industry leaders, and vie for a substantial $100,000 prize pool. This invite-only event welcomes 750 players across 50 tables in the luxurious setting of Casino Lisboa from 17:00 to 19:00. Apply if you’re interested.

• SBC Awards:

Join us from 19:00 PM to 1:00 AM at MEO Arena for the SBC Awards 2024 (separate ticket required), the pinnacle awards ceremony and gala dinner in the sports betting and iGaming industry. Celebrate the successes of the past year alongside industry leaders and enjoy a night of festivities. Transportation to and from the venue is included for all attendees.

Get access to the full event schedule here.

Conference: Here’s What You Can Learn

All Things Payments & Compliance

Besides the chance to explore new products on the show floor and network, the Payment Expert Summit offers attending delegates a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of the gambling industry’s needs and concerns regarding payment technologies, trends, and compliance. 

The conference will feature panels on pivotal topics such as the impact of open banking on financial access for gamblers by 2025, the transformative effects of unified payments on the gambling industry, navigating global complexities in gambling AML, and the influence of global economic trends on payments departments. Additionally, discussions will explore the relationship between evolving fraud attempts and payment systems, and whether cryptocurrency can redefine the future of betting and gaming.

Here’s what you can expect in terms of content:

• Payment Leaders: How to handle mature regulated markets  
• Open banking – affordability in 2025  
• Open Banking and added value services  
• Unified payments in emerging markets  
• Tech & regulation: Fostering a sustainable AML Strategy  
• Payments vs Economics vs Investment  
• EU ID  
• Payment familiarity in Brazil: The path to successful regulation  
• ESG – just a tickbox?  
• Compliance & AI: Ethical conundrum or progression?  
• Payments, fraud and KYC: Front line of defence  
• Can compliance influence regulation in the US?  
• Game On: The Future of Payments in iGaming with Carrier Billing  
• Finland: The next big player in Europe?  
• Emerging tech & Generative AI – 2025 update, and how MarTech plays its role  
• Cyber Security: The ultimate player protection  
• Crypto in 2025: Is there a future in gambling?  
• VR & Gambling: Can realism be too real?  

For the full agenda and detailed panel descriptions, please visit the conference agenda page on the official SBC Summit website.

Meet the Experts

Our conference team has made it their mission to gather the foremost experts in the field, each ready to generously share their years of experience in their one-hour sessions. While it’s impossible to list every speaker, here’s a selection to give you a taste of what to expect:

• Gabriele Griesbacher (Global Director of Payments and Compliance, DAZN)
• Isabelle Delisle (Global Head of Group Payments, Pinnacle)
• Christian Reinheimer (Group Director of Payments Product, LeoVegas Group)
• Liron Warhaftig (VP Product, BetMGM)
• Agata Smilgin (Head of Fraud and Payments, The Luck Factory)
• Rahul Das (Director of Payments, LiveScore Group)
• Sandhya Singh (Chief Customer Experience Officer, Casumo)
• Shirelle Zammit (CFO, Hit Gaming)
• Simon Dorsen (Chief Commercial Officer, OKTO)
• Vasilije Lekovic (VP of Gaming, Trustly)
• George Haralabopoulos (Head of Payments Product, Kaizen Gaming)
• Andrea McGeachin (CEO, Neosurf)

For the full list of speakers, visit the dedicated Payment Expert Summit page.

The dedicated Payment Expert stage (Conference Room 4) is situated in the Payment Expert Summit zone (green zone) on the show floor and will run for three days (24-26 September). 

More Content

The stage will operate alongside other dedicated stages, including Global Leadership, Casino & iGaming, Sports Betting, Affiliate Leaders, Player Protection, ESI, and the Super Stage at the MEO Arena, which will host keynotes from superstars like:

• Sir Tim Berners-Lee: The visionary behind the World Wide Web, speaking on September 24 from 11:45 to 12:30.
• Tony Hawk: Renowned former professional skateboarder, entrepreneur, and iconic video game legend, presenting on September 24 from 12:00 to 12:45.

Attendees of the Payment Expert Summit will have access to all other conference panels at any stage with their ticket. Please visit the conference agenda page for full details on all panels.

The Global Scope of the Event

The upcoming SBC Summit Lisbon is poised to be a truly global event, offering a comprehensive range of market-focused sessions. 

Even if your primary focus is on payments, fintech and compliance, gaining a deeper understanding of various markets can be incredibly valuable, as this knowledge can help you comprehend player preferences, behaviour, and needs, anticipate potential compliance challenges, and stay informed about new developments in key markets.

Here is a list of market-specific sessions that you can expect at SBC Summit:

• Spotlight on the UK white paper: How far do proposed regulations go for players and operators?
• Emerging Frontiers: The Future of Casino in Grey and Black Markets
• Betting on Politics: US Presidential Election
• Boom in Brazil: Reporting from South America’s formerly sleeping giant
• Payment familiarity in Brazil: The path to successful regulation
• Eurasia Leaders Panel: Transcontinental talent
• Europe Leaders Panel: A continent on the move?
• Leaders Panel: Africa
• You say tomato: Player Protection in Europe vs America
• UK Leaders Panel
• The affordability question in player protection: Stories from Scandinavia
• North America Leaders Panel: Is the goose still golden?
• Can compliance influence regulation in the US?
• Leaders Panel: Asia
• Futbol in LatAm: What next for commercial partnerships?
• A new era for the Italian gaming market

The Global Markets Lounge

Additionally, there will be dedicated market-specific meet-ups at the Global Markets Lounge. The format is simple: a 15-minute address from a regional expert followed by a 45-minute discussion among attendees to delve deeper into the market.

The markets that will be explored include Mexico, Africa, Brazil, Philippines, USA, UK, Portugal, Canada, Italy, UAE, and India.

These meet-ups will take place across all three days. Check the agenda for topic descriptions, speaker highlights, and timings. Don’t forget to add them to your calendar!

Accommodation & Flights

We know that travelling to events can be a hassle. Booking flights, making sure you arrive on time, and having entertainment for the journey can all add up.

Luckily, Lisbon is one of the most accessible cities worldwide, with direct flights from 49 countries and 126 cities, making it the perfect location for this global event.

You can view the list of direct flights to Lisbon by clicking here (this is a tool our events team loves).

Be sure to book your ticket early. With 25,000 attendees expected, it’s essential to secure your spot promptly to avoid missing out. You can even pick up your badge at the airport upon arrival.

The airport is conveniently located just 15 minutes from the venue, surrounded by many hotels. With over 25,250 hotel rooms across 270 hotels within a short 15-minute drive from the event venue, you can find accommodation that fits your needs and budget.

By booking through our official hotel booking partner, LEADING, you can benefit from exclusive rates and discounts of up to 50%. Whether attending sessions, networking, or exploring Lisbon, our accommodations ensure you’re never far from the action.

Explore all available hotels with SBC and LEADING by clicking here.

Don’t Worry About Your Diet (or the Lack of it)

Full-access pass holders will receive “pre-loaded wristbands” when picking up their badge.

These wristbands come with a preloaded amount to spend on catering options at the event. Since the funds are intended for one person only, we suggest using them wisely to ensure you don’t run out on the first day.

To enhance your experience, we’ve provided a wide variety of catering options for two key reasons. 

• First, to manage foot traffic and minimise queues. We want you to spend more time networking and less time waiting in line, so a diverse selection of food trucks helps distribute the crowd efficiently.
• Second, we recognise the importance of catering to different tastes and dietary needs, ensuring that everyone finds something they enjoy.

Food Festival: Your Options

• Veggie Lovers Truck 2: Wholesome vegan and vegetarian meals. This truck offers a variety of tasty and nutritious plant-based options.
• Fumeiro de Ceia: Indulge in sandwiches made with premium cold cuts and cheeses, perfect for a gourmet meal on the go.
• Epic Chicken: Get your fix of all things chicken with crispy fried chicken, succulent chicken burgers, and spicy chicken tacos.
• Dona Bifana: Savor traditional Portuguese pork sandwiches, bursting with rich flavours and hearty goodness.
• Oyashima: Experience the art of sushi with Oyashima’s expertly crafted rolls and sashimi, offering a fresh and delightful taste of Japan.
• Merenda Portuguesa: Delight in a variety of traditional Portuguese pastries, perfect for a sweet treat or a satisfying snack.
• Pin Up Van: Enjoy classic street food with a vintage twist, featuring delicious burgers and hot dogs served from a charming retro van.
• Sabor Serrano: Taste the finest cold meats and cheeses in gourmet sandwiches that are perfect for a quick and delicious meal.
• La Boca: Discover the flavours of Argentina with La Boca’s deliciously grilled meats, juicy burgers, and classic hot dogs.
• Creperia de Cascais: Enjoy the best of both worlds with sweet and savoury crepes, crafted to perfection and filled with delightful ingredients.
• Pizzaria Artesanal: Handcrafted with care, these artisan pizzas are topped with fresh ingredients and baked to a crispy, golden finish.
• Ao Ataco: Satisfy your craving for Mexican cuisine with flavorful tacos, burritos, and more, all made with authentic ingredients and spices.
• Piadina Wine and Co: Indulge in Italian piadinas paired with a selection of fine wines, offering a taste of Italy in every bite.
• Cachorro à Portuguesa: Experience Portuguese-style hot dogs, uniquely crafted with traditional flavours and high-quality ingredients.
  
  … AND MORE
  
  Note: We will be creating a dedicated Food Festival map, so keep an eye on our website!

Friendly Tips for Our Attendees

• Enhance your summit experience with the SBC Connect App. Once your app access is activated, you’ll get login details via email, allowing you to start browsing other event attendees. From bookmarking your favourite sessions to navigating the expo floor and setting up meetings with potential prospects, the app even includes a matchmaking feature.
• Take a look at the attendee list before you arrive to see who will be there – you can check out last year’s list (soon to be updated with the 2024 version) here.
• Boost your summit presence with our dedicated promotional tool. Highlight your attendance to attract more meeting requests ahead of time. Here’s a link that attendees can use and here’s one for speakers
• To ensure access to the evening networking parties, please arrive on time. With 25,000 attendees, we don’t want you to miss out. Only full-access pass holders get access to the parties. Bring your wristband to get in!
• We recommend picking up your badge at the airport as soon as you arrive. Badge holders can skip the queue at the event and use the dedicated fast-track lane.
• Plan ahead by reviewing the schedule and adding the events you’re interested in to your calendar (there’s a handy button next to each event for this). This will serve as a perfect reminder for upcoming events, sessions, or parties—especially useful with so much happening.
• Spend some time checking out the floor plan before the event. There will be signage available everywhere (colour-coded zones, stickers, LED screens, digital floor plans, foldable paper maps, etc.) as well as dedicated staff to guide you if you’re lost. However, familiarising yourself with the area will prove invaluable in such a big venue (110,000 square meters in total).
• ​​Make sure to check the website before you land in Lisbon. We’ve worked hard to compile all the information you need, and you should be able to get answers to most of your questions by browsing it. If you still have questions before or during the summit, you can use the live chat function available on the site.

Want to Get Involved?

• Interested in speaking? You have the opportunity to apply as a speaker for the SBC Summit/Payment Expert Summit. Although many slots have been filled, there are still panels seeking your expert opinion. Submit the form or contact our conference team directly – aidan.brain@sbcgaming.com.  
• Looking to exhibitor or sponsor? Those of you interested in exhibiting or sponsoring can either submit this form or contact our sales team at sales@sbcgaming.com. 
• Looking to attend the event? Suppliers – visit the official page to purchase your ticket. Operators can apply for a free pass by filling out this form.

For more information, visit: https://sbcevents.com/sbc-summit/payment-expert-summit/ 

SBC Summit website: https://sbcevents.com/sbc–summit/ 

See you in Lisbon!