SBC Summit Tbilisi 2025: Gateway to Eurasian iGaming

SBC Summit Tbilisi 2025, one of the region’s most targeted and strategically curated iGaming conferences, is set to return to the Georgian capital on October 15–16, 2025. This two-day event, co-hosted by SBC (Sports Betting Community) and SMH Global, will take place at the prestigious Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace, welcoming over 2,000 senior industry professionals and more than 40 exhibitors from across the iGaming, sports, and media sectors.

With a particular focus on Eastern Europe and Central Asia, the summit provides a unique platform for industry stakeholders to explore localized challenges, exchange actionable insights, and build strategic partnerships in emerging and high-growth markets.

Strategic importance of Georgia as host nation

Georgia’s increasing prominence in the global iGaming ecosystem is no coincidence. Positioned at the intersection of Europe and Asia, Georgia provides a business-friendly tax environment, progressive regulatory policies, and a strategically advantageous location for cross-regional growth. With consistent growth in digital infrastructure and a welcoming policy environment, the country is fast becoming a regional anchor for operators and service providers alike.

As Lasha Machavariani, Founder of SMH Global, noted, Georgia is “not just strategically ideal due to its position and regulation, but culturally aligned with the spirit of openness and collaboration that defines this summit.”

A regional focus with global ambition

Unlike broader expos that often dilute regional relevance, SBC Summit Tbilisi is hyper-focused on local dynamics. It aims to create a space where participants can examine the economic, cultural, legal, and operational nuances of markets such as:

• Georgia
• Kazakhstan
• Armenia
• Serbia
• Romania
• Bulgaria

These countries are becoming attractive targets for operators seeking market expansion and long-term growth, but they each come with unique legal frameworks and cultural expectations that require tailored strategies.

Rasmus Sojmark, Founder and CEO of SBC, emphasized this aspect, stating: “We created SBC Summit Tbilisi to give serious operators and suppliers a direct route into some of the most promising but underexplored markets in the industry.”

Conference agenda: From regulation to innovation

The two-day summit is anchored by a comprehensive conference agenda that reflects the real-world complexities of doing business in these emerging jurisdictions. Rather than adopting a “one-size-fits-all” perspective, the sessions are designed to equip attendees with localized knowledge essential for regulatory compliance, market entry, and sustainable growth.

Key topics on the agenda include:

• Licensing frameworks and regulatory reform
• Taxation trends across different jurisdictions
• Market entry strategies for culturally diverse regions
• Payment processing challenges and digital wallets in emerging markets
• Sports media rights, affiliate marketing, and player acquisition
• Technology localization and product customization
• Cross-border advertising restrictions
• Compliance pitfalls and risk management in politically sensitive regions

Speakers will include regional regulators, C-level executives, legal advisors, and technology innovators—offering both local expertise and international perspective.

Exhibition and business networking opportunities

Alongside the conference sessions, SBC Summit Tbilisi 2025 will feature a targeted exhibition floor, spotlighting top suppliers, platform providers, and service partners operating or seeking entry into the regional iGaming ecosystem. The event serves as a live demonstration of tailored tech and regulatory solutions, providing an immersive look into market-specific tools and innovations.

Moreover, the summit emphasizes quality over quantity in networking. By leveraging the curated networks of both SBC and SMH Global, the attendee list includes:

• C-level executives from licensed operators
• Technology and platform providers
• Legal and compliance professionals
• Payment service providers
• Regional affiliates
• Government and regulatory authorities
• Local and international media

This unique combination fosters strategic dialogue, regulatory clarity, and relationship building, driving outcomes that extend well beyond traditional networking.

A cultural and professional experience

True to the Georgian ethos of hospitality, each day of the summit will conclude with evening networking events, where participants can continue discussions in a more informal, relationship-driven setting. These gatherings play a vital role in strengthening partnerships and building trust—often a key component in markets where personal relationships significantly influence business success.

SMH Global’s Machavariani highlights this as one of the event’s strongest aspects: “There’s a natural sense of openness and energy here that makes the summit a truly unique experience—not just for international delegates, but for local leaders as well.”

Georgia’s rising role in the iGaming ecosystem

Now entering its third consecutive year, the SBC Summit Tbilisi has proven itself as more than a recurring event—it is a strategic instrument for the development of Georgia’s standing in the international iGaming industry.

Several factors contribute to this growing influence:

• Favorable tax conditions for iGaming and tech firms
• Modern banking infrastructure increasingly aligned with digital needs
• Reliable internet and mobile penetration rates
• Proximity to key markets including Turkey, Russia, and the Middle East
• English-speaking business community and skilled tech talent

For companies seeking to outsource operations, establish regional headquarters, or scale existing platforms, Georgia is positioned as both a cost-effective and operationally viable option.

SBC’s global conference portfolio

SBC Summit Tbilisi is part of SBC’s global network of industry events, which includes:

• SBC Summit Rio
• SBC Summit Americas
• SBC Summit Malta
• SBC Summit Lisbon (flagship event)

Each summit maintains a distinct regional character, but all share the same commitment to market relevance, actionable content, and high-level business development.

Tbilisi, in particular, is notable for offering the most regionally tailored experience, suited for companies seeking to understand not just the numbers, but the cultural and regulatory context that shapes business success in the region.

Registration and participation

Registration for SBC Summit Tbilisi 2025 is now open. Companies and professionals interested in expanding into Eurasia or understanding the legal, commercial, and technological drivers of the region are encouraged to participate.

Attendees can expect a high-caliber, content-rich experience with tangible outcomes. From deal-making to compliance insights, the summit provides real value for all stakeholders in the iGaming chain.

For those who view Eastern Europe and Central Asia as their next strategic frontier, SBC Summit Tbilisi represents not just an event, but a catalyst for growth.

Secure your place at SBC Summit Tbilisi 2025 today.

Conclusion

SBC Summit Tbilisi 2025 stands as a vital touchpoint for the global iGaming community seeking credible and strategic entry into the complex yet promising markets of Eastern Europe and Central Asia. With a strong emphasis on regional expertise, legal insight, and cultural relevance, the event offers more than just exposure—it offers access. For operators, suppliers, and regulators, it is an opportunity to build long-term, compliant, and profitable business relationships in a part of the world that is rapidly evolving but still largely underexplored by international stakeholders.

By hosting the summit in Georgia—a country that continues to demonstrate openness to innovation, stable governance, and regulatory foresight—SBC and SMH Global are reinforcing the region’s significance as a commercial and strategic hub. The event promises to deliver a high-value experience for decision-makers looking beyond traditional markets, offering the tools, context, and partnerships necessary to succeed in a highly nuanced and legally dynamic environment.

For any company with growth ambitions in Eurasia, SBC Summit Tbilisi 2025 is not just an event—it is a business imperative.

FAQs

What is SBC Summit Tbilisi 2025?
SBC Summit Tbilisi 2025 is a two-day iGaming conference and exhibition held in Georgia, focused on Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

When and where will the event take place?
The summit will be held on October 15–16, 2025, at the Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Who is organizing the event?
The event is co-hosted by SBC (Sports Betting Community) and SMH Global, a Georgia-based company specializing in sports and media.

What is the main focus of the summit?
The summit is focused on exploring iGaming opportunities in Georgia, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Bulgaria, Romania, and other high-growth regional markets.

Who should attend SBC Summit Tbilisi?
Senior decision-makers, regulators, affiliates, and technology providers involved or interested in the regional gaming industry should attend.

What topics will be discussed during the conference?
Topics include licensing, taxation, cultural market differences, regulatory trends, payment systems, and compliance issues.

How is SBC Summit Tbilisi different from other gaming expos?
Unlike global expos, it provides a regionally specific, culturally relevant, and regulatory-focused experience tailored to local market needs.

Will there be networking opportunities?
Yes, both formal and informal networking events will take place throughout the summit, including evening social events.

Is Georgia a good market for iGaming expansion?
Yes, Georgia offers a favorable tax regime, supportive regulation, and a strategic location, making it ideal for regional business development.

How can I register for the event?
Registration is available on SBC’s official website, where interested attendees can choose their ticket type and access further event details.