GLOBAL MARKETS LOUNGE

The Global Markets Lounge at SBC Summit provides a meeting place where suppliers, operators, affiliates, regulators and other involved stakeholders can exchange market insights, connect with other interested parties and learn from subject matter experts about the most important casino and sports betting markets in the world.

The lounge is a mix of social gatherings, market insight presentations and a retreat for the regulator peer group. The lounge has 3 distinctive areas including a bar, a social meeting area, a pop up stage for market presentations and exclusive lounge area open to regulators and regulator associations.

The Global Markets Lounge Meetups are all hosted in the Global Markets Lounge (C202 - situated between Halls 3 & 4).

GLOBAL MARKETS LOUNGE MEETUPS

TUESDAY 24 SEPTEMBER

Mexico Market Meetup - 14:00-15:30

Host: Dr Miguel Ángel Ochoa Sánchez, President, AIEJA

Description: In the wake of electoral change in 2024, how is the thriving Mexican market preparing for new political challenges - and opportunities? The Secretariat of the Interior had established regulatory change as a priority but so far has yet to offer any recommendations. Operators must therefore strategize for multiple scenarios - from liberalization to prohibition. 
Hear from a local market expert before mixing with other delegates established or entering the Mexican market.

Africa Market Meetup - 15:30-16:30

Host: Jeremiah Maangi, Founder & CEO, iGaming AFRIKA

Description: With an increasingly tech-savvy population of 1.3 billion, the African continent represents an enormous opportunity for the global gaming industry, particularly in leading markets such as South Africa and Nigeria. Will regulation prove a bane or a boon to incoming operators, and which homegrown players are making moves? Nascent markets like Brazil might provide an answer - but how will Africa chart its own course? Hear from a local market expert before mixing with other delegates established or entering the African market. 

Brazil Market Meetup - 16:30-17:30

Host: Udo Secklemann, Head of Department of Gambling & Crypto, Bichara & Motta

Description: In the last twelve months the Brazilian congress has regulated not only sports betting but land-based casinos. How long will the boom continue and what are the opportunities for both local and international operators? How is marketing and affiliation taking a different shape in Brazil’s sports-obsessed culture? 
Hear from a local market expert before mixing with other delegates established or entering the Brazilian market.

WEDNESDAY 25 SEPTEMBER

Philippines Market Meetup - 12:30-14:00

Host: Maria Antonette "Tonet" Quiogue, Principal, Arden Consult

Description: Hear from a local market expert before mixing with other delegates established or entering the Philippines market.

USA Market Meetup - 14:00-15:00

Host: Mark Balestra, US Special Counsel, Segev LLP

Description: After the early gold rush, sports betting in the States is consolidating. Some new markets exist on the horizon but the current playing field means that incomers looking to challenge the dominant operators must win over the same audience, with new strategies. Will new states open up to iGaming, and is California still a dream for most? Are state regulators finally converging and moving towards a level of regulatory harmony? Hear from a local market expert before mixing with other delegates established or entering the US market.

UK Market Meetup - 15:30-16:30

Host: Wes Himes, Executive Director, Standards and Innovation, Betting & Gaming Council

Description: The world’s biggest regulated market by revenue, the UK is a vital jurisdiction for operators and affiliates alike - and 2024, both an election year and the year of the UKGC’s long awaited white paper on gambling, could be a watershed moment for the future of the industry. As a market leader for regulation, will potential changes in UK laws lead to a domino effect elsewhere? Hear from a local market expert before mixing with other delegates established or entering the British market.

Italy Market Meetup - 16:15-17:15

Host: Quirino Mancini, President, IMGL

Description: Europe’s second largest gambling market is facing a major overhaul of regulations after the Italian government approved sweeping changes, including the expiry of all online licenses at the end of this year and new regulations around advertising and data security. Will these modifications stifle the industry’s growth, or divide the wheat from the chaff? Hear from a local market expert before mixing with other delegates established or entering the Italian market.

THURSDAY 26 SEPTEMBER

Portugal Market Meetup - 11:00-12:00

Hosts: Pedro Cortés,  Managing Partner at Rato, Ling, Lei & Cortés & Luís Portela de Carvalho, Partner at Rato, Ling, Lei & Cortés

Description: In Q1 2024, Portugal saw its igaming market post record profits, albeit via growth in iCasino and a retraction in the realm of sports betting. As player numbers swell, there are those who ask whether the current regulatory landscape encourages unsafe gambling. Could there be a backlash waiting on the horizon for Portuguese operators? 
Hear from a local market expert before mixing with other delegates established or entering the Portuguese market

Canada Market Meetup - 12:15-13:15

Host: Paul Burns, President & CEO, Canadian Gaming Association

Description: In the 2 years since Ontario regulated iGaming and opened up to an influx of commercial operators, 1 Canadian province (Alberta) has announced plans to follow suit, whereas others have stood firm behind the continuation of a provincial lottery model. Which of these players might change course next - and what is the opportunity? 
Hear from a local market expert before mixing with other delegates established or entering the Canadian market.

Germany Market Meetup - 14:00-15:00

Host: Luka Andric, Managing Director, Deutscher Sportwettenverband (DSWV)

Description: Three years into the re-regulation of the German market substantial challenges and opportunities have emerged including considerable black market activity, heavy-handed product restrictions and limitations and regulation via centralised databases. However, there are also reasons to be optimistic, such as regulatory authority engagement and experience and the re-evaluation of current regulatory framework, providing the potential for further market development.

India Market Meetup - 15:00-16:00

Host: Manav Bharga, Lawyer & Head of India Desk, Segev LLP

Description: The Indian government imposed a whopping 28% levy on online gaming revenues last October, shocking the nascent industry. While gambling in the subcontinent is neither illegal nor legal, technically, what does this move suggest about the future of regulation - or not - in the world’s largest democracy? Hear from a local market expert before mixing with other delegates established or entering the Indian market.