SBC Summit 2026 Opens in Lisbon with Record Attendance Expected
Portugal.- 30 September 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com SBC Summit 2026 has opened in Lisbon with a record edition expected to bring together 40,000 professionals from betting, iGaming, payments, affiliation, technology and media.
The event runs from 29 September to 1 October across Feira Internacional de Lisboa and MEO Arena, attracting delegates from more than 150 countries.
40,000 Delegates
Organisers expect attendance to reach a new high.
More than 11,000 operators are confirmed, alongside regulators, lotteries, suppliers, affiliates and technology companies.
The exhibition also includes around 800 exhibitors and sponsors.
More Than 600 Speakers
The conference programme features more than 600 speakers.
Content covers areas including:
- Regulation and compliance.
- Global and emerging markets.
- Technology and innovation.
- Payments and fintech.
- Sports betting.
- iGaming.
- Marketing and affiliation.
Michael Jordan Headlines the Programme
One of the event’s biggest attractions is the “Leadership in Sports Business” keynote.
The session brings together Michael Jordan, Sportradar founder and CEO Carsten Koerl and DraftKings co-founder and CEO Jason Robins.
Their discussion covers leadership, sport, technology, media, data and fan engagement.
Fabrizio Romano and Charles Oliveira
Football journalist Fabrizio Romano will also appear on the Super Stage to discuss building a global sports media brand through speed, trust and social media.
UFC champion Charles Oliveira is another high-profile guest, appearing as an Aviator brand ambassador in a discussion focused on sport, performance and athlete-brand partnerships.
Prediction Markets
A major new addition is the Global Prediction Markets Forum.
The programme arrives as prediction markets expand rapidly and attract growing debate over the boundaries between betting, trading and financial products.
Sessions will examine regulation, investment, innovation and new business models.
African Gaming Forum
SBC Summit is also introducing a dedicated forum covering African gaming markets.
The programme was developed with industry organisations across the continent and will focus on emerging markets, regulatory frameworks and commercial opportunities.
Affiliate Leaders Summit
The Affiliate Leaders Summit operates as a standalone co-located event for the first time.
Around 10,000 attendees from the affiliate and performance marketing sectors are expected.
It features its own conference, exhibition and awards ceremony.
Product Innovation
Another new feature is the Product Innovation Showcase Stage.
The space will highlight products, startups, demonstrations and emerging business models.
Additional Tech Academies cover artificial intelligence, player experience, digital marketing, CRM, Web3 and crypto.
Global Technology Companies
The event also demonstrates the widening connection between gaming and major technology companies.
AWS, Google, Meta, OpenAI, TikTok, Tinder and Snapchat are among the brands represented in the programme.
Their involvement reflects the industry’s increasing focus on AI, data, advertising and digital platforms.
Networking and Experience
SBC has also rebuilt its networking programme through the SBC Connect application.
Delegates can schedule meetings, receive targeted introductions and participate in market-specific networking sessions.
The new Festival Square provides an outdoor networking environment during and after event hours.
Industry Context
SBC Summit 2026 takes place during a period of rapid change across global gaming.
Prediction markets, artificial intelligence, sportsbook technology, regulation and digitalisation are reshaping the industry.
Lisbon therefore becomes one of the sector’s main international meeting points for three days.
Next Steps or Impact
Over the coming days, SBC Summit will host commercial announcements, product launches and discussions about the industry’s regulatory and technological future.
With 40,000 delegates expected, the 2026 edition is positioned as the largest SBC Summit to date and further strengthens Lisbon’s role as a major global gaming hub.
Editó: @fonta
