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The SBC Summit 2025 took place from 16–18 September at the Feira Internacional de Lisboa (FIL) and the MEO Arena in Lisbon, and the numbers and atmosphere confirm why SBC describes it as “the greatest show in iGaming.” Speaking at a dedicated press conference, SBC Events’ Managing Director Andrew McCarron and Senior Marketing Director Dennis Algreen shared the story behind this year’s record-breaking edition, its wider impact, and what comes next.

A Global Gathering for the iGaming Industry

The Lisbon event attracted over 30,000 attendees – a 20% increase on 2024 – representing 150 countries. Growth was visible across all audience segments, with operator attendance rising by 31% and affiliates by 38%. Importantly, the summit hosted nearly 6,000 C-level decision-makers, a concentration of senior leadership rarely seen at any industry event.

The show spanned 135,000m² across five expo halls and networking areas, supported by 700 sponsors and exhibitors – including 235 new partners. Regional participation also surged, particularly from Africa (+78%), Asia (+69%), and Latin America (+40%).

Exhibitors included iGaming suppliers, Online Casino and Sports Betting operators, Affiliates, Payment Providers, and more.

Beyond the numbers, Dennis Algreen emphasised that Lisbon has now firmly become “our global event” – expanded, and elevated after the success of its debut in Lisbon.

Content for Every Gaming Market

SBC placed special focus on tailoring content for a global audience. The new Global & Emerging Markets Stages highlighted different regions each day, giving attendees a direct window into growth areas like Africa, Asia, and Latin America, while for the rest of the agenda, the Summit revisited developments in more established territories. This dual approach ensured the event spoke to both established operators and those planning their expansion into emerging jurisdictions.

The introduction of Tech Academies was a new addition, offering hands-on learning about AI, blockchain, Web3, and other transformative technologies.

Headliners and Highlights

The Super Stage brought star power and inspiration, with headline speakers such as Gary Vaynerchuk, Randi Zuckerberg, Rubens Barrichello, and Oleksandr Usyk. The agenda was bolstered by more than 550 speakers across themed tracks, including the Affiliate Leaders Summit and Payments Expert Summit.

New additions in 2025 expanded SBC’s cultural and community footprint. A Food Festival enlivened networking areas, while the Affiliate Leaders Awards debuted as a standalone celebration of affiliate excellence.

Meanwhile, the Legends Charity Game became one of the most memorable features. Football icons including Roberto Carlos, Alessandro Del Piero, Marek Hamšík, and Giorgos Karagounis took to the pitch, raising significant donations for charity. The match was broadcast in more than 90 jurisdictions, with half a million online viewers in Spain alone.

Wider Impact on Lisbon’s Economy

The summit’s footprint was felt well beyond the venue. With more than 72,000 room nights booked, SBC Summit 2025 brought a measurable boost to Lisbon’s tourism and hospitality sector. Collaboration with local authorities was crucial, from traffic and zoning adjustments to logistical support, underlining how the city has embraced the summit as a flagship annual event.

McCarron noted: “This has a significance for the local community now. Lisbon knows us, works with us, and the impact is tangible.”

Networking, Community, and Culture

Networking remained a cornerstone. Dedicated areas linked directly to the conference stages, making it easier for delegates to connect around specific topics. The organisers also highlighted initiatives like SBC First Pitch, giving startups a chance to present their innovations, and Women in Gaming events, which included networking gatherings and super stage discussions on women in tech, sports, and gaming.

Entertainment, too, played a role. The Infinity closing party showcased world-class DJs Alok and Timmy Trumpet, giving attendees the chance to celebrate and unwind after an intense week of business.

European Gaming Media in the Room

European Gaming Media was present at SBC’s press conference, raising two questions to the organisers:

1. Why choose Lisbon for SBC’s “global event”?

Algreen explained that while multiple factors played a role, venue capacity and accessibility were decisive:

“When you put on an event of this scale, suitable options in Europe are limited. Lisbon offers one of the biggest indoor arenas in Europe, which allows us to deliver everything from the Super Stage to Infinity. Combined with the city’s beauty, weather, hospitality, and its strategic connection to Brazil – the next major growth market – it became the perfect choice.”

1. What’s next after breaking all these highs in 2025?

McCarron underlined that the immediate focus is on consolidating feedback and data, but pointed towards one clear direction:

“Emerging technologies will be a priority. From AI to blockchain and Web3, our goal is to make sure the industry is not just aware, but educated, so they can take their businesses forward. This year proved we can keep raising the bar, but we won’t rest – the summit is meant to be the greatest show in gaming, and that vision continues.”

SBC Summit in the Future: Looking Ahead

With its mix of scale, global reach, and innovative additions, SBC Summit 2025 laid the foundations for its organisers’ vision of a global event in the gaming industry calendar. The organisers confirmed that Lisbon will continue to host the summit, with next year’s edition already scheduled slightly later in September.

For attendees, exhibitors, and the city itself, SBC Summit 2025 was more than just an industry showcase – it was a statement of ambition and impact.

The post European Gaming Media Reports: SBC Summit 2025 – Lisbon Key Stats & Impact appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Play your way to a share of $100,000 each week

GGPoker, the World’s Biggest Poker Room, today announced the launch of an exhilarating new promotion designed to give players even more chances to win big: the Weekly $100K Freeroll. Starting on October 18, poker enthusiasts can compete for a share of a guaranteed $100,000 prize pool every single week, completely free of charge.

The Weekly $100K Freeroll offers a straightforward path for players to turn their everyday poker action into significant winnings. Players can claim tickets to both the Daily Freeroll tournaments or the main Weekly Freerolls in a variety of ways. The Daily Freerolls run twice every day, with thousands of Weekly Freeroll tickets up for grabs in each event.

Every Saturday at 08:00 (UTC-8), the main $100,000 freeroll tournament will take center stage, promising thrilling action and substantial payouts for hundreds of players.

How to Enter the Daily and Weekly Freerolls

GGPoker has made qualification easily accessible:

• Daily Freerolls (Run Twice Daily): Players can secure a ticket by:

  • Fully completing their sign-up at GGPoker

  • Making a deposit

  • Playing 100 cash game hands

• Weekly $100K Freeroll (Every Saturday): Players can earn their spot in the big weekly event by:

  • Winning a ticket in a Daily Freeroll

  • Making a cumulative deposit of $500 or more during the week

  • Refer a Friend Bonus: Successfully referring a friend (via GGPoker’s new Refer Your Friend feature) who registers and makes their first deposit will also grant a direct ticket to the Weekly $100K Freeroll for both players

  • Playing 1,000 cash game hands

“We are incredibly excited to launch the Weekly $100K Freeroll, offering our players an unparalleled opportunity to compete for a massive prize pool with no buy-in required,” said Sarne Lightman, Managing Director of GGPoker. “This promotion is designed to both reward our loyal community and welcome new players, making poker more accessible and exciting than ever. With multiple ways to qualify daily, everyone has a shot at playing for a tasty score each Saturday.”

To learn more about the Weekly $100K Freeroll, please visit: ggpoker.com/promotions/weekly-freeroll/

The post GGPoker Unveils Massive Weekly $100K Freeroll, Kicking Off October 18 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Fast Track is issuing this statement regarding an isolated incident that occurred in early October.

Fast Track experienced a highly sophisticated cyber attack that specifically targeted two clients operating on the Fast Track Platform.

Upon detection of the breach, Fast Track immediately ceased the attack and informed the affected parties.

Fast Track confirms that no other clients have been impacted by this incident.

Further details will be provided as they become available and appropriate to release.

If you have any questions regarding this incident, please email [email protected].

The post Important Information regarding Fast Track services appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.