LISBON, Portugal — The SBC Summit continues to make waves as the premier event in the gaming industry. Following a day that began with Michael Jordan's keynote, today's lineup features prominent figures such as MMA fighter Charles Oliveira and journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Reporting live from Lisbon, SBC Americas Editor Adam Candee provides updates throughout the three-day event.
### 5 pm: Addressing the Black Market
During a panel focused on combating the black market, leaders from various European countries discussed the significant challenges posed by illegal operators. Pierre Tournier and representatives from Flutter, GamStop, iGaming.com, and the European Gaming & Betting Association explained why gamblers often turn to these unregulated options. Key considerations included lack of regulation, privacy concerns, the absence of spending limits, and the lure of tax-free options.
Andreas Ditsche, CEO of iGaming.com, noted, “Apart from the product, taxation is a big issue. In the online world, the non-tax offer is just one click away and the risk of getting caught is almost zero.” He highlighted a study indicating that only 15% of German gamblers specifically chose legal avenues for their gaming needs.
Hayley Doherty, Head of Compliance for Flutter, emphasized the need for accountability on both sides of the regulated gaming spectrum. "We have to look to more than regulation here. It’s very easy to go there and blame that. We have to look at enforcement," she said.
### 4 pm: Gaming Advertisement Challenges
In a panel titled “The ethical tension in gaming advertisement,” experts grappled with the complexities of marketing the gaming sector responsibly. Jesper Karrbrink, CEO of Immense Group, identified a significant issue in the competitive landscape. "No one chickens out first. That’s the problem," he remarked, indicating how this affects responsible advertising practices.
Karrbrink expressed frustration over the overwhelming number of gaming ads, saying, "I couldn’t take it anymore," indicating his decision to stop watching TV due to the ad saturation.
### 3:30 pm: Culinary Delights at SBC Food Festival
The food festival at the SBC Summit offered a variety of culinary choices, with standout dishes like a generous serrano ham and creamy cheese sandwich drawing rave reviews from attendees.
### 2:45 pm: Insights from Investors to Startups
At the “Investor Office Hours” event, Jesse Learmonth from the Betting Startups Podcast moderated a session featuring early-stage founders seeking guidance from experienced investors. Founders like Tyler Amirault of Hot Take Sports, Fraser Dunk of Jurmil, and Andrew Gonzalez of Parlay X actively participated. Gonzalez was a notable figure, having won the First Pitch startup competition at SBC Summit Americas in June, earning a package valued at over $100,000.
### 1:30 pm: Investor Perspectives on Product Development
In the panel “The View From Here: Global Investor Perspectives,” three gaming investors discussed critical themes, including defense against AI and the need for agility in product development, particularly concerning prediction markets. Tom Waterhouse, Chief Investment Officer at Waterhouse VC, noted that many current players in prediction markets were not present just a few years ago. Mark Robinson from Yolo Investments warned, "If AI can build it, then you haven’t got much of a product."
### 12:30 pm: Charles Oliveira on Leadership
MMA star Charles Oliveira captivated the audience on the Super Stage with his talk, “Record Success: Leadership & Partnership with Charles Oliveira.” He shared insights into his daily routine and the evolving landscape of UFC and MMA sports.
### 12 pm: Reflecting on Day 1
The first day of the SBC Summit was filled with dynamic discussions and high-energy interactions. Attendees experienced firsthand the excitement and pace of the event. The engaging conversation with Michael Jordan, which touched on various topics including the PlayRadar product from Sportradar, set a vibrant tone for the summit. There were also significant discussions about the importance of collaboration among operators, regulators, and sports leagues, stressing the need for timely action against malicious actors abusing the system. The bustling atmosphere on the show floor was palpable, indicative of the industry’s enthusiasm and engagement.
Join us as we continue to bring you the latest highlights and insights from this key event in Lisbon.
