From 16–18 September 2025, the global sports betting and iGaming community will converge at the Feira Internacional De Lisboa for SBC Summit 2025 – an industry-defining exhibition and conference designed to bring scale, structure, strategic dialogue and actionable business opportunities to the evolving gaming landscape.

This year’s edition is set to welcome 30,000 delegates and will unfold across an expanded 135,000 square metre venue space. With 700+ exhibitors, 550+ speakers, and a structured layout spanning 5 vertical-specific zones, the event reflects both the complexity and global reach of today’s gaming ecosystem.

An Evolving Format to Match Industry Needs

The layout of SBC Summit 2025 has been carefully designed to reflect the multifaceted nature of the gaming industry. Each of the five dedicated zones will focus on a key vertical, with its own exhibition floor, conference stage, and networking areas. This format aims to enhance relevance for attendees by enabling more focused exploration, conversation, and business development.

In addition to these zones, the event will host two specialist summits:

• Affiliate Leaders Summit
• Payment Expert Summit

These dedicated summits allow for deeper interaction among professionals operating in specific areas of the gaming value chain.

A Multi-Stage Conference Agenda

The conference programme will span seven stages, hosting over 550 speakers. Among many highlights will be headline speaker appearances from global superstars – such as marketing & tech pioneer Gary Vaynerchuck, with others to be announced shortly. Sessions are set to address core topics such as:

• Application and implementation of Web3.0, AI, Blockchain and other booming technologies
• Player protection and responsible gaming
• Evolving regulation and compliance in Global & Emerging markets
• Payment solutions and financial innovation
• Advances in iGaming and casino tech
• Affiliate strategies and performance marketing

Session formats will vary – including keynotes, workshops, and roundtable discussions– designed to encourage both knowledge sharing and interactive dialogue.

Beyond the Sessions: Networking and Media Infrastructure

To support both formal and informal engagement, the venue will also feature a dedicated media headquarters and a food festival area – offering relaxed settings for interviews, content creation, and spontaneous networking.

SBC Summit 2025 continues to position itself as a significant touchpoint for industry professionals seeking not only visibility, but also long-term growth opportunities and strategic partnerships.

Evenings of Connection: Networking Events & Infinity Lisbon Closing Party

SBC Summit 2025 isn’t just about the sessions and exhibition floor – it’s about the connections that spark after hours. This year’s lineup of networking events invites delegates to experience Lisbon’s vibrant nightlife through a curated series of parties, dinners, and celebrations hosted at the city’s most iconic venues.

The week kicks off with the SBC Summit Opening Party on Tuesday, 16 September, at Urban Beach – one of Lisbon’s hottest night spots – featuring headline sets by international DJs Joel Corry and Imanbek. It’s the perfect setting to unwind, network, and set the tone for the days ahead.

On Wednesday, 17 September, a trio of exclusive events will unfold across Lisbon:

• The C-Level & Operator VIP Dinner & Networking Party at SUD Lisboa, offering luxury dining and breathtaking views of the 25 de Abril Bridge from its rooftop terrace
• The Payment Expert Summit VIP Dinner & Party at Kais Restaurante Bar, designed for professionals in the Emerging Tech and Payments sphere
• And the Affiliate Leaders Awards 2025 at MEO Arena, celebrating affiliate excellence with a glamorous awards ceremony and gala dinner

The Summit culminates in a spectacular finale: the Infinity Lisbon Closing Party 2025, held on Thursday, 18 September at the iconic MEO Arena. With superstar DJs Alok and Timmy Trumpet headlining, this event promises to be a high-energy, unforgettable close to an impactful week of business and celebration.

From casual mingling to VIP experiences, SBC Summit 2025 ensures that meaningful connections happen at every level – both on and off the show floor.

For full details, visit the official event site: sbcevents.com/sbc-summit

Global competitive entertainment company BLAST has announced the appointment of Charlie Cowdrey as Chief Executive Officer of JioBLAST, the recently announced joint venture between BLAST and RISE, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited.

As part of the appointment, Cowdrey will relocate from London to Mumbai this September to lead the joint venture’s Indian operations, marking a major milestone in the company’s global expansion into India.

Cowdrey has been a pivotal figure within BLAST over the last four years, holding multiple senior leadership roles across the business ranging from Chief of Staff to most recently, Programme Director for Epic Games, where he played a key role in managing one of BLAST’s most high-profile publisher relationships and competitive titles in Rocket League esports (RLCS) and Fortnite Competitive (FNCS).

Robbie Douek, CEO of BLAST, said: “Charlie has been a key figure behind BLAST’s growth  and publisher operations over the past few years. He is a trusted leader who understands our culture, our partners and our ambitions. India represents an enormous opportunity for BLAST, and we believe Charlie is the perfect person to take this vision forward. We’re proud to have someone of his calibre opening this important new chapter for us alongside our partners at Reliance and RISE.”

Charlie Cowdrey, CEO of JioBLAST, said: “I’m incredibly honoured and excited to take this role in spearheading JioBLAST. We will be focussed on bringing together Jio’s unrivalled reach, RISE’s commercial prowess and BLAST’s esports expertise and global publisher relationships. Bringing this all together, there is no doubt that JioBLAST will supercharge the Indian esports industry. India is one of the most vibrant and promising gaming markets in the world, and working alongside Jio offers us a unique opportunity to build something extraordinary. We can’t wait to get started and bring BLAST’s unique approach to creating next level entertainment to India.”

The announcement follows the formation of the JioBLAST, a joint venture between BLAST and RISE, a wholly owned subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited, aimed at supercharging the Indian esports market. With India now home to over 600 million gamers, accounting for 18% of the global gaming audience, JioBLAST will focus on creating new esports IP, establishing a state-of-the-art production studio, and delivering tournament experiences built for India’s dynamic gaming community.

The joint venture will bring BLAST’s award-winning production expertise and international tournament IPs to India while building localized formats, mobile esports offerings, and digital-first fan engagement initiatives through JioGames. Under Cowdrey’s leadership, the Joint Venture will deliver end-to-end tournament management, publisher services, and broadcast-ready content – ensuring India becomes a central pillar in BLAST’s global footprint.

As the joint venture ramps up its operations, last month JioBLAST opened recruitment for its first six foundational roles, all based in Mumbai. The new hires will join Cowdrey in building the future of esports and competitive entertainment in India. These roles represent the first wave of local leadership and talent being brought in to shape a new chapter in Indian esports.

New engagement between the two organisations that have previously collaborated on key projects such as the Gambling Harm Prevention in Sport Summit.

Global Institute of Sport (GIS) and EPIC Global Solutions are excited to announce a new partnership aimed at supporting the professional development of sports industry leaders and driving positive change worldwide.

EPIC Global Solutions is the trusted global partner for gambling harm prevention, offering consultancy, training, and education grounded in lived experience. This partnership will allow EPIC to share its expertise with GIS students and professionals, particularly focusing on key markets such as the United States and the expanding soccer sector.

“Both organisations share similar aspirations on a global scale, especially in the territories where we operate and grow, including the American market and soccer,” said John Millington, SVP Programmes and Delivery at EPIC Global Solutions.

“This partnership provides a great opportunity to share knowledge and insights across the sporting industry, benefiting those entering or already working in sport, as well as organisations across teams, governing bodies, and service providers.”

Through this collaboration, GIS students will gain access to expert-led learning opportunities and real-world insights that enhance their understanding of industry challenges and professional growth.

“Partnering with EPIC Global Solutions allows us to provide meaningful insights that will support our students throughout their careers,” said Alisa Khakhar, Head of Student Recruitment at the Global Institute of Sport.

Together, EPIC Global Solutions and GIS are committed to fostering education, integrity, and progress in sport on a global scale.

The two organisations have previous experience of collaborating on major projects, including the Gambling Harm Prevention in Sport Summit at GIS’ prestigious Wembley Stadium facilities in 2023, when both parties invited their respective networks to discuss the impact of gambling on athletes and the broader sports community, with the goal of developing best practices for prevention and intervention.

This included the launch of a white paper from EPIC’s Pro Sport Advisory Board at the event, which presented research into the issue and proposals for the sports industry to adopt when mitigating gambling-related harm.