Search
Choose a style
Dark
Light

First Pitch finalists revealed for SBC Summit Americas start-up competition

SBC has announced the five start-ups that will battle it out for the 2026 edition of First Pitch 2026 Americas, in collaboration with BettingStartups, taking place at SBC Summit Americas.

The contest will see some of the most exciting sports betting and gaming start-ups pitch their products to an esteemed panel of industry judges, with the winning company receiving a prize package valued at over $100,000 to help support its growth.

The finalists will go head-to-head on the Leaders Stage on Thursday, 11 June, where they will each deliver a three-minute presentation followed by a Q&A session in front of a live audience and an expert judging panel.

This year’s finalists are:

  • Insight Play AI, Inc. – InsightPlay deploys AI agents as customer service representatives for operators, providing both text and voice support. Operators using the service have already begun recovering dormant players across Latin America.
  • Odditt – A platform that helps sportsbooks, prediction markets, and DFS operators offer ready-made combo and parlay bets, complete with simple explanations for why each bet has been grouped together.
  • OddsBlaze – A real-time sports betting data platform that gives operators, traders, and product teams fast access to odds, market movements, arbitrage alerts, and betting APIs.
  • ParlayX – A prediction market aggregator designed to help sports betting syndicates compare opportunities and act on market insights more efficiently.
  • The Sharps – A bankroll tournament platform that combines the strategy and competitive structure of poker with sports handicapping, using traditional sportsbook wagers instead of cards.

To determine this year’s winner, SBC has assembled a panel of judges with extensive experience across sports betting, iGaming, investment, start-up development, and venture capital.

The panel includes Paris Smith (Founder and CEO, DefytheOdds), Javier Altamirano, Global Head of Startup, Sportradar), Evan Meyer (Managing Partner, Astralus Capital Management), Scott Secord (Partner, Cardinal Sports Capital), Meredith McPherson (CEO & Managing Partner, DRIVE by DraftKings), with Jesse Learmonth, of The Betting Startups Podcast, returning to host this year’s competition.

Paul Mills, Event Director at SBC, said: “This year’s First Pitch showcases the depth of start-up talent emerging across the Americas, with finalists bringing fresh ideas across AI, prediction markets, fantasy, data, and betting infrastructure.

“SBC is proud to give these companies a platform to pitch their products, connect with investors, and build the connections needed to support their next stage of growth.”

The winning start-up will receive a prize package valued at over $100,000, designed to support its growth through a mix of promotional, technical, legal, and business development services.

The package includes:

  • MetaBet & Are You Watching This?: One year of API access to sports data from Are You Watching This? and gambling data from MetaBet, valued at $48,000.
  • AWS: $10,000 of AWS Credits for eligible AWS services and support from infrastructure technologies like compute, storage, and databases, to emerging technologies, such as generative AI, machine learning and artificial intelligence.
  • GameOn: Press releases, an interview, and a video interview shared to GameOn social media, worth $3,500.
  • Royer Cooper Cohen Braunfeld LLC: $5,000 worth of gaming-related legal services.
  • Square in the Air: Video package, social media audit, and competitor analysis worth $5,000.
  • Vegas Kings: A web design package worth $3,000.
  • SBC Media: Promotional advertising and PR package worth $11,000.
  • SBC Events: A 3x3m booth and four complimentary tickets worth $15,000.
  • CertilQ: 12 months of access to CertilQ’s Technical Compliance Management Platform, worth $4,000.

Attendees with a Conference, Business, or VIP Pass can all watch the live First Pitch final on the Leaders Stage on Thursday, 11 June at 2:20 pm.

Get your tickets:

  • Conference Pass ($399) – Includes access to the show floor, all conference and workshop sessions, and basic access to SBC Connect. Pass holders can also join the Inner Circle, offering exclusive speaker chats and deeper discussions on key panel topics.
  • Business Pass ($549) – Includes everything in the Conference Pass, plus full access to SBC Connections networking sessions and enhanced SBC Connect features for messaging and meeting requests.
  • VIP Pass ($799) – Full event access, including the show floor, conference sessions, daytime networking (SBC Connections), evening parties, and advanced access to SBC Connect features. VIP attendees also receive a pre-loaded card for the Food Festival.

Mythical titles take the bet365 crown in April

There’s been some movers and shakers in April’s slot rankings from bet365, with Games Global’s Area Link Dragon securing top spot among Canadian players. 

Marking its debut month on the bet365 platform, the new title from Games Global proved to be a hit across the board for Canadians. Although it was the supplier’s Area Link Bank Boss that took first place in Ontario, climbing eight places compared to the previous month.

bet365’s games rankings cover more than 7,500 games across 20 markets, including both Canada and, more specifically, Ontario.

An algorithm taking into account game revenue, stakes, sessions and engagement is used in each market to determine how the operator’s games have performed every month, with popularity varying from country to country.

Mythological titles are a hit with Canadians in April

Looking at the Canadian market as a whole, Games Global managed to secure both second and third place in April. 

Its Amazing Link Zeus title climbed from third place in March to second place in April, showing a growing popularity of mythical-themed titles among Canadians. 

Meanwhile its Amazing Link Phoenix Firestorm title – a fiery slot set in a mythical realm ruled by fire and feathers – made it into third place, dropping from its first place position in March.

Other titles from the Area Link series continued to make the top 10, including Area Link Bank Boss, Amazing Link Zeus Boost and Amazing Link Athena.

New entries for Ontario

The Area Link titles also proved to be a hit with Ontarians throughout April, with Area Link Bank Boss and Area Link Phoenix Firestorm taking first and second spot respectively. 

However, April also witnessed three new entries into the top 10 leaderboard: Eruption Blaze CASHINGO (Games Global), 4 Crazy Cluckers (Playtech) and Money Link The Great Immortals (Lightning Box). 

Pragmatic Play’s Games of Olympus Super Scatter was a hit for players across the province in April, rising two spots to take third place. It was closely followed by bet365’s High Flyer which, like its name, soared two spots to become the fourth most popular game on bet365 casino in April. 

It was Blue Wizard that had the biggest spike in interest however, jumping 18 spots in April to fifth place. Perhaps it was magic that made this a top hit with Ontarians.

Over to the U.S.

April was the month that bet365 expanded its U.S. footprint, making its entry into the Michigan market. So for its debut ranking, Divine Fortune found itself in the top spot,  followed by Capital Gains, Bonanza, Fire Blaze – Jinns Moon and 7’s Fire Blitz Hotstepper rounding off the top five. 

The same games were popular among players in Pennsylvania too, with Divine Fortune and Bonanza making their entry into the charts for the first time. 

New Jersey also had two new entries in its top five, with Mystery of the Lamp Treasure Oasis in fourth and Piggy Payouts Bank Buster LuckyTap claiming top spot. 

Platinum 8x8x8x was bumped down one spot to second, while Cash Eruption jumped four spots to third, with Hypernova Megaways rounding off the top five.

Alberta gaming regulator names Dan Keene CEO ahead of July start

With the launch of the Alberta commercial market just two months away, the provincial gaming regulator announced Tuesday the recent installation of its new CEO.

Dan Keene received an appointment to the CEO position effective April 21, the Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC) announced in a news release. Keene most recently served as interim CEO of AiGC and now ascends to the post full-time after more than 13 years with its parent organization.

After working as the interim CEO since January, Keene actually acknowledged the appointment last month on his LinkedIn profile:

“Proud to work with our incredible Alberta iGaming Corporation team (AiGC) our Regulator (AGLC), our industry partners, stakeholders, and operators under the mandate of Bill 48 and the honorable Minister of Service Alberta & Red Tape Reduction, Minister Dale Nally to conduct & manage a regulated, compliant, and socially responsible iGaming market, in the service of, and for the benefit of all Albertans.”

More on Alberta CEO’s experience

Sanjeev Kad, the board chair of AiGC, praised Keene’s background in a written statement.

“Dan brings deep operational experience and a strong track record in gaming and market development. His leadership will be essential as the Alberta iGaming Corporation prepares for launch and delivers a regulated market built on social responsibility and player protection.”

Keene is a veteran of the Alberta provincial government. He served in a variety of roles for Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) prior to becoming CEO of AiGC, most recently spending more than five years as Director of Gaming Business. Before his time at AiGC, Keene worked at Century Casino and Molson Canada.

According to an AiGC release, Keene “has led initiatives including Winner’s Edge, Alberta’s first casino loyalty program, and PlayAlberta.ca, the province’s only regulated online gambling platform, reflecting his commitment to innovation and responsible gaming.”

Alberta launch upcoming in July

Alberta will open its online gaming market to commercial operators July 13. It will join Ontario as the only provinces to sponsor regulated commercial gaming enterprises through the government.

As of May 4, 30 online sportsbooks and casino were registered to offer services from the start date. Those operators will compete against the province-run Play Alberta platform.

AGLC, the operator of Play Alberta which also will regulate the market, rolled out initial iGaming regulations in January.

EveryMatrix given the green light to enter Alberta following AGLC authorization

EveryMatrix has set its sights on further expansion across the Canadian market after receiving conditional licensing approval from the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC).

The approval will enable EveryMatrix to roll out its casino and sports betting platform technologies to licensed operators across the province.

Alberta is due to launch its regulated gaming market on July 13, with 30 sportsbooks and casinos having either commenced or completed the registration process to enter the province’s iGaming market. 

Upon entering the Alberta market, EveryMatrix will offer its premium iGaming titles from its in-house studio, Fantasma Games, as well as aggregated content with further opportunities to expand its portfolio.

Rani Axon, Market Manager for North America, EveryMatrix, said: “Entering Alberta marks an exciting step for the Group as we expand further into one of North America’s most attractive regulated markets. 

“This approval shows the strength of our compliance team and our readiness to meet regulatory requirements in any market.”

This is just the latest North American expansion effort from EveryMatrix, with the provider already live in Ontario since 2022, New Jersey, Michigan, West Virginia, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania.

The launch of the Alberta iGaming market has been highly anticipated across the wider industry, with the new province boasting high digital adoption rates – opening up the door for sportsbooks and casinos to expand their footprint further across Canada. 

Former Aetna CMO and AI Expert David Edelman to Join SBC Summit Americas Lineup

SBC Summit Americas 2026 will welcome David Edelman, former Aetna CMO and Harvard Business School faculty member, and a bestselling author, for an exclusive keynote exploring how AI is transforming the way businesses understand, reach, and engage their customers.

From pioneering concepts such as the ‘Customer Decision Journey’ and ‘Segment-of-One Marketing’ to advising Fortune 500 companies, Edelman has built a distinguished career shaping how businesses approach marketing, AI, and customer engagement.

The keynote will take place on Thursday, June 11 (10:40–11:00) as part of the ‘Leaders’ track. Titled Unlocking AI to Drive Growth, the session will explore how gaming businesses can move beyond using AI as an operational tool and instead leverage it as a driver of commercial advantage. 

Edelman will examine how brands can transform both digital and physical customer journeys through personalisation and automation at scale, while balancing engagement, responsibility, and trust. Drawing on global cross-sector examples, he will also introduce a practical CEO-level framework for turning AI into a sustainable growth engine.

“David brings a level of experience that very few speakers can match, particularly when it comes to connecting AI with real marketing strategy. This is exactly the kind of insight our audience is looking for right now,” said Rasmus Sojmark, CEO and Founder of SBC.

Over more than four decades, Edelman has built a strong voice across marketing and technology, earning recognition from Forbes as one of the “Most Influential CMOs in the World” across multiple years and a place in Adweek’s ‘AI Trailblazers Power 100’ in 2025. He also has over 1.1 million followers on LinkedIn.

Edelman began his career in 1986 at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), working with customer data and laying the foundation for his widely recognised 1989 article, ‘Segment-of-One Marketing’, which introduced the idea of tailoring marketing to individual customers at scale. He later co-developed BCG’s e-commerce practice before joining Digitas in 1999, where he focused on data-driven digital experiences through CRM and analytics.

In 2008, he moved to McKinsey & Company, where he built and led the global Digital Marketing practice. During this time, he introduced the ‘Customer Decision Journey’ concept in a landmark Harvard Business Review cover story, redefining how businesses understand and influence the path from initial awareness to purchase and loyalty.

Commenting on his appearance, Edelman said: “There’s a misconception that AI can simply be layered onto existing marketing strategies, when in reality it requires a fundamental rethink. In this session, I’ll look at how businesses can adapt their approach and use AI to deliver more relevant, personalized customer experiences.”

In 2016, Edelman moved into corporate leadership as Aetna’s first Chief Marketing Officer, where he led a major digital and brand transformation. He upgraded marketing capabilities, repositioned the brand as a trusted health partner, and built a comprehensive customer experience program, while also contributing to the company’s merger with CVS.

Since leaving Aetna in 2020, Edelman has focused on advisory work through Edelman Advisory Services, working with CEOs and CMOs to use AI more effectively in marketing. His work explores team structure, better use of data, and how to deliver more relevant customer experiences while maintaining a human touch and building trust.

Alongside his advisory work, Edelman contributed to the next generation of business leaders as a faculty member at Harvard Business School. He is also a recognised author, having co-written Personalized: Customer Strategy in the Age of AI, a USA Today bestseller that explores how businesses can use AI and data to deliver more relevant customer experiences.

Edelman’s appearance forms part of SBC Summit Americas’ extensive conference program, which will feature 250 expert speakers across six stages, covering key topics such as leadership, sports betting and casino, payments and technology, affiliation, regulation, and player protection. These sessions sit within the event’s ‘Knowledge Vault’, designed to deliver actionable insights for industry professionals.

Want to attend SBC Summit Americas?

Operators and affiliates can apply for a complimentary VIP Pass, granting full access to the event, including conference sessions, the exhibition floor, and premium networking opportunities. 

All other attendees can choose from a range of ticket options tailored to different goals and budgets, from expo-only access to full VIP experiences. Secure your pass and explore your options here.

Q&A: bet365’s Andrew Moreno on localization, player behaviours and Alberta’s potential 

Speaking ahead of SBC Summit Canada next week, Andew Moreno, Assistant Vice President of Business Development and Government Affairs at bet365, explains what it takes for a UK-rooted operator to make it big in North America. 

As he highlights the importance of localization in terms of product offerings, marketing, partnerships and compliance requirements, Moreno offers his insights on how bet365 plans to achieve sustainable growth through strategic, quality-focused expansion.

CGB: bet365 has taken strides in North America, with several new sports betting state entries and the recent Michigan dual-vertical launch. How does the company view the North American market, and what’s the core goal for its positioning?

AM: North America is an exciting opportunity for growth, innovation, and modernization as sports betting and igaming continue to expand. As a globally recognized industry leader, we focus on adapting our positioning across the market in a way that feels local, personal, and resonates deeply with new customers across each region. 

Our goals focus on building long-term trust, increasing brand awareness, and achieving sustainable growth through strategic, quality-focused expansion rather than rapid market entry.

CGB: As a UK-rooted operator competing with North American sports betting and gaming giants in Ontario and the U.S., what’s been the strategy to achieve strong market penetration amid stiff competition?

AM: We recognized early on in our North American expansion journey that we could not simply copy and paste our leading UK strategy, because customers across regions have distinct preferences, betting habits, and product expectations. 

Rather than rapidly launching across North America, we focus on leveraging our local partnerships to learn more about each new market we enter so we can tailor our launches and long-term campaigns to each specific region. 

We differentiate through our standout products and offers like our unrivaled Early Payout and Sub on, Play on, the broadest selection of leagues and sports, and strategic partnerships that strengthen our market presence and enhance the customer experience.

CGB: Known best for sports betting, bet365 has invested notably in the iCasino side. In markets like Ontario, where sports are a passion but casino is king in terms of handle and GGR, how do you strike the balance between the verticals?

AM: We’ve always viewed sports betting and iCasino as complementary products, rather than two competing verticals. Sports betting naturally peaks around major sporting events and seasons, while iCasino offers an entertaining year-round experience, so combined, the two verticals create a well-rounded offering for all customers. In markets like Ontario, where casino plays a major role, it’s important that we offer a well-balanced, premium experience that appeals to different types of customers. 

Ultimately, we want to create an environment where people can naturally gravitate toward the products they enjoy most, helping build stronger engagement and long-term loyalty to bet365.

CGB: Alberta awaits, with a July 13 launch date now set. What has the compliance transition process looked like for bet365, and what will the approach be in that province?

AM: When we enter any new market, our priority is ensuring that we enter the right way, fully aligned with provincial/state requirements. Having already launched in Ontario and being one of the top betting platforms, we have a strong foundation in the Canadian regulatory landscape. 

Through our strategic approach to growth across the United States, we’ve learned how crucial building early trust is with both customers and regulators through compliance, responsible gaming practices, and delivering a high-quality product. This mindset also extends to our marketing, where all campaigns are carefully created to meet local standards of advertising and compliance. 

CGB: How does bet365 differentiate its Canadian product and brand from its American operations? And, within Canada, what do you expect the nuances will be between Ontario and Alberta?

AM: A major component of bet365’s brand and strategy is the recognition that no two markets are the same. Just as the US is different from our UK business, the Alberta landscape differs from Ontario. 

We appreciate that each unique market has its own sports culture, betting preferences, and product expectations, and this is why localization is such a key piece of our approach – our partnerships, promotions, and overall goals are designed to authentically reflect each market, rather than a one size fits all strategy. 

While some partnerships, like UFC, resonate with both US-based and Canadian bettors, we’ve also invested in partnerships that are uniquely meaningful and authentic to Canadian audiences, like the NHL and Woodbine. 

Andrew Moreno is speaking at the upcoming SBC Summit Canada on a panel  entitled ‘Alberta: The new sheriff in town’ on Wed 20 May 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM EDT. SBC Summit Canada takes place at Metro Toronto Convention Centre from 19-21 May 2026 – register for the event here.

Canada iGaming proves to be a key growth driver for PointsBet

Canada has proved to be a shining light for PointsBet, contrasting sharply with the declines reported in its Australian division.

Publishing its preliminary results for the nine-month period ending 31 March 2026, PointsBet reported revenues decline to $186.6m – a drop of 1% year-on-year. 

Canada drives growth for Pointsbet

Of the total revenues, $34.6m was attributed to Canada, marking a 13% increase on the year prior. However, it was the growth of its iGaming operations in Canada, specifically Ontario, that stole the show for the operator.

During the trading period, PointsBet recorded a 28% year-on-year increase in iGaming revenue, rising to $23.6m, largely due to strong gross win margins across all game types – with slots proving to be particularly popular with players.

One of the driving factors for iGaming expansion, the operator noted, was the roll out of its upgraded iGaming platform during April of this year. 

Now successfully migrated to Bede Gaming’s tech stack, PointsBet is confident that the “99.99% stability, immediate access to Games Global and Pragmatic Live Dealer content, and enhanced promotional capabilities across the business” will act as a catalyst for “further acceleration” in the second half of the calendar year.

Meanwhile the total Canadian Net Win rose 14% year-over-year – up from $30.4m to $34.7m. 

The same growth reported in iGaming didn’t quite translate into PointsBet’s sports betting division, with a 39% decline in turnover to $161.5m for the period. This, PointsBet explained, could be due to lower VIP play and strong win margins, which subsequently had a knock-on effect on reinvestment.

Alberta: the next opportunity? 

Like many sportsbooks and casinos, PointsBet is now starting to turn its attention to the opening of the Alberta iGaming market, which goes live on 13 July. 

With only a few short weeks to go until the province allows operators to roll out their brands to bettors, PointsBet is among the 30 brands that has completed the registration process, having received the green light from the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) to advertise and pre-register players ahead of the province’s launch. 

“Alberta’s move toward an open, competitive iGaming framework is a positive step for Canadian players, offering more choice and consumer protections in a safe and regulated environment,” said Scott Vanderwel, CEO of PointsBet Canada, at the time of receiving authorization from the AGLC. 

“We’re excited to introduce our innovative, Canadian-focused sports betting and online casino products to Alberta residents, supported by industry-leading speed, responsible gaming tools, and local expertise.”

Its entry into Alberta would be the first major expansion for PointsBet after its entry into the Ontario market, potentially opening up the doors for new opportunities for growth. 

Further Canadian expansion on the cards?

PointsBet’s acquisition by MIXI Australia was a story that dominated the headlines, following what felt like a long tug-of-war between the new owner and Betr as they grappled for ownership of the operator.

The offer from the Japanese company’s Australian subsidiary closed on 12 September 2025, with MIXI Australia holding 66.43% of PointsBet Holdings Ltd. shares.

While MIXI emerged victorious in the acquisition battle, the effects of the acquisition are still being felt at PointsBet. 

One of the biggest ripples has been the opportunity for further expansion across Canada, with British Columbia previously tabled as a potential expansion opportunity, 

Looking beyond Ontario, MIXI CEO and President Koki Kimura has previously hinted at the fact that the operator will be keeping very close watch over the legalization of online casino and sports betting in other Canadian provinces.

But for now, it looks like PointsBet will remain focused on its Ontario operations and new revenue streams in Alberta once the province goes live.

iGaming Ontario debuts centralized BetGuard self-exclusion platform

Ontario’s commercial gaming market has gained access to a new tool from iGaming Ontario (iGO) aimed at combating problem gambling behavior across the province.

On Thursday, iGO launched a new responsible gaming tool, BetGuard, providing bettors in the region with the opportunity to voluntarily self-exclude themselves from Ontario’s portfolio of licensed online gambling platforms.

“Ontario is joining a short list of jurisdictions that have high-tech, comprehensive centralized self-exclusion that really meets the needs of a 21st-century digital market,” said iGO President and CEO Joseph Hillier during a media roundtable on Tuesday regarding BetGuard.

How does the self-exclusion system work?

BetGuard is an RG tool available to Ontario residents aged 19 and older. The offering allows Ontarians to self-exclude from iGaming by using the BetGuard website instead of requiring bettors who are looking to self-exclude to visit the regulated platforms they want to avoid.

BetGuard takes several steps to ensure individuals don’t access wagering platforms:

  • Blocks access to existing player accounts
  • Prevents individuals from creating new accounts
  • Blocks marketing communications from licensed gaming platforms in Ontario
  • Users can set self-exclusion terms of six months, one year, five years, or a custom term

“BetGuard is designed with one simple principle in mind: if you need a break from the entire regulated iGaming market, you can take it,” continued Hillier.

iGO is simplifying voluntary self-exclusion through BetGuard by allowing users to remove themselves from wagering in under 10 minutes when registering with the platform. Users only need a mobile device and an ID to complete the signup process.

Once registration is completed, self-excluders are blocked from using more than 70 iGaming brands. BetGuard does not require users to have an existing player account with an operator. The platform delivers both English and French language text and voice to Ontario residents.

BetGuard also provides Ontarians with access to agents who will assist in the signup process, as well as connections with mental health, addiction and gambling support.

The agents, who are available 24/7, can provide direct transfers with ConnexOntario, a free government-funded mental health and addiction treatment support helpline.

“Offering a tool like BetGuard is very important,” said ConnexOntario Executive Director Nerin Kaur during the roundtable. “Having BetGuard allows our team to educate the individual and help them through the process, and the individual will only have to self-exclude one time, so the amount of willpower it takes for the individual decreases.”

In addition to ConnexOntario, BetGuard has also garnered support in Ontario from the Responsible Gambling Council and the Canadian Gaming Association.

“This [BetGuard] is something the industry has been waiting for,” said Canadian Gaming Association CEO Paul Burns. “We are grateful because this delivers on the promise of regulated gaming. This is a real demonstration of what that means.”

BetGuard launches after monumental results in Ontario

Last month, iGO released a monthly revenue report that included historic results for Ontario’s regulated online gambling market. In March, iGO reported a total $9.59bn handle for online sportsbooks and online casino gaming, an all-time monthly record in Ontario.

The results surpassed January’s $9.52bn handle.

Non-adjusted gross revenue for licensed operators in Ontario reached $387m in March, a 13% compared to February’s results. iGO also reported an uptick in active player accounts.

The province had 1.235 million player accounts in March, a 17% increase year-over-year.

SBC, IAGR & IMGL combine for three-year regulatory education project

SBC Events will have an even stronger focus on regulation in 2026 after the B2B events and media company signed a tripartite agreement with the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) and the International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL).

The agreement will see the three groups collaborate on regulatory education in igaming across SBC’s events and media properties over the next three years. 

IAGR is the leading global organization of gaming regulators directed and governed exclusively by regulatory authorities. SBC is a global group that provides international events, media, and content serving the worldwide gaming industry.

IMGL is the leading global gaming industry network of specialist lawyers, regulators, and other professional advisors.

The agreement is intended to enhance regulatory education, international cooperation, and knowledge exchange through conferences, events, and related content initiatives. The parties intend to collaborate on developing educational content, including interviews, commentary, podcasts, and publications that address regulatory issues.

IAGR President Ben Haden said: “A key opportunity for the world’s gambling regulators is maintaining regular engagement with all parts of the global industry in order to educate and exchange views with businesses on changing rules and laws in our sector. This collaborative partnership with SBC and IMGL will make communication between stakeholders so much easier and ensure we are able to raise the bar on standards.”

IMGL President Marc Dunbar added: “This is the perfect collaboration to keep the industry educated about what is allowed and what is not in global jurisdictions. IMGL’s network of igaming lawyers, combined with IAGR’s regulator members, and SBC’s industry reach and extensive content portfolio, is a powerful way to keep the industry informed about the latest changes.”

SBC Founder & CEO Rasmus Sojmark commented: “Regulation has never been more important to how companies in our sector do business, and an ever-changing regulatory landscape makes compliance ever more difficult. This is why I’m proud to team up with IAGR and IMGL to give SBC’s audience the very best information on how the laws are changing across the world.”

The major project planned for this year will see a full schedule of regulatory meetups introduced at the SBC Summit in Lisbon on 29 September – 1 October 2026, in order for stakeholders to achieve up-to-the-minute news on the many gambling markets around the globe.

Keep an eye on https://sbcevents.com/sbc-summit/ for more information about the regulatory meetups. The organisations will also support the IAGR Annual Conference in Lima, Peru, on 19-22 October 2026.

Concerns raised in Alberta over sale of customer data 

Alberta’s information and privacy commissioner has expressed concerns over a newly passed law which will enable Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) to sell customer data to a private company. 

After the passage of Bill 31, The Red Tape Reduction Statutes Amendment Act, 2026, it could soon be legal for AGLC to sell its Play Alberta brand, as well as the personal information of customers that are registered with the operator. 

Reported by CBC, the privacy watchdog noted that the sale of personal information to a private company sets a “concerning precedent” for how Alberta handles sensitive data.

Privacy of the utmost importance

Back in June 2025, Alberta introduced its Protection of Privacy Act (POPA) which outlines a complete ban on public bodies – including Crown corporations – from selling personal information for any purpose. 

However, Bill 31 creates something of a loophole, giving the green light for AGLC to sell that information, providing that the cabinet is confident there are reasonable measures in place to protect it.

“This sets a concerning precedent,” Privacy Commissioner Diane McLeod said in a written statement to CBC News last week. “As far as we are aware, this would be the first instance in which personal information collected by a public body would be sold to a private sector organization under POPA.

“What are Albertans to believe if a clearly stated prohibition in POPA is nullified through another piece of legislation?”

In October 2025, Play Alberta had 434,000 registered accounts. McLeod had previously raised concerns that the operator has access to information such as demographic data, geolocation and insights into player behaviour. 

However, speaking in a separate interview with CBC News, Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Minister Dale Nally said AGLC has no immediate plans to sell Play Alberta.

Should a sale eventually go ahead, Nally explained that the AGLC would notify its customers and offer the option to opt out from their information being shared, prior to the transaction taking place.