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European Gaming Media Reports: SBC Summit 2025 – Lisbon Key Stats & Impact
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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:
- 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.”
- 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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Blueprint Gaming unwraps a trio of festive favourites with three iconic series reimagined for Christmas
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Blueprint Gaming is kicking off the festive season with the launch of Saint Nicked 3 Present Tense, the first of three Christmas-themed releases that see some of its most iconic series reimagined with charming festive visuals, enriched graphics and immersive seasonal experiences designed to delight operator player bases worldwide.
The yuletide rollout continues in December with Fishin’ Frenzy The Big Christmas Catch Jackpot King arriving on 4th December, followed by the blockbuster release of Kong Even Bigger Christmas on 11th December.
Launching today, Saint Nicked 3 Present Tense captivates with its mischievous festive flair, featuring enhanced Christmas aesthetics across its characters and classic money collects. The beloved duo make a snow-dusted comeback, complete with upgraded visual effects and seasonal touches that amplify engagement throughout the holiday period.
On 4th December, players will then be reintroduced to one of the industry’s most recognisable franchises with Fishin’ Frenzy The Big Christmas Catch Jackpot King.
The festive reinvention blends the timeless simplicity and broad appeal of the original series with a fully re-themed winter environment, combining frosty settings and holiday-inspired symbols with Blueprint’s iconic Jackpot King progressive system.
The newly introduced Express Bet also provides players with an optional festive surprise. Available at 1.5x the total bet, the feature doubles the chance of triggering bonus play. The result is a high-performing seasonal variant tailored to boost operator performance in December.
Blueprint rounds off its Christmas trilogy on 11th December with the arrival of Kong Even Bigger Christmas, transforming the studio’s epic Ape-powered franchise into a snow-covered festive spectacle.
Across all three launches, Blueprint Gaming reinforces its strategy of refreshing its strongest collections of titles with reimagined releases that stay true to their signature gameplay, while offering operators new opportunities to elevate their offerings during one of the busiest periods of the calendar year.
Jo Purvis, Director of Marketing, PR and Events at Blueprint Gaming, said: “Our Christmas trilogy brings together some of Blueprint’s most iconic series, each lovingly reimagined with festive charm, refreshed graphics and engaging seasonal features. These titles give operators the perfect opportunity to offer players familiar favourites wrapped in magic, warmth and a sense of festive fun.
“Saint Nicked 3: Present Tense sets the tone, with Fishin’ Frenzy The Big Christmas Catch Jackpot King and Kong Even Bigger Christmas continuing the momentum through December. It’s a line-up designed to elevate seasonal engagement and deliver standout entertainment across the holidays.”
The post Blueprint Gaming unwraps a trio of festive favourites with three iconic series reimagined for Christmas appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Casino Guru Awards 2026 introduce four new categories celebrating leadership, responsibility, and culture in iGaming
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Casino Guru proudly unveils four new award categories for the upcoming Casino Guru Awards 2026, further expanding its mission to recognize individuals and organizations shaping a fairer, safer, and more forward-thinking iGaming industry.
Following three years of continued growth and rising influence, the Casino Guru Awards remain the only industry awards focused primarily on fairness, transparency, integrity, and responsible innovation. The 2026 ceremony, scheduled for May 25, 2026, at The Xara Lodge in Malta, in partnership with NEXT.io during NEXT Valletta, will spotlight outstanding achievements from across the global iGaming landscape.
This year’s newly introduced categories reflect Casino Guru’s commitment to acknowledging emerging talent, ethical leadership, and positive workplace culture.
New Award Categories for 2026
Woman Leader of the Year
This category celebrates an exceptional female leader whose vision, resilience, and strategic influence have helped transform her company and the industry as a whole.
Judges will look for measurable achievements in 2024–2025, including business growth, crisis management, innovation in user experience, safety, transparency, and responsible gambling.
The award is open to women driving meaningful impact while championing diversity, mentorship, and collaborative progress within iGaming.
Rising Star in Responsible Gambling
Designed to recognize organizations making remarkable early strides in safer gambling initiatives, this category highlights innovation and genuine commitment from companies of all sizes.
Whether through impactful tools, awareness campaigns, or fresh approaches to player protection, nominees must demonstrate provable results that contribute to higher standards of responsibility and safety across the industry.
Young Changemaker Award
Honoring an individual under 30, the Young Changemaker Award shines a spotlight on rising professionals whose ethical innovation, creativity, and forward-thinking actions have made a visible impact in 2025.
Judges will consider originality, leadership ability, and tangible contributions that set a new benchmark for integrity and progress in iGaming.
Industry Culture Shaper
Recognizing that true industry progress starts within organizations, this award honors companies that cultivate positive, transparent, and supportive workplace cultures.
Nominees will be assessed based on measurable outcomes such as employee satisfaction, retention, and productivity, alongside initiatives that support wellbeing, mental health, professional development, and ethical HR practices.
Additional weight will be given to organizations whose efforts inspire better standards beyond their walls through partnerships, advocacy, or shared knowledge.
A broader vision for industry progress
“The addition of these categories marks an important evolution for the Casino Guru Awards,” said Daniela Sliva, PR & Creative Project Director at Casino Guru and leader of the Awards project.
“By spotlighting leadership, emerging talent, responsible innovation, and culture, we are amplifying the people and values that will define the future of iGaming. These awards aim to inspire positive change at every level, from individual contributors to global operators.”
The new categories will stand alongside Casino Guru’s established awards, including The Fairest Bonus Policy, The Most Transparent Casino, The Best Implementation of Responsible Gambling Tools, and others that reflect Casino Guru’s core values.
The post Casino Guru Awards 2026 introduce four new categories celebrating leadership, responsibility, and culture in iGaming appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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CT Interactive Expands in Romania with New Game Launch on Maxbet.ro
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CT Interactive is further expanding its presence in the regulated Romanian market through the launch of new gaming content on Maxbet.ro. This collaboration introduces a selection of top-performing titles designed to boost player engagement and enhance the overall gaming experience across the region.
As part of the collaboration, Maxbet.ro will feature two exclusive titles available only to its players — Kyoto Magic and Fruits & Sweets Buy Bonus.
Martin Ivanov, Chief Operating Officer at CT Interactive, said: “Our collaboration with Maxbet.ro reflects our commitment to developing high-quality content that meets the demands of the modern Romanian player. Titles like Fruits & Sweets Buy Bonus and Kyoto Magic showcase the best of our portfolio – dynamic gameplay, strategic depth, attractive bonus features and excellent math models.”
“We are confident that our exclusive titles will enhance the gaming experience for Maxbet’s players, offering them a richer, more immersive, and engaging journey,” added Bogdan Smeu, Regional Manager for Romania at CT Interactive.
In addition to the exclusive titles, Maxbet.ro will now feature a selection of CT Interactive’s most popular games, including 20 Mega Star, Lucky Clover 10, The Shining Globe, Zet Fruits and Doctor Winstein Buy Bonus.
The launch of this new content underscores CT Interactive’s commitment to the Romanian market, delivering premium gaming experiences that enhance player engagement and contribute to the long-term success of its partners.
The post CT Interactive Expands in Romania with New Game Launch on Maxbet.ro appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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