SBC Summit Malta to Explore the Trends Driving the Future of Casino

As new technology and shifting player expectations continue to reshape the world of iGaming, SBC Summit Malta will feature sessions dedicated to helping stakeholders confidently navigate the sector's next phase.

Taking place from 29 to 30 April, the event's conference programme will offer 6,000 industry stakeholders a focused look at how operators can translate emerging trends and new technologies into practical, competitive casino strategies.

The programme follows a two-part structure. Product Visionaries, on Wednesday, 29th April, will unpack the strategic thinking behind the latest casino developments. Product In Practice, on Thursday, 30th April, will shift to hands-on workshops, allowing delegates to turn those ideas into actionable frameworks.

Sessions will cover key topics such as the rise of crypto casinos, the future of slot and casino content, and how casino operators can rank highly across AI search.

“Casino innovation isn't just about launching new features, it's about delivering experiences players actually want to return to,” said Rasmus Sojmark, Founder and CEO of SBC. “From content and UX to AI and payments, operators need to be far more deliberate in how they build their products. These sessions are about helping them make smarter decisions, faster.”

The session, ‘Casino vs Sports: Can Gamification Truly Cross Over?‘, will examine how gamification is being used across both casino and sports betting, and whether the two verticals can learn from each other. Experts Alex Tomic (Founder, Alea), Brian Christner (Chief Online Gaming, Grand Casino Baden), Alexis Wicén (CEO, Unibo), Mykhailo Kachanov (CBDO, Slot Catalog), and Shahar Attias (Founder, Hybrid Interaction) will break down the standout mechanics in each vertical and assess which are most transferable. The panel will also examine whether gamification is genuinely driving player loyalty and engagement, or simply riding the wave of industry hype.

The focus will then shift to how slot design is evolving into a more immersive and socially driven experience on the panel, ‘Casino Product Innovation & Content: The Future of Slots'. Experts Janick Bonnici (Principal Gaming Content Manager, Betsson Group), Steve Cutler (CEO and co-founder, KALAMBA), Petr Vonarshenko (Senior Business Development Manager, ELA Games) and Arjan Korstjens (Principal, Casino Marketing Academy) will explore how branded crossovers and release strategies are reshaping player expectations. Discussions will also touch on whether slots can evolve from standalone games into shared entertainment experiences that keep players coming back.

Day two will move from insight to application, with a series of workshops designed to help attendees build and refine their own casino strategies.

‘What Will Casinos Look Like in 2036?‘ will open the floor to a forward-looking, Ask-Me-Anything discussion on the future of casino. Led by Arjan Korstjens (Principal, Casino Marketing Academy) and Dan Phillips (CEO, NEL Advisory), the session will explore how player behaviour, product innovation, and operator strategy may shift over the next decade. From AI-driven game development to new mechanics that could disrupt the sector, this audience-led workshop will offer an unfiltered view of where the casino sector could be heading, and how operators can prepare now.

As AI reshapes how players discover brands, the workshop ‘The Future of Casino Search is Vertical‘ will provide practical guidance on how operators can increase their visibility and influence within AI-driven search. Led by Ionut Constantinescu (CEO of Marlin Media), the session will break down how discovery is shifting from rankings to recommendations, and what that means for operators looking to capture attention in a more automated, AI-led environment.

Alongside its casino focus, SBC Summit Malta's agenda will feature dedicated tracks on marketing, regulation, and product, as well as two workshop rooms. Workshop rooms will cover topics such as policy & PR, European markets, 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 SBC Summit Malta?
SBC Summit Malta is a major iGaming industry event that brings together operators, affiliates and experts to explore trends shaping the future of casino and betting.

When will SBC Summit Malta take place?
The event is scheduled for 29 to 30 April, offering two days of conference sessions and workshops.

Who should attend SBC Summit Malta?
The summit is designed for casino operators, affiliates, product teams, marketers and industry stakeholders looking to stay competitive.

What are the main themes of the event?
Key topics include AI in search, crypto casinos, gamification, slot innovation, player experience and product strategy.

What is the difference between the two event days?
The first day focuses on strategic insights from product leaders, while the second day offers hands-on workshops and practical applications.

How is AI impacting the casino industry?
AI is reshaping how players discover platforms, shifting from traditional rankings to recommendation-driven search and personalization.

What role does gamification play in casino and sports betting?
Gamification is used to boost engagement and loyalty, though experts will assess whether it delivers real value or follows industry hype.

What trends are shaping the future of slot games?
Slots are evolving into more immersive and social experiences, with branded content and shared gameplay features gaining traction.

Can attendees participate in discussions at the event?
Yes, workshops like the Ask-Me-Anything session allow attendees to engage directly with experts and discuss future industry scenarios.

Are there different ticket options available?
Yes, attendees can choose from VIP passes, Expo+ passes and free passes for eligible operators and affiliates.