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What to Expect at SPiCE South Asia 2026: explore key speakers, hot topics and deal-making in Sri Lanka as leaders shape responsible growth in gaming and tech. With just three weeks remaining, the  7th Annual Strategic Platform for iGaming Conference & Exhibition ( SPiCE South Asia 2026 ) is set to welcome senior policymakers, operators, investors, and technology providers to Sri Lanka for three days of high-level dialogue, deal-making, and strategic insight. Held from 23 – 26 March 2026  at the renowned  Shangri-La Colombo , the summit will examine how investment and technology are shaping sustainable gaming ecosystems, with a clear focus on responsible growth and long-term market confidence. Anchored by the theme “ Responsible Growth. Regional Progress, ” the agenda is designed to reveal the practical opportunities of building compliant, scalable models across both emerging and established markets. Exclusive Previews: What to Expect at SPiCE South Asia 2026 SPiCE South Asia 2026  will feature a diverse lineup of senior decision-makers and subject-matter experts offering on-the-ground insight into regulation, operations, technology, and market expansion. Among them are the following speakers, who will be addressing some of the most pressing issues facing the region today. Joe Pisano , CEO, Jade Entertainment & Gaming Technologies Inc. Positioning integrated resorts as strategic levers for tourism, investment, and long-term economic resilience, Pisano explained: “The integrated resort of the future must be conceived as national infrastructure – not simply a  gaming venue, but a catalyst for tourism, investment, employment, and urban transformation.  Gaming remains an anchor revenue driver, yet the true resilience of an IR lies in diversification:  destination entertainment, MICE, luxury hospitality, wellness, retail, sports, and cultural  programming – all supported by sophisticated digital architecture. Jurisdictions such as Singapore have demonstrated how disciplined regulation, strong compliance frameworks, and long-term capital planning can turn integrated resorts into pillars of national economic strategy. The next phase for South Asia is to replicate that model with regional nuance – aligning IR development with tourism corridors, aviation expansion, and digital modernisation. The IR is no longer just a property; it is a platform.” Emphasising the role of technology in unifying operations, compliance, and customer engagement across complex resort environments, he noted: “Technology now serves as the operating system of the integrated resort. A unified digital backbone connects gaming, hotel operations, retail spend, entertainment programming, compliance systems, and customer intelligence into a single, dynamic ecosystem Through AI-driven analytics, predictive risk modelling, cashless payments, and omnichannel loyalty architecture, operators can shift from transactional engagement to lifetime value management. Leading platform providers illustrate how modular platforms can unify land-based and digital ecosystems, creating seamless guest journeys while strengthening regulatory transparency In a region where regulatory credibility will determine capital inflows, integrated technology is not optional – it is foundational. The IRs that win will be those built with digital integration at their core from day one.” Reflecting on the timing of SPiCE South Asia  as regional markets move toward formalised, investment-driven gaming frameworks, Pisano observed:  “SPiCE South Asia comes at a pivotal inflection point. South Asia is transitioning from fragmented, informal gaming structures toward formalised, investment-driven integrated resort frameworks. The jurisdiction that moves first – with regulatory clarity, investor confidence, and technological alignment – will set the benchmark for the region.  That first mover is poised to be Sri Lanka. With its geographic position along major aviation and maritime routes, placing it is naturally at the centre of a future South Asian IR corridor connecting India, Southeast Asia, and the Gulf. The country combines a mature tourism brand, high-end hospitality capacity, and a government actively prioritising foreign direct investment and economic diversification. More importantly, Sri Lanka has the advantage of timing. As it recalibrates its economic model, it has the opportunity to design a modern, compliance-led IR framework from inception – integrating technology, responsible gaming standards, and capital safeguards in ways that older markets struggled to retrofit. If structured correctly, Sri Lanka can establish the regulatory, technological, and operational template that neighboring markets observe – and eventually align with. That is how corridors are formed: through leadership, not scale. SPiCE South Asia matters because it is where the needed leadership dialogue is taking place. It convenes policymakers, capital providers, operators, and technology innovators at the precise moment when South Asia’s IR blueprint is being drafted. In strategic terms, Sri Lanka is not simply another emerging market – it is the potential anchor node of a formalised South Asian integrated resort corridor. And the conversations happening now will determine whether that opportunity is seized.” After exploring the operational and strategic frameworks that position integrated resorts as multi-sector platforms, the conversation shifts to Harmen Brenninkmeijer , whose global experience in gaming investment and destination development offers insight into how regions can translate early gaming-led activity into sustained economic growth. Harmen Brenninkmeijer, Executive Chairman, NYCE International Analysing what separates high-performing destinations from the rest, Brenninkmeijer observed:  “Destinations that succeed treat casinos as a catalyst layered onto three things: a large, nearby  feeder market with easy, repeatable access; a broad non-gaming proposition; and strong local  capture of spend.” Examining the conditions required for startups and operators to scale beyond early success, he explained: “For startups and operators, scaling really begins when you shift from fast early growth to building something that lasts. To make that jump, a few things need to be in place: you’ve got to manage your cashflow carefully to stay liquid, land the right first client(s) who not only believe in your product but help shape it, and – in the case of B2B – use that partnership to fine-tune and package your offering for the market. For the B2C operators, the goal becomes driving steady revenue and building a business that can sustain itself – turning early wins into long-term success.” Highlighting why SPiCE South Asia is central to aligning capital, regulation, and innovation in the region, Brenninkmeijer stated: “Attending SPiCE events gives us a real feel for the challenges and opportunities buyers face across the region. It’s about understanding what makes each of these local markets unique and how using those insights can shape solutions, even tiny changes that truly stand out.” Jared Valarao , Managing Director, Lakandula Holdings Highlighting the often-overlooked dimensions of responsible entertainment beyond the resort walls, Valarao observed: “The gap is not where most people think it is. We have world-class compliance for what happens  inside an integrated resort. We have almost nothing for the communities outside it. Recent events made this painfully visible. Major shipping lanes closed in hours. Airspace shut  down across an entire region. Some of the most sophisticated entertainment corridors in the  world found their surrounding communities – the workers, the families, the small businesses –  with no resilience infrastructure to fall back on.  When a worker's family member has a medical emergency during a regional crisis, they arrive at  a hospital with no organised health records. When supply chains fracture, there is no system  connecting CSR investments to actual outcomes on the ground. These are solvable problems. Technology can create verifiable impact infrastructure at the family level. Imagine every family in a host community with a digital health passport – funded by the operator, with every enrollment and every health outcome tracked and reportable. One link to share with any doctor. One card to show in any emergency room. That is not just compliance. That is community resilience by design. Verifiable and sustainable corporate social responsibility at its finest.” Framing responsibility as an operational imperative rather than a compliance checkbox, Valarao advised: “Responsibility that only exists on paper evaporates the moment it is needed most. We have all seen this recently. Stop measuring responsibility by what you spend. Start measuring it by what survives a disruption. Operators who treated sustainability as a capital strategy – not a cost centre – saw 2.5 times better returns through lower security costs, faster permits, and organic community advocacy. Their communities rallied around them during disruption rather than turning against them. Three steps any operator can take now: Deploy health security infrastructure in host communities. Emergency health records for families – something physical, like an emergency card a mother can show in any hospital, whether for a routine visit or a crisis evacuation. These function when everything else fails. Build a real-time community impact dashboard. Employment created, vendor revenue generated, health outcomes improved – and make it public. Transparency-focused operations raise capital at 30 per cent better valuations. Create career ecosystems, not just jobs. Every employee trains three community members within 18 months – measured, tracked, and marketed. I have implemented this in previous operations – it made us the employer of choice while cutting recruitment costs by 60 per cent. In this industry, that is not social responsibility. It is operational superiority.” On why SPiCE South Asia  provides the ideal platform for aligning global capital with local innovation, Valarao observes: “Because the landscape just shifted, and South Asia needs to be ready. The disruptions we have  witnessed in major entertainment corridors are stress tests for every operator in the broader  region. Energy prices are spiking. Travel corridors are fractured. Communities are asking a  simple question: what happens to us when the world outside your resort walls becomes unstable?  Global stakeholders bring capital and scale. Local innovators bring something irreplaceable –  the ability to design solutions that communities actually trust and adopt. Solutions that work not just in  stable times, but under stress. SPiCE South Asia forces both sides into the same room at precisely the moment this collaboration matters most.  From my work spanning Singapore, the Philippines, and the broader ASEAN region,  purpose-driven partnerships consistently outperform transactional ones. When an entertainment  operator and a local health technology company co-invest in community infrastructure, they  create something no competitor can replicate.  An ecosystem where the community becomes your most powerful advocate, your most resilient  asset, and your first line of defence when the next disruption arrives. SPiCE South Asia is where  those partnerships begin.” Together, these voices will contribute to a programme that balances policy insight with commercial reality, offering attendees actionable perspectives on regulation, sustainability, technology adoption, and growth strategies tailored to South Asia’s evolving landscape. Celebrating Excellence: SPiCE South Asia Eventus Awards 2026 The SPiCE South Asia Eventus Awards 2026  will take place during the summit, celebrating excellence in leadership, innovation, and contribution across the gaming and technology ecosystem. The awards spotlight individuals and standout achievements that have influenced market confidence, regulatory maturity, and responsible growth throughout the 2025/2026 period. Categories include Operator of the Year ,   Technology Provider of the Year ,   Innovation of the Year , Legal Adviser of the Year , Affiliate Platform of the Year , and the prestigious  SPiCE Speaker of the Year Award . Award recipients will be announced during the official awards ceremony in Colombo. Secure Your Place at SPiCE South Asia 2026 With final preparations underway and demand continuing to build,  SPiCE South Asia 2026  offers a rare opportunity to engage directly with policymakers, investors, and industry leaders shaping the region’s future. The final registration window is now open for attendees, sponsors, and exhibitors. Register now: https://www.spiceseries.com/ssa Read related article: 7th Annual SPiCE South Asia 2026 Returns to Colombo

ICONIC21 partners with Celesta to launch its full multi-vertical portfolio, giving operators instant access to live casino, slots and virtual games worldwide. This partnership grants Celesta’s extensive operator network immediate access to ICONIC21’s diverse catalog, spanning live casino games, slots, and virtual games. The integration represents a total portfolio takeover, ensuring that the provider’s entire creative output is available for international distribution through Celesta’s streamlined technology.   Celesta has established itself as a pivotal force in the iGaming supply chain, offering a library of over 7,500 titles from top-tier providers, among which now stands ICONIC21. By utilizing a single API integration, the aggregator enables online casinos and sportsbooks to scale rapidly while maintaining technical stability.   The inclusion of ICONIC21 adds a layer of high-performance content to Celesta’s offering, notably the Gravity Series in the live dealer space and a growing suite of mathematically driven slots and virtual games such as Plinko and Crash. The collaboration is designed to meet the rising appetite for versatile content that performs across different player demographics and geographical regions.   Commenting on the launch, Alina Mihaela Popa, Chief Commercial Officer at ICONIC21 , said: "Joining forces with Celesta is a calculated move to ensure our content hits the right lobbies. What stands out in this partnership is the sheer velocity of the go-to-market process; Celesta’s infrastructure allowed us to transition from agreement to live status with remarkable efficiency. Through them, we can showcase the technical quality of our games and we expect the performance data from this rollout to speak for itself very shortly."   From Celesta’s side, Corentin Budny, Head of Growth & Account Management , added: "Our objective is to provide operators with tools for genuine differentiation, and ICONIC21’s portfolio fits that brief perfectly. Integrating their full range, from high-energy live tables to virtual games, adds significant depth to our offering. This is a collaboration where success will be measured by clear, quantifiable engagement metrics, and we look forward to analyzing those results as we expand our mutual footprint."   The agreement underscores ICONIC21’s commitment to a multi-product strategy, moving beyond a single-vertical focus to provide a 360 gaming experience. By leveraging Celesta's international distribution capabilities, the provider is positioned to significantly raise its presence in multiple markets. Read related article: ICONIC21 Partners With NuxGame to Expand Live Casino

Avanti agreement with Light & Wonder brings next-gen live casino to EMEA and Canada, delivering scalable, customisable games for operators. Avanti, the disruptive live casino supplier that’s revolutionising the iGaming industry with its pioneering mix of motion capture technology and real-time cloud-based streaming, has announced it has signed a new strategic agreement with Light & Wonder.   One of the world’s leading aggregators and iGaming technology suppliers, Light & Wonder has teamed up with Avanti to bring next generation Live Casino to operators across the EMEA and Canada regions.   Designed to tackle the inconsistent presentation, and costly scalability of traditional live casino games, Avanti’s revolutionary approach sees the studio motion-capture the actions and mannerisms of professional dealers and use this output to create ultra-realistic digital clones.   Brought to life using a combination of 3D animation and audio tools, the appearance and language of these clones can be customised to meet the needs of operators’ target markets, with the end product being streamed directly into games in stunning HD video.   By doing things this way, Avanti removes the burden of physical studio builds and ongoing dealer overheads to create a cost-effective solution that’s impeccably presented, free from human error and provides operators with the flexibility to open as many tables at as many limits as they need.   The initial focus of the agreement will be on rolling out the games in Spain and Brazil, Avanti’s first regulated market launches. For the first time ever, operators in Spain will be able to offer live games beyond just roulette, including the supplier’s original games, TORO Y MATADOR and TORO Y MATADOR TURBO EN VIVO, as well as BACCARAT, DRAGON TIGER, and – importantly – LIVE BLACKJACK.   In Brazil, via Avanti, operators will gain access to an unlimited selection of Portuguese speaking dealers, as well as tables and bet limits designed to suit Brazilian players.   Jonas Delin, Co-founder at Avanti Studios , said: “Offering flawless presentation, cost-effective scaling and unlimited customisation potential, Avanti is the future of live casino – and we’re thrilled to be able to share content with operators through our collaboration with Light & Wonder.   “Since exiting our stealth mode at ICE, we’ve received a huge amount of interest from operators in Spain and Brazil and Light &Wonder is the perfect distributor to not only support our launch in those markets, but also as we continue to execute on our aggressive market expansion plans for 2026 and 2027   Stuart Banks, Managing Director – Global Partnerships at Light & Wonder , said: “As a company that’s always been at the forefront of innovation in iGaming, Light & Wonder is constantly on the lookout for games that offer something new – and Avanti’s next generation line-up of live casino titles certainly fit the bill. “Avanti offers a fast and fully customisable solution that can easily scale to keep up with demand; and for that reason, their games are sure to be a popular addition for our operators.” Read related article: Light & Wonder Invests in Bang Bang Games

Hub88 partners with LuckyDraw to deliver prize draw gamification, helping operators boost player engagement, loyalty, and lifetime value with raffles and instant wins. Hub88 has partnered with LuckyDraw, a provider of an innovative prize draw player engagement and retention gamification platform that leverages proven reward psychology, to improve player loyalty and increase lifetime value. The collaboration enables Hub88’s extensive operator network to integrate LuckyDraw’s technology with their existing offerings to feature highly customisable and engaging prize draws, including raffles, scratch cards and instant win games. The integration with LuckyDraw offers Hub88 an entirely new channel to drive increased player engagement and retention. Launched in early 2026, LuckyDraw’s platform is designed to seamlessly integrate into existing operator environments, ensuring a fully branded, native experience. By enabling operators to host interactive raffles and instant win games, the provider can offer an enhanced customer experience that drives higher brand loyalty. The integration of LuckyDraw’s dynamic gamification tools, which comes at a time when prize draws continue to grow in popularity with players, represents a unique opportunity for Hub88’s operators to diversify their engagement and retention strategy, while optimising bonusing and players’ monetization. This partnership enhances Hub88’s top-rated offering, aligning with the aggregator’s commitment to providing innovative, quality solutions that drive quantifiable results and improved returns. Ollie Castleman, Managing Director of Hub88, said: “Over the past year, we’ve heavily invested in jackpots, bonusing and loyalty solutions across our platform. “LuckyDraw’s fully branded raffles, instant wins and scratch games are a valuable addition to this, helping operators engage their players in new and compelling ways, all while increasing lifetime value and strengthening brand loyalty.” Yaniv Spielberg, CEO and co-founder at LuckyDraw, said: “With our many years of experience as online gaming operators, we have a deep understanding of how to enhance the player experience to generate higher engagement and loyalty for operators. We have leveraged this expertise to develop a new prize draw gamification platform that is flexible and easy-to-implement to address the large appetite from players for raffles and prize draws, to drive improved performance and returns for operators. “As a leading online gaming aggregator, we are excited to partner with Hub88 to bring our prize draw experiences to wider audiences while helping their operators offer something truly unique in the industry that increases engagement, retention, acquisition, brand loyalty and lifetime value.” Read related article: Hub88 Launches Player Analytics for Operators

Relax Gaming partners with Konquer to distribute innovative instant-win, crash, and table games, expanding its Powered By Relax portfolio worldwide. Relax Gaming, the iGaming aggregator and provider of unique content, has partnered with Konquer, a California based game studio known for their highly original instant-win, crash, and table games.   The collaboration gives Relax Gaming’s wide network of operators access to Konquer’s growing portfolio of games, which have rocked the industry with their new mechanics and themes.   The studio’s debut release, Fortune Cookie Fortunes , invites players to crack open fortune cookies to unlock multipliers while uncovering playful trivia.   The agreement further strengthens Relax Gaming’s Powered By Relax programme, welcoming another forward-thinking studio into the fold. The move expands the breadth of high-quality slot content available to operators while reinforcing Relax’s role as a leading distribution partner for ambitious game developers. Jennifer Buttigieg, Head of Commercial & Aggregation Partnerships at Relax Gaming, said: "This collaboration reinforces Relax Gaming’s status as a trusted global aggregation partner, empowering both established and up-and-coming studios with the reach, technology, and expertise needed to expand their market presence. We're delighted to have them on board with us." Ashford Kneitel, Chief Executive Officer at Konquer, said: “Konquer’s mission is to create the coolest games ever played—full stop. Partnering with industry-giant Relax Gaming gives us the scale and distribution power to bring that ambition to life faster than ever.” Read related article: Relax Gaming Partners with Aviatrix Crash Game

St8 partners with iBankroll to deliver Bankroll-as-a-Service, helping operators offer higher limits with smarter risk control and scalable liquidity. Casino games aggregator and full-service technology provider St8 has partnered with iBankroll to introduce bankroll coverage as a service to its platform as it continues to expand its products and services across global markets. Through the partnership, St8 will offer iBankroll’s first-of-its-kind Bankroll-as-a-Service model into its offering, allowing operators to support higher limits while managing exposure and using capital more efficiently. Built specifically for iGaming, iBankroll combines liquidity, risk expertise, and strategic insight to help operators scale with greater predictability and controlled volatility. Made available directly within the St8 platform, the integration enables operators to activate iBankroll’s liquidity support solution without additional operational complexity, applying it either across their full casino offering or selectively for higher-limit and VIP segments, depending on their exposure strategy. Built as a single, scalable solution, St8 provides partners access to premium content through one integration, alongside promotional tools, reporting capabilities and full compliance coverage. As St8 continues to broaden its offering, the partnership with iBankroll adds a new financial layer to its platform and marks another step in the company’s growth strategy as it cements its position as a next-generation full-service technology provider. Vladimir Negine, Chief Executive Officer at St8, said: “Our focus at St8 is giving operators the right foundations to grow in regulated markets. “Partnering with iBankroll introduces an additional range of tools to our platform and is a practical addition to our ecosystem, one we believe will make a real difference for partners as they continue to scale.” Hayden Bowman, Co-Founder at iBankroll, added: “St8 has built a strong infrastructure for brands launching and expanding in key markets. “By working together, we are able to extend that proposition with additional liquidity support and a structured risk-sharing mechanism that helps operators offer higher limits while maintaining predictable performance.” Read related article: Tequity Partners With iBankroll to Power Scalable iGaming

2026 Gaming in Holland Conference heads to Amsterdam with top speakers on regulation, AI and market strategy. See what’s ahead and why you should attend. The 2026 Gaming in Holland Conference, set to take place Thursday, June  4 in Amsterdam, has announced its first speakers. As always, the Gaming in Holland Conference will be THE place to meet key decision makers and get the latest information on the Dutch regulated gambling market. First speakers announced Gaming in Holland is extremely pleased to announce that the following speakers have already confirmed their attendance: Arjan Blok, CEO, Nederlandse Loterij Luka Pataky, Executive VP, AI & Innovation, Bragg Gaming Group Senior Netherlands Gambling Authority representative Leo Judkins, Founder, iGaming Leader Mastermind Josh Hodgson, COO, H2 Gambling Capital Björn Fuchs, Chair, VNLOK Robin Bleichrodt, Managing Director, FGS Global Frank Tolboom, Partner, Franssen Tolboom Advocaten Dr. Andreas Ditsche, CEO, iGaming.com Richard Dennys, CEO, Game Lounge #ReclaimTheMarket & more In line with Gaming in Holland's new mission statement “Let's reclaim the market,” the 2026 GiH Conference will focus on how the regulated industry and other stakeholders can contribute to keeping illegal operators at bay. In addition, this year's event will look at what we can expect from the new government, the ongoing issue of tax rates, market development, marketing, AI, and much more. Gaming in Holland founder Willem van Oort commented: “Competition from illegal operators is a growing concern, not just in the Netherlands but across multiple European jurisdictions. Besides highlighting the issue, I think it is very important to exchange ideas on how stakeholders in the regulated industry can use their market power to help contain and perhaps even reverse this development. With so many key decision makers joining us in Amsterdam, the 2026 Gaming in Holland Conference will be THE place to discuss this issue.” Call for speakers & sponsorship opportunities If you are interested in delivering a presentation, specifically on the topic of #ReclaimTheMarket,   or in exploring sponsorship opportunities, please contact Gaming in Holland founder Willem van Oort  for more information. Practical information & registration The 2026 Gaming in Holland Conference takes place Thursday, June 4, at the KIT Royal Tropical Institute in Amsterdam. Registration for the event is now open: https://www.gamingin.eu/event-details/gihconference2026   Read related articlel: Gaming in Holland Conference 2025: What to Expect

AxiumAI appoints Claire Painting as Chief Experience Officer, strengthening its AI-driven player engagement strategy for operators worldwide. Learn what this means for the platform’s future. AxiumAI, a leader in AI-driven autonomous player engagement, has appointed Claire Painting as Chief Experience Officer (CXO), strengthening the company’s leadership team as operators shift towards AI-driven player engagement.   Widely recognised for aligning marketing, product, UX and technology teams to deliver cohesive, consumer-led experiences at scale, Painting will be instrumental in supporting AxiumAI’s continued growth and long-term vision as the provider expands its AI-powered engagement platform for operators worldwide.   Painting joins AxiumAI with more than 20 years’ experience across the global sports betting and gaming industry. Most recently, she served as Director of Player Experience at Entain, where she led a global cross-functional team of over 100 specialists across the UK, Gibraltar, Vienna, Hyderabad and Manila.   During her time with Entain, she was responsible for defining and delivering the player experience strategy across the operator group’s international portfolio of brands. This included oversight of core journeys such as registration, payments, account management, compliance, promotions, and gamification, as well as the development of global UX/UI design systems and customer-experience measurement frameworks.   The appointment further bolsters AxiumAI’s leadership as the company continues to enhance its autonomous player engagement capabilities and support operators in delivering real-time, 1:1 personalised player experiences.   Claire Painting, Chief Experience Officer at AxiumAI, said: “The future of player experience will be defined by technology that understands context, adapts in real-time and delivers meaningful interaction at scale. AxiumAI is building that capability, and I am excited to help shape autonomous engagement that will inspire players and drive step-change growth for operators.”   Adam Lewis, Chief Executive Officer at AxiumAI, added: “Claire brings exceptional expertise in player engagement across marketing, product and customer experience. Combined with her ability to connect teams and technology around the player, she is uniquely positioned to lead this area at AxiumAI. She will play a key role as we continue to build intelligent, customer-led solutions for operators globally.” Read related article: AxiumAI Launches Autonomous Player Engagement Platform

SBC Summit Rio 2026 kicks off next week, bringing operators, regulators and suppliers together to explore Brazil’s regulated market and new growth strategies. Next week, thousands of stakeholders from Brazil and beyond will gather in Rio as SBC Summit Rio 2026 kicks off, examining key lessons from the market’s first year under regulation and what they signal for business strategy in the year ahead.   Taking place at RioCentro from 3-5 March, the event will welcome thousands of operators, affiliates and industry stakeholders representing leading game studios, sportsbooks, payment providers, regulatory bodies and marketing agencies for three days of networking and learning.   Launched in 2024 as a meeting point for companies exploring Brazil’s newly regulated market, SBC Summit Rio has developed into a major date in Brazil’s gaming calendar. Last year’s edition recorded 200 % year-on-year growth in attendance, securing the “ Exhibition Growth of the Year ” title at the EN Indy Awards 2025.   “The Brazilian market doesn’t stand still,” said Rasmus Sojmark , Founder and CEO of SBC . “By year three, the conversation is more nuanced. Companies want clarity, real dialogue with policymakers, and connections with operators on the ground. That’s what we’ve focused on delivering in Rio. The business gets done during the day, and yes, we make sure people enjoy the evenings too.”   On the educational front, delegates will hear from more than 150 experts across three conference stages , covering leadership , tech innovation , payments , marketing , and affiliation . Across the agenda, speakers will tackle what’s changing on the ground in Brazil: managing the speed-and-fraud trade-offs of PIX, navigating CONAR and platform ad rules, preparing for shifting tax and jurisdictional debates, and turning compliance, UX and acquisition into competitive advantage.   Among the headline speakers are Chris Kypriotis , former Global VP and CEO of Nike Brazil , and one of the country's most popular streamers, Aruan Felix . Kypriotis will explore how high-performance cultures translate into sustained business results, while Felix will share insights into the mechanics behind audience growth, authenticity, and monetisation in Brazil’s creator-driven market   The summit will also welcome two of Brazil’s leading public authorities for an exclusive keynote titled “The Making of a Regulated Market” , taking place on Wednesday, 4 March. Daniele Correa Cardoso , Acting Secretary of Prizes and Betting at the Ministry of Finance , will be joined by Giovanni Rocco , National Secretary of Sports Betting at the Ministry of Sport , to deliver first-hand insight into what is currently happening behind the scenes.   The conference will also feature senior figures from major institutions involved in compliance, oversight and enforcement, including the state-owned bank and lottery operator ( CAIXA ), the Financial Activities Control Council ( COAF ), the National Advertising Self-Regulation Council ( CONAR ), the Brazilian Federal Police, Rio de Janeiro’s Municipal Secretariat of Sport , and the Superior Court of Justice .   On the industry side, high-profile names taking the stage include Almir Ribeiro (CEO Brazil, BetMGM), Cassio Filter (Managing Director, KTO), Guilherme Figueiredo (Commercial Director, Kaizen/Betano), Sebastian Salazar (Founder, EstelarBet), and JD Duarte (Chairman, Betcris), amongst many others.    The exhibition floor will serve as the commercial engine of the event, connecting delegates with the suppliers and operators powering Brazil’s betting and gaming ecosystem in 2026. The exhibitor lineup includes Altenar , Amusnet , BetConstruct , Blaze , Digitain , Esportes da Sorte, Evolution , Kambi , Novibet , Optimove , Sofascore , and Wazdan , among others.   The show floor will be designed to keep conversations flowing, with dedicated networking lounges, social bars, and the return of the Food Festival , bringing dozens of food trucks and options for every dietary preference.    Alongside the main exhibition, two specialist side-summits, the Affiliate Leaders Summit and the Payment Expert Summit , will also take place, delivering focused content and networking for professionals across dedicated stages and show floor spaces.   VIP Event pass holders will have access to a series of exclusive evening networking events, starting with an extended Opening Party on Tuesday, 3 March at Rio Beach Club. Guests can enjoy Brazilian BBQ, beachside activities such as jet-ski rides and volleyball, and the convenience of early badge collection.   The summit will then conclude on Thursday, 5 March with INFINITY Rio at Riocentro, a festival-style finale featuring Brazilian EDM star Öwnboss alongside British house DJ Marc Vedo .   Ready to attend SBC Summit Rio? Here’s how: Secure your place with a VIP Event Pass for R$3000 – enjoy full access to all conference sessions, the exhibition floor, exclusive networking events, and complimentary food and drink at our Food Festival. Bringing the team? Take advantage of our Group Pass Discount — purchase three or more VIP Event Passes and pay just R$1800 per ticket. Operator or affiliate ? You may be eligible for a complimentary VIP Event Pass, which includes full access to the exhibition, conference, and exclusive networking events. Apply now to reserve your spot. Read related article: SBC Summit Rio Hosts INFINITY Rio 2026 Finale

Alec Gehlot launches PlaySignal, a real-time responsible gaming platform helping operators spot player risk early and respond smarter across regulated markets. Alec Gehlot, former senior executive at Optimove, has launched PlaySignal, a responsible gaming platform designed to help operators detect and respond to player risk in real time. PlaySignal uses a traffic-light system, with green, amber and red indicators, to guide player behaviour and flag when patterns begin to move into higher-risk territory. The platform aims to reduce preventable exclusions by giving operators clearer visibility of emerging risk while also providing players with greater insight into how their activity is being assessed. Built on behavioural analytics, PlaySignal monitors player activity during gameplay and presents data as clear signals. This enables teams to intervene sooner and respond more proportionately as risk develops. The product integrates into existing operator systems to support responsible gaming, CRM and compliance teams with a shared view of activity, promoting a more consistent approach across teams as regulatory pressure increases in key markets. Drawing on his experience at Optimove, where he worked closely with operators on segmentation, retention and user engagement, Gehlot saw a need for new tools to support player protection as regulation and taxation pressures increase across regulated markets. The company debuted PlaySignal at ICE earlier this year, where it was a finalist in the Innovators Challenge, and began discussions with operators across multiple markets. Initial rollout will focus on the UK before expanding internationally. Alec Gehlot, Chief Executive Officer at PlaySignal, said:  “Regulation and taxation are only moving in one direction, and operators need new tools to adapt. Player protection can no longer be treated as a compliance obligation; it has to become a competitive differentiator. “Regulated operators are under real pressure, particularly in the UK, and we believe giving them earlier visibility of risk is essential not just for protection, but for long-term sustainability.” Read related article: beBettor Partners with Optimove for Smarter CRM

SBC Summit Rio ends in style at INFINITY Rio, an exclusive EDM closing party with top DJs, premium networking and a festival atmosphere in Brazil. SBC Summit Rio is set for an unforgettable finale as Brazilian EDM sensation Öwnboss headlines the second edition of INFINITY Rio, with British house DJ Marc Vedo joining the lineup for a night of nonstop energy.   Taking place on Thursday, March 5, at Riocentro, INFINITY Rio will bring the event to an explosive close, offering attendees one final opportunity to network and celebrate the week's achievements.   Launched in Lisbon in 2024, INFINITY debuted in Rio in 2025 with a standout edition featuring Afrojack and Dubdogz , cementing its status as a flagship SBC experience. Combining high-level production, laser shows, pyrotechnics and complimentary drinks, it brings a true EDM festival atmosphere to the gaming industry. Past editions across the world have featured global superstars such as Alok , Darude , Galantis , Timmy Trumpet and Steve Aoki .   Öwnboss is a Brazilian producer and DJ, whose breakout track Move Your Body became one of the most played dance tracks globally in 2022, reaching over 200 million streams. Known for his signature bass-driven club tracks, Öwnboss has collaborated with the likes of Tiësto and David Guetta , and performed on major international stages such as Tomorrowland and Lollapalooza, building a reputation as one of Brazil’s biggest global EDM artists.   “The INFINITY Rio 2026 is a party that truly reflects the spirit of Rio. It is a city known for its energy and its ability to keep the dancefloor alive all night, and no one knows this better than Öwnboss. Through his Brazilian flair and big bass drops, he delivers the kind of atmosphere INFINITY Rio is all about,” said Rasmus Sojmark , CEO and Founder of SBC.   Öwnboss is joined on the INFINITY line-up by Marc Vedo, who will be opening the party with his signature blend of tech, deep, and traditional house tracks. Vedo is the founder of Koolwaters, a long-running label and club night that has hosted the likes of Calvin Harris, Oliver Heldens, and The Chemical Brothers.   "Marc joined us at our INFINITY party in Lisbon and put on a standout show. We're delighted he'll be bringing back his signature vibe in Rio; the crowd can expect a set full of high-energy anthems to lead them into Öwnboss's headline set," added Sojmark.   To warm up for INFINITY Rio, attendees can also visit the INFINITY bar (G15) on the show floor. On Wednesday, 4 March and Thursday, 5 March, from 6pm - 9pm, the bar will stay open after the show floor closes, transforming into a laid-back evening hangout while DJs keep the rhythm going ahead of the headline party.   The INFINITY Rio closing party will conclude SBC Summit Rio, which is set to welcome thousands of attendees for three days of education, networking, and business development. The event will feature an exhibition floor with over 400 exhibitors and sponsors, a conference agenda featuring more than 150 expert speakers across three stages, and a packed programme of networking opportunities .   Entry to the INFINITY Rio is reserved exclusively for VIP, Affiliate, Operator, Sponsor, and Exhibitor Pass holders, ensuring a high concentration of senior decision-makers and creating a premium networking environment to close the event.   Ready to attend SBC Summit Rio ? Here’s how:   Secure your place with a VIP Event Pass for R$3000 – enjoy full access to all conference sessions, the exhibition floor, exclusive networking events, and complimentary food and drink at our Food Festival.   Bringing the team? Take advantage of our Group Pass Discount — purchase three or more VIP Event Passes and pay just R$1800 per ticket.   Operator or affiliate ? You may be eligible for a complimentary VIP Event Pass, which includes full access to the exhibition, conference, and exclusive networking events. Apply now to reserve your spot.   Expo+ Pass : Gain access to the full exhibition floor and all conference sessions. This does not include access to our exclusive VIP evening networking events.   Expo Only Pass : Free to attend, this pass gives you access to the exhibition floor –  perfect for networking and exploring the show without attending the conference sessions. Read related article: ATFX Sponsors SBC Summit Rio 2026 Poker Tournament

Slotegrator unveils its AI-powered Anti-fraud assistant, helping iGaming operators analyse risks faster, spot critical issues and act with greater confidence. Slotegrator, a leading B2B solutions provider for the iGaming industry, has announced the launch of an AI-powered assistant within its Anti-fraud module — a feature the company positions as a new approach to risk analytics for iGaming operators. The current release is positioned as a pilot product. The solution represents a completely new functionality for Slotegrator’s platform. It is designed to help operators quickly interpret complex risk data and focus on the most critical areas without manually reviewing large volumes of charts and reports. Unlike traditional anti-fraud tools that rely solely on static dashboards and manual analysis, the AI anti-fraud assistant  transforms existing analytical data into structured summaries and practical insights. The system does not generate new data or make automated decisions but works exclusively with the information already available in the Anti-fraud dashboard. Upon accessing the module, users can activate the AI assistant and select one of three predefined questions: What is the overall risk situation? Which risk categories are currently the most critical? What should be prioritized right now? The AI processes the dashboard metrics and delivers a concise overview of the current risk landscape, highlighting patterns and potential areas of concern. This functionality is particularly useful for new operators, as well as for teams managing multiple projects and high volumes of risk-related data simultaneously. In addition to project-level analysis, the assistant is also available in the Player Overview section. Here, it generates summaries based on individual player behavior indicators, helping support and risk management teams quickly assess potentially suspicious activity. Data privacy and security remain a key focus of the new feature. The AI assistant does not process or expose any personal data of players or clients. All analytics are based solely on anonymized numerical indicators and internal system metrics. Slotegrator stresses that the AI assistant should be viewed strictly as a support tool rather than a decision-making authority. The AI ​​Anti-fraud assistant does not replace a lawyer or a compliance officer — it cannot block a player or impose restrictions. It can provide analytical recommendations, but the final decision is always taken by a human. According to Slotegrator, the introduction of an AI assistant into anti-fraud analytics reflects a broader trend in iGaming toward intelligent automation and decision-support tools rather than full automation of sensitive processes. With this launch, Slotegrator strengthens its role as an innovator in iGaming infrastructure, offering operators a new way to work with complex risk analytics faster, more clearly, and with greater confidence. Contact  the Slotegrator team to learn more about the new feature. Read related article: Slotegrator Shares Tips to Attract Gen Z Casino Players