Malta Media joins SBC Summit 2026 as gaming returns to Lisbon

Malta Media partners with SBC Summit 2026 as gaming’s global gathering returns to Lisbon.

Malta Media has teamed up with SBC Summit 2026, which will bring the international betting, gaming and technology industry back to Lisbon from 29 September to 1 October.

Taking place at Feira Internacional de Lisboa and the neighbouring MEO Arena, SBC Summit has developed into one of the largest global meeting points for the sector. More than 40,000 professionals from across betting, gaming, payments, affiliation, technology, regulation and media are expected to attend this year’s event.

The scale is considerable, but size alone is not what makes an industry event useful. The real value comes from having the right operators, suppliers, regulators, investors, affiliates and decision-makers in the same place, with enough time and structure to move conversations beyond the usual introductions.

That is where SBC Summit has continued to expand its offering. The 2026 edition combines a large international exhibition with an extensive conference programme, structured networking formats, practical education and several major evening events.

A major keynote at the MEO Arena

One of the most anticipated sessions will be the Leadership in Sports Business keynote on Tuesday, 29 September.

Basketball icon, investor and philanthropist Michael Jordan will appear alongside Sportradar founder and CEO Carsten Koerl and DraftKings co-founder and CEO Jason Robins. Together, they will discuss the development of sports, technology, media, data and fan engagement, as well as the broader leadership challenges involved in building international businesses.

Bringing these three figures together gives the keynote significance beyond the betting and gaming industry. Jordan represents one of the most recognisable global sports brands, while Koerl and Robins have played central roles in shaping the modern sports data and betting markets.

The session will take place from 11:30 to 12:30 on the Super Stage at the MEO Arena. Access depends on the ticket category selected, with dedicated Super Stage tickets also available.

More than 600 speakers across six stages

The wider conference programme will feature more than 600 industry leaders across six stages and 15 content tracks.

Topics will include regulation, compliance, player protection, emerging markets, payments, artificial intelligence, product development, affiliate growth and the technologies changing how gaming businesses operate.

Dedicated stages will cover Global and Emerging Markets, Technology and Innovation, Regulation and Compliance and the Payment Expert Summit. The programme is intended to provide attendees with a clearer understanding of where markets are opening, where regulation is becoming more demanding and which technologies are likely to have the greatest commercial effect.

Selected conference sessions will also contribute towards recognised CPD-certified learning hours.

Practical learning through Education+

SBC Summit 2026 will again offer Education+, a separate premium learning programme built around practical application rather than conventional panel discussions.

The programme includes expert-led Tech Academies covering subjects such as artificial intelligence, marketing, Web3 and gamification. It will also include smaller Masterclass sessions addressing areas such as sportsbook operations, player behaviour, casino strategy, pricing and performance optimisation.

These sessions are designed for professionals who want to leave Lisbon with practical tools and frameworks that can be introduced into their businesses, rather than simply another collection of general observations about the future of the industry.

A substantial international exhibition

The exhibition will bring together hundreds of exhibitors and sponsors across dedicated areas covering casino, iGaming, sports betting, payments, player protection and emerging technology.

For operators and affiliates, this creates an opportunity to compare platforms, products and services within one location. For suppliers, it provides direct access to potential partners and customers from more than 150 countries.

The exhibition floor will be supported by dedicated meeting areas, business lounges, a start-up hub, a media hub and structured networking formats.

Lisbon becomes part of the meeting

The business does not stop when the exhibition floor closes. Evening networking has become an important part of SBC Summit, giving attendees a less formal environment in which to continue discussions started during the day.

The SBC Summit Opening Party will take place at Pavilhão Carlos Lopes on Tuesday, 29 September. On Thursday, 1 October, INFINITY Lisbon will provide the official closing celebration at the MEO Arena.

The closing event will be headlined by international DJ Tiësto, with Dutch electronic music duo BlasterJaxx also performing. Access to INFINITY Lisbon is included with certain ticket categories, while holders of other passes may need to purchase an upgrade.

Malta Media looks forward to SBC Summit 2026 Lisbon

For Malta Media, the partnership with SBC Summit reflects the importance of remaining actively connected to the international industry and the people influencing its direction.

Lisbon provides an opportunity to meet existing partners, develop new relationships and follow the regulatory, technological and commercial discussions that will shape the next stage of the gaming sector.

Malta Media will be present at SBC Summit 2026 and looks forward to meeting clients, partners, industry professionals and readers during the event.

SBC Summit 2026 takes place at Feira Internacional de Lisboa and the MEO Arena from 29 September to 1 October 2026. Further information and tickets: https://sbcevents4.short.gy/Lp1SkH

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When is SBC Summit 2026?

SBC Summit 2026 will take place from Tuesday, 29 September to Thursday, 1 October 2026.

Where will SBC Summit 2026 be held?

The exhibition and much of the conference programme will be held at Feira Internacional de Lisboa in Lisbon. Major Super Stage sessions and the INFINITY Lisbon closing event will take place at the neighbouring MEO Arena.

How many people are expected to attend?

SBC expects more than 40,000 betting, gaming, payments, technology, affiliation, regulatory and media professionals from over 150 countries to attend.

Who will appear in the main keynote?

The Leadership in Sports Business keynote will feature basketball icon, investor and philanthropist Michael Jordan, Sportradar founder and CEO Carsten Koerl and DraftKings co-founder and CEO Jason Robins.

What is Education+?

Education+ is an optional premium learning programme offering CPD-certified Tech Academies and Masterclasses. It focuses on practical skills, tools and implementation across areas including artificial intelligence, marketing, Web3, gamification, sportsbook operations and casino strategy.

Who is performing at INFINITY Lisbon?

INFINITY Lisbon 2026 will be headlined by Tiësto, with BlasterJaxx also performing. The event takes place at the MEO Arena on Thursday, 1 October.

Are free tickets available?

Verified operators, affiliates and regulators may qualify for complimentary access, subject to application and approval by SBC. The inclusions depend on the pass issued, so applicants should review the official ticket information carefully.