From market launches and regulatory reviews to political battles, gambling markets across the globe are facing pivotal moments in their evolution. SBC Summit 2026’s dedicated Global Regulations track will use Canada as one of several case studies.
Taking place on Tuesday, Sept. 29, the track will bring together operators, regulators, policymakers, legal experts, and compliance leaders to examine the latest regulatory developments across established and emerging markets.
The track forms part of the Regulation & Compliance Stage, one of six dedicated conference stages at SBC Summit, alongside technology, global and emerging markets, Payment Expert Summit, product innovation showcase, and the Super Stage located at Lisbon’s MEO Arena.
“Every market operates under its own unique set of rules, challenges and opportunities. That’s what makes this industry so fascinating and dynamic, but it also makes navigating the global regulatory landscape increasingly complex,” said SBC Founder and CEO Rasmus Sojmark.
“With delegates joining us from every major gaming jurisdiction, SBC Summit provides a unique platform for meaningful regulatory dialogue. Attendees won’t just hear from experts who understand these markets; they’ll engage with the policymakers, regulators and industry leaders actively shaping their future.”
Will Alberta’s opening reshape Canadian gaming’s future?
The focus will then turn to Canada’s fragmented regulatory landscape with the session ‘Canada: Province by Province Progress,’ which explores how regulatory reviews in Alberta and Ontario could shape the next phase of Canadian gaming.
Experts Jared Beber (CEO, Bet99), Ohad Narkis (CEO, PlayOJO), Paul Burns (President and CEO, Canadian Gaming Association), and Martin Lycka (Vice President of Institutional Affairs, Oddin.gg) will debate what these reviews are trying to achieve and how they could influence the future direction of the country’s gaming sector.
European gaming a heavy focus
Elsewhere, ‘Can Poland’s Economic Surge Unlock Gambling Reform?’ will examine whether economic growth and mounting industry pressure can lead to meaningful regulatory change in Poland. Experts Justyna Grusza-Głębicka (Director, Institute for Gambling Regulation Foundation in Poland), Adam Lamentowicz (Chief Commercial Officer, Superbet), Ed Birkin (Managing Director, H2 Gambling Capital), Maarten Haijer (Secretary General, EGBA), and Marek Plota (Attorney-at-Law, RM Legal Firm) will debate whether concerns over illegal gambling and market restrictions could finally push policymakers toward reform in 2026.
In ‘Finland’s Waiting: The Start of a New European Market‘, panelists Jaakko Soininen (Managing Director, Finnplay), Antii Koivula (Chief Compliance Officer, Hippos ATG), Sverker Skogberg (Senior Vice President, Public Affairs, PAF), Ivana Pejiic (Head of Compliance, Betsson Europe), and Jari Vahanen (Co-Founder & Partner, Finnish Gambling Consultants) will discuss the early challenges emerging from Finland’s transition to a new licensing regime and how regulators are responding.
Sessions across the day will also explore Romania’s ongoing debate around gambling reform, Estonia’s efforts to maintain long-term competitiveness within a mature regulated market, and how the 2026 FIFA World Cup has heightened regulatory scrutiny of betting markets and sports integrity.
Regulatory Meet-ups with IAGR and IMGL
Attendees looking to dive deeper into the regulatory issues discussed on stage can also take part in the Regulatory Meet-ups, a new networking initiative for 2026 organized in partnership with the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) and the International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL).
Covering regions including Asia, Africa, LatAm, Eurasia, and the Balkans, alongside market-specific sessions focused on the UK, UAE, Finland, Curaçao, Italy, Greece, and Portugal, these meet-ups allow delegates to connect directly with the regulators, legal experts, and industry leaders shaping gaming markets worldwide.
Taking place Sept. 29 to Oct. 1, SBC Summit will welcome 40,000 industry professionals to the Feira Internacional de Lisboa & MEO Arena for three days of networking, exhibition, and education.
Access to SBC Summit’s conference is included with Conference, Business, and VIP Passes.
Delegates wishing to attend conference sessions and the Regulatory Meet-ups will require a Business or VIP Pass.
