The Ultimate Guide to SBC Summit Lisbon 2026: What to Expect, How to Survive, and Why It’s More Than Just Another Gaming Conference

Why Lisbon, Why Now?

First, let’s get the obvious out of the way: Lisbon is having a moment. It’s the kind of city that effortlessly mixes old-world charm with modern hustle. You’ve got tiled streets and trams straight out of postcards, alongside rooftop bars filled with VCs in sneakers and digital nomads talking Web3.

Putting the SBC Summit here feels like a match made in… well, not heaven, but somewhere between a casino floor and a tech incubator. The Feira Internacional de Lisboa (FIL) and the MEO Arena provide a sprawling backdrop for the event — one for the serious business, the other for the “wow, look how many of us there are” moments.

And here’s the kicker: Lisbon in September. Warm, not scorching. Touristy, but not unbearable. The perfect excuse to pretend you’re “on business” while secretly planning a detour for pasteis de nata.

SBC Summit Lisbon 2025 in Numbers (a.k.a. The Holy Stats)

• Dates: 16–18 September 2025

• Delegates: 30,000 (yes, you read that right — you’ll need good shoes)

• Exhibitors: Over 700, sprawling across 135,000 m²

• Stages & Zones: Super Stage, iGaming & Casino Zone, Sports Betting Zone, Affiliate Leaders Summit, Payment Expert Summit, Player Protection Zone, and more.

• Parties: Infinity Lisbon, plus side events that blur the line between networking and clubbing.

• App to Survive: SBC Connect (becomes available from August 13th)

Basically, think Burning Man for the iGaming industry, minus the dust and with more blazers.

The Big Themes This Year

Every year, SBC tries to outdo itself with fresh tracks, buzzwords, and a sprinkle of tech optimism. Here’s what 2025’s edition in Lisbon was all about:

1. Emerging vs. Global Markets

There were separate stages this year: one focusing on the Americas and Europe, the other on Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Translation: two completely different vibes. One was heavy on “how do we keep growing what already works,” while the other was more like “what’s next, who’s regulating, and how risky is too risky?”

2. Tech & Innovation Overload

From AI in betting algorithms to blockchain in payments, to gamification in player retention, the conference is basically a playground for buzzwords that actually have serious money behind them. The Operator Academy adds a more hands-on flavor — expect workshops on compliance, UX, and yes, even Web3.

3. Player Protection & Regulation

The industry can’t just talk about growth without addressing the elephant in the room: gambling addiction, shady operators, and regulatory whiplash. This year, the Player Protection Zone gets its own spotlight, with panels on ethics, safety, and advertising standards.

4. Affiliate Power Moves

The Affiliate Leaders Summit and new Affiliate Leaders Awards are all about who’s pulling in traffic, how, and what “innovation” looks like when your job is to funnel users effectively.

5. Entertainment Factor

Because let’s be honest: a three-day summit with 30,000 people would be unbearable without some release. Enter Infinity Lisbon, with DJs like Alok and Timmy Trumpet, plus football tournaments, food festivals, and more “casual networking” than your liver probably wants.

Who was Speaking?

This isn’t your run-of-the-mill lineup of grey-suit executives mumbling through PowerPoints. Some headliners worth noting:

• Gary Vaynerchuk (a.k.a. Gary Vee) — expect a mix of tough love, motivational one-liners, and probably some impromptu TikTok advice.

• Randi Zuckerberg — yes, that Zuckerberg. She’ll dive into AI, tech futures, and likely throw in a reminder about digital wellness.

• Dozens of CEOs, regulators, and thought leaders from across the gambling, betting, and payments space.

The SBC Summit Survival Guide

Okay, here’s the part you really need: how to survive and thrive at SBC Summit Lisbon.

1. Shoes First, Ego Later

You’re going to be walking a lot. Don’t be the fool who tries to impress in brand-new leather shoes. Lisbon’s tiled streets are charming but unforgiving. Comfort over vanity, trust me.

2. Plan Like a Military Operation

With multiple stages and parallel sessions, FOMO is guaranteed. Use the SBC Connect app like your bible. Decide in advance which tracks are non-negotiable and which you’ll ditch for a good espresso.

3. Network Smart, Not Hard

Everyone says they’re at these events to “network.” Translation: 90% are exchanging business cards they’ll never look at again. Instead, aim for three to five meaningful conversations a day. Quality trumps quantity.

4. Don’t Skip the “Fun” Stuff

The football championship? The food festival? The parties? They’re not just for show. These are where deals happen, where hierarchies blur, and where you’ll actually remember the people you meet.

5. Balance Lisbon Life

Don’t chain yourself to the expo hall. Take a morning to wander Alfama, or sneak out for a sunset over the 25 de Abril Bridge. You’ll come back sharper, and honestly, it’ll make you a better conversationalist when someone asks, “So, how’s Lisbon treating you?”

Lisbon Travel Hacks for SBC Summit Attendees

If you’re flying in for the event, here are a few hacks to make your life easier:

• Getting Around: The metro is cheap and reliable. Taxis and Ubers are plentiful, but traffic near FIL can be a nightmare during peak hours.

• Where to Stay: Book early. Hotels near the venue sell out months ahead. Consider staying in Baixa or Chiado for charm, or Parque das Nações for convenience.

• Food: Portuguese cuisine is having its global moment. Don’t waste all your meals at the venue. Hunt down local gems: seafood in Cais do Sodré, pastries at Pastéis de Belém, or vinho verde at a tucked-away tasca.

• Weather: September is warm but not boiling. Bring layers — conference halls love air conditioning more than life itself.

SEO Side Note: Why This Conference Matters Beyond the Industry

Let’s zoom out for a second. The SBC Summit Lisbon 2025 isn’t just an industry meet-up. It’s a reflection of bigger cultural and technological trends:

• The gamification of everything — not just games, but shopping, fitness, even finance.

• The rise of emerging markets, where regulation and innovation are playing catch-up in fascinating ways.

• The conversation around responsibility, as industries built on risk and reward navigate public perception and ethical questions.

For anyone watching the future of digital experiences, SBC Summit is basically a live lab.

Is It Worth Going?

If you’re in gaming, betting, iGaming, payments, affiliate marketing, or tech innovation, the answer is yes. Even if you don’t love conferences, the sheer scale of SBC Summit Lisbon makes it hard to ignore.

If you’re just conference-curious, it’s still an experience. Where else can you see regulators, DJs, CEOs, and affiliates in the same room, arguing about compliance one minute and dancing the next?