The newly revamped SBC Summit Malta has demonstrated a powerful international draw, attracting a diverse array of industry leaders, innovators, and experts from around the globe. As one of the premier events in the iGaming calendar, the summit showcased cutting-edge developments and fostered dynamic networking opportunities, solidifying its status as a must-attend gathering for the future of the iGaming sector
Last week, the InterContinental Hotel in Malta buzzed with excitement as SBC Summit Malta gathered 6,000 industry professionals from across Europe and the island. This year’s event marked a fresh chapter following its rebrand from CasinoBeats Summit, expanding its scope to encompass casino, sports betting, regulation, affiliations, payments, and emerging technologies.
The summit officially launched on Wednesday, 11 June, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Malta’s Minister for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects, Silvio Schembri, setting the tone for a dynamic and forward-thinking event.
Clinton Cutajar, CTO of MediaTroopers, applauded the new branding, noting, “The rebranding was a massive success. Everyone I spoke with praised the quality of the panels and the depth of the conference.” The event’s seamless organisation was also highlighted by Cristina Turbatu, CTO at Casumo, who described it as “high-end in quality, well structured, and thoroughly enjoyable.”
Technology played a starring role in enhancing the attendee experience. “The SBC Connect app was a game-changer for scheduling meetings-everything and everyone was accessible in one place,” Cutajar added. Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Eyal Loz, CPO of RubyPlay, praised the balance between event scale and ease of navigation: “It’s large enough to meet great contacts but intimate enough to move around effortlessly. The organisation and content were spot on.”
Commercially, the summit showcased impressive firepower, with 37% of attendees holding key decision-making positions. Operators made up 35% of the crowd with over 2,100 representatives, while 750 affiliates focused on player acquisition also saw significant growth compared to last year.
Kindred Group CEO Nils Andén commented, “I met not only expected contacts but also some surprises. SBC truly delivered on bringing the right people together.” Game Lounge COO Rosi Bremec, a three-year industry veteran, emphasized the event’s networking value: “This is where I discover new ideas and meet great industry talent.”
Reflecting on the event’s success, SBC CEO and Founder Rasmus Sojmark shared, “Beyond impressive numbers, the energy and excitement throughout the venue were palpable. The positive feedback is the best reward for our efforts. A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to this milestone edition.”
Local leaders underscored the event’s significance to Malta’s gaming ecosystem. Malta Gaming Authority CEO Charles Mizzi stated, “Events like these reaffirm the gaming industry’s vital role in our economy. Being present here is essential to truly understand the industry’s pulse.”
Nils Andén added, “With SBC’s focus on including Malta-based companies and visiting stakeholders alike, the event stands out as a key industry hub.” Jovana Popovic Canaki, CEO of Platinum Headline sponsor iGP, declared, “Supporting local events like this is a no-brainer-Malta is home for us, and walking to the venue is a huge plus.”
While 47% of attendees hailed from Malta, the summit’s international draw was clear, with 53% flying in from abroad-highlighting its status as a premier European industry gathering, Sojmark noted.
The conference featured three main rooms and two workshops spaces with 17 hands-on sessions and 250 expert speakers. Andén highlighted the dedicated regulatory track, saying, “It addressed challenges relevant to operators, suppliers, and beyond.” Popovic Canaki reflected, “This was a rare chance to listen deeply and understand diverse industry perspectives.”
“The programme was expertly curated, blending audience interest with broader industry trends,” praised Andre Machado, CCO of Clever Advertising. Cristina Turbatu affirmed, “Missing these high-quality workshops means missing out on invaluable insights not commonly found elsewhere.”
Adding cultural flair, the summit hosted the Malta debut of SBC’s signature EDM experience, the INFINITY party. Headlined by global star Galantis at the iconic Aria Complex, the event electrified attendees and followed in the footsteps of renowned acts like Afrojack and Steve Aoki featured at previous INFINITY shows worldwide.
Beyond the EDM highlight, SBC curated multiple networking occasions: an opening party at Infinity by Hugo’s, exclusive dinners for C-level operators and affiliates, the prestigious SBC Awards Europe ceremony, and a relaxed closing party at Open Waters, all fostering connections and celebration.
Attendee feedback was overwhelmingly positive, reflecting trust in SBC’s evolving format and event delivery. Dr. Eyal Loz summed it up: “Having attended nearly all SBC events this past year, I’m confident I’ll keep coming back. The pace at which SBC evolves-becoming more relevant, engaging, and dynamic-is truly impressive.”
Save the date: SBC Summit Malta returns April 28-30 next year. For exhibition and sponsorship opportunities, reach out at [email protected]
