SBC Summit 2025 focuses on Western Europe regulation

The SBC Summit 2025 is set to shine a spotlight on one of the most dynamic, tightly regulated, and commercially vital regions in the global gambling industry: Western Europe. Through the launch of the Global Markets – Western Europe track, the event will provide strategic insights into how gambling operators are adapting to a changing regulatory environment and intensifying commercial pressures.

Scheduled to take place on Wednesday, 17 September 2025, at Feira Internacional de Lisboa (FIL) in Lisbon, Portugal, this dedicated track is part of the summit’s wider Global Markets programme. It aims to equip attendees with the tools and perspectives necessary to operate successfully in Western Europe’s mature and complex regulatory landscape, which includes countries such as Italy, Portugal, the Netherlands, and the Nordic markets.

A shifting regulatory terrain across Western Europe

The gambling sector in Western Europe has long been considered a benchmark for responsible regulation and mature market practices. However, with the region undergoing increased regulatory scrutiny and heightened political attention, operators are now facing a raft of new obligations. These include revised licensing conditions, enhanced consumer protection mandates, advertising restrictions, and a general push for stronger regulatory oversight.

While these developments signal governments’ growing interest in curbing gambling-related harms, they also present significant compliance and operational challenges for both domestic and international gambling companies operating in the region.

According to Rasmus Sojmark, Founder and CEO of SBC, the summit’s expanded focus on Western Europe reflects both the opportunities and complexities inherent in these markets.

“Western Europe has long set the standard for gambling regulation, but the landscape continues to evolve. 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.”

Opening session: European leaders weigh in on retention and compliance

The Western Europe track will commence with a high-level panel titled “Old world, new way forward – How the most established brands are rethinking regulation and retention.” This session will gather some of the most prominent executives in the European gambling sector to discuss the strategic shifts required to remain compliant while maintaining player loyalty.

Speakers will include:

• Pascal Chaffard, CFO & Strategy Officer, FDJ
• Axel Hefer, CEO, Tipico
• Vlad Kaltenieks, CEO, BoyleSports
• Mattias Wedar, CEO, LeoVegas
• Moderator: Martin Collins, Chief Business Development Officer, Soft2Bet

These industry leaders will share practical insights on navigating tightening rules and remaining competitive in a saturated and highly regulated market. Their perspectives are especially relevant as European jurisdictions increasingly prioritize harm minimization and responsible gambling.

Spotlight on Italy: New licensing framework raises stakes

One of the most closely watched markets in the region is Italy, which has recently undergone a substantial regulatory overhaul. The panel titled “Italy’s new online gambling regime: A game-changer for the industry” will examine the long-term implications of Italy’s revised licensing model.

Key themes will include:

• Increased licensing fees
• More stringent compliance obligations
• Tighter advertising controls
• Expanded consumer protections

Panelists include:

• Fabio A. Bufalini, Country Director Italy, Stake
• Marco Castaldo, CEO, Microgame
• Will Shuckburgh, CEO, eCogra
• Nicola Tani, Chief Editor, Agipro
• Stefano Tino, Managing Director Italy, Betsson
• Marco Tiso, Managing Director, Sisal

The discussion is expected to offer a comprehensive overview of whether the new regime strengthens sustainability or deters investment due to increased operational complexity and cost.

Portugal’s regulatory crossroads

Another session titled “Portugal: Smooth sailing or danger ahead?” will assess the challenges and opportunities emerging within Portugal’s gambling market. Although iCasino activity is reportedly on the rise, a simultaneous decline in sports betting revenues is raising questions about market stability and potential regulatory tightening.

Speakers for this session include:

• Tiago Bessa, Partner, Vieira de Almeida
• Tomas Goncalves, Managing Director, Apostas Sociais (Santa Casa)
• Americo Loureiro, Director, Solverde
• Rui Magalhães, CEO, Estoril Sol Digital
• Bernardo Neves, Secretary General, APAJO
• Tiago Pereira, Head of Portugal, LeBull.pt

The panel will evaluate whether current trends are indicative of a healthy market shift or a warning sign of regulatory disruption on the horizon.

Finland and the Nordics: A gradual liberalisation

In the session titled “Over the Finnish line: Regulation in the Nordics,” panelists will explore Finland’s anticipated transition toward a competitive, privately-operated gambling market. Long dominated by the state monopoly model, the Finnish government is now moving to liberalize its market in response to consumer demand and EU compliance pressures.

The discussion will focus on:

• Licensing prospects for private operators
• Transition challenges from monopoly to open market
• Player protection measures and market safeguards

Other Nordic markets, such as Sweden and Denmark, will also be examined to draw comparisons and lessons from their liberalization experiences.

The Netherlands: Consumer safety and regulatory reform

The Dutch regulatory landscape is also undergoing substantial shifts. In the panel “Dutch courage: Collaboration in the changing face of regulations,” delegates will hear about proposed reforms aimed at strengthening consumer protections.

Notably, the Dutch regulator has floated proposals to:

• Raise the minimum age for accessing online slots
• Introduce stricter deposit limits
• Strengthen anti-addiction mechanisms
• Limit advertising and sponsorship arrangements

While these reforms are designed to reduce gambling harm, they have sparked debate about their long-term impact on channelization and the viability of licensed operators.

Western Europe in the global context

The Western Europe track forms a key part of SBC Summit 2025’s Global Markets series. Other regional tracks, such as Latin America and Brazil and North America, will run between 16–18 September, offering delegates in-depth insights tailored to local regulatory and commercial environments.

These sessions aim to support international expansion strategies by delivering practical advice on:

• Local compliance standards
• Market entry dynamics
• Cultural and consumer behavior
• Licensing and taxation regimes

The Lisbon event will serve as a comprehensive knowledge-sharing platform for stakeholders navigating Europe’s most sophisticated and regulated gambling markets.

Looking ahead: Strategic insight in turbulent times

As European regulators continue to recalibrate their approaches to online gambling, operators will be expected to adapt quickly and responsibly. Events like SBC Summit 2025 will be instrumental in helping industry participants understand, anticipate, and react to regulatory movements across the continent.

With its focus on compliance, sustainability, and innovation, the Global Markets – Western Europe track offers a timely opportunity for policymakers, operators, legal advisors, and suppliers to connect and collaborate on shaping the future of European gambling.

Conclusion

As the gambling industry in Western Europe undergoes transformative shifts driven by evolving regulations, heightened consumer expectations, and increasing scrutiny from both governments and the public, the SBC Summit 2025 emerges as a vital forum for industry leaders to convene, collaborate, and chart a sustainable path forward. The newly introduced Global Markets – Western Europe track reflects the region's critical importance to the global gambling landscape and underscores the need for proactive, informed, and responsible strategies.

Through in-depth panels covering jurisdictions such as Italy, Portugal, the Netherlands, and the Nordic countries, the summit offers delegates not only a comprehensive overview of the legal and regulatory changes sweeping the continent but also actionable solutions for compliance, innovation, and market stability. By engaging with key decision-makers, legal experts, and business leaders, attendees will gain valuable insight into how to navigate the complexities of Western European markets while upholding the highest standards of integrity and player protection.

In a period marked by uncertainty and increased regulation, SBC Summit 2025 serves as a timely and essential platform to help industry stakeholders stay ahead of the curve, mitigate legal and operational risks, and build a more transparent, resilient, and responsible future for gambling in Europe.

FAQs

What is the Global Markets – Western Europe track at SBC Summit 2025?
It is a dedicated session focusing on gambling regulations and market developments in countries like Italy, Portugal, the Netherlands, and Nordic regions.

Where and when is the SBC Summit 2025 taking place?
The summit will be held from 16–18 September 2025 at Feira Internacional de Lisboa (FIL), in Lisbon, Portugal.

Who are some of the key speakers in the Western Europe track?
Executives from FDJ, Tipico, BoyleSports, LeoVegas, Stake, Betsson, and regulatory experts will participate in various panels.

What topics will be discussed in the Italy-focused session?
The panel will cover Italy’s updated licensing regime, increased regulatory fees, and player protection measures impacting operators.

Why is Portugal’s gambling market under scrutiny?
Portugal is seeing declining sports betting revenue despite growing iCasino activity, prompting concerns about future regulatory changes.

What is changing in the Netherlands' gambling regulation?
Dutch authorities are considering raising the minimum age for online slots, limiting deposits, and imposing stricter advertising controls.

What will be covered in the Finland and Nordics session?
The discussion will focus on Finland's planned transition from a monopoly system to an open licensing model, along with Nordic market trends.

Why is Western Europe considered a benchmark in gambling regulation?
Western Europe has mature regulatory frameworks that prioritize consumer protection, responsible gambling, and transparent market operations.

How does SBC Summit support operators?
The summit provides strategic insights, legal updates, and networking opportunities that help operators adapt to evolving global markets.

Is SBC Summit 2025 suitable for international operators?
Yes, the summit includes regional tracks such as Latin America, North America, and Western Europe, offering localized insights for global expansion.