New ‘Market Disruption’ Track at SBC Summit Malta

New ‘Market Disruption’ Track at SBC Summit Malta to Decode Global Regulatory Shifts

From Italy’s licensing overhaul to tightening regulations in the UK and the liberalisation of new markets like Finland, global gaming is entering a period of significant change.

To help operators navigate this evolving landscape, SBC Summit Malta is launching a dedicated ”Market Disruption‘ track focused on the regulatory shifts and emerging opportunities shaping the industry’s next phase of growth.

Taking place on Wednesday, 29 April, the programme will bring together regional experts to examine the biggest regulatory shifts across global gaming and their impact on operators, from market entry strategies to long-term financial sustainability.

Kicking off the track is the session Italy Reset: Consolidation, Control and the Next Licensing Cycle, which will break down the implications of Italy’s new licensing structure. Regional experts Marco Tiso (Managing Director, Sisal), Quirino Mancini (Partner and Director, WH Italy), Luca Grisci (Managing Director, HBG Online (Novomatic Group)), and Nicola Tani (Chief Editor, Agipro) will examine the key challenges facing operators entering the market, from financial impact and regulatory change to the barriers created by the new framework.

“UK in Transition: Regulation, Retreat and the Fight for a Sustainable Market” will examine how stricter regulation and rising costs are reshaping the UK gambling market. Christopher Dalli (CEO, L&L Europe) will explore how operators are responding, from cost-cutting to shifts in affiliate partnerships, alongside the rapid growth of the black market, and whether tighter rules are protecting players or pushing them towards unregulated alternatives.

A key addition to the track will spotlight Malta’s evolving fiscal framework with “New VAT Laws on Gambling and Betting, a Game Changer.”  Set to come into force on 1 October 2026, the new VAT regulations are expected to significantly impact how operators structure their businesses. The session will explore the drivers behind the reform, the benefits for the gambling industry, and what Malta-based operators need to do to prepare for the changes, with insights from Nico Sciberras (Director Indirect Tax, MTCA), Cristian Edu (Head of Finance, Superbet Romania), and Ramona Cassar (Partner, Head of Tax, WH Partners).

“Germany at a Crossroads: Regulation and Market Sustainability” will examine the challenges facing one of Europe’s largest gambling markets. With rising black market activity, ongoing debates around channelisation, and increasing scrutiny over the balance between taxation and player protection, the session will explore whether Germany’s current regulatory model is sustainable, moderated by Dr. Fabian Masurat (Lawyer, Taylor Wessing).

“The Dutch Market at a Crossroads: Regulation, Politics and the Future of Licensing” will explore how political uncertainty and tightening restrictions are shaping the Netherlands’ gambling landscape. With discussions around advertising bans and limits on licences, the session will examine whether increased regulation could drive consolidation or force operators out of the market, with insights from Frank op de Woerd (CEO & Founder, CasinoNieuws.nl).

“Finland’s Big Gamble: Can Regulation Win Back the Market?” will focus on the country’s transition from a state monopoly to a licensed market by 2027. With channelisation declining and significant revenue flowing to offshore operators, the session will explore whether the proposed regulatory framework can effectively compete with the black market, as discussed by Sam Brown (CEO, Rootz).

Closing the track, “Emerging Markets: The Next Billion Dollar Battleground” will examine where the industry’s next growth opportunities are taking shape, as attention shifts from mature markets to regions across Africa, the UAE, Asia, and Latin America. With regulation still evolving in many of these markets, the session will explore where operators can move early, which regions are closest to regulation, and who is best positioned to succeed, featuring Donna Bugelli (Managing Associate, WH Partners).

SBC Summit Malta will take place at the InterContinental Malta from 28–30 April, bringing together 6,000 industry stakeholders to explore the key forces shaping global gaming, from evolving regulation to technological innovation and shifting player expectations. Alongside the Market Disruption track, attendees will gain insights across marketing, sports betting and iGaming, operations and compliance, policy and PR, affiliation, and leadership.

Get Your Tickets to SBC Summit Malta

Group Pass 3+ (VIP Pass): Available for groups of three or more, this pass grants full access to conference sessions, the expo floor, and networking events, all for a discounted rate of €400 per person. Single VIP Passes can be purchased at the full price of €600.

Want an Expo+ Pass? It’s yours for €150.

If you are an operator or affiliate, you can apply for a free pass! Operators can apply for a complimentary pass here | Affiliates can apply for complimentary passes here.

FAQs

What is the Market Disruption track at SBC Summit Malta?
The Market Disruption track is a dedicated programme at SBC Summit Malta focusing on major global regulatory changes shaping the gaming industry and operator strategies.

When will the Market Disruption track take place?
The track will take place on Wednesday, 29 April, during the SBC Summit Malta event.

Which countries are being discussed in the sessions?
Sessions cover key markets including Italy, the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland and several emerging regions across Africa, Asia, UAE and Latin America.

What is the focus of the Italy session?
The Italy session examines the country’s new licensing framework, consolidation effects, financial impact and challenges faced by operators entering the market.

What topics will be covered in the UK session?
The UK session explores stricter regulation, rising operational costs, market sustainability and the growth of the black market.

Why is Malta’s VAT reform important for operators?
Malta’s new VAT laws, effective from October 2026, are expected to reshape how gambling operators structure their businesses and manage taxation.

What is discussed in the Germany market session?
The Germany session focuses on regulatory sustainability, black market growth, taxation debates and the balance between compliance and player protection.

What is the outlook for the Netherlands gambling market?
The Netherlands session explores political uncertainty, stricter advertising rules and whether increased regulation may lead to market consolidation.

What is Finland’s planned market change?
Finland is transitioning from a state monopoly to a licensed gambling market by 2027, aiming to reduce offshore activity and improve regulation.

What does the Emerging Markets session focus on?
It highlights new growth regions such as Africa, Asia, UAE and Latin America, discussing early opportunities and regulatory development trends.