A Comprehensive Guide to Web3 & Crypto in iGaming: Insights from the SBC Summit’s Web3 & Crypto Academy
A Comprehensive Guide to Web3 & Crypto in iGaming: Insights from the SBC Summit’s Web3 & Crypto Academy
Introduction: Moving Beyond the Hype
The iGaming industry has long buzzed with talk of Web3 and cryptocurrency, but separating genuine innovation from marketing noise remains a challenge. The SBC Summit’s Web3 & Crypto Academy, part of the premium Education+ programme, aims to cut through the speculation and deliver actionable knowledge. Scheduled for Wednesday, 30 September 2026, at Sala Tejo, MEO Arena, this dedicated track is designed for professionals seeking practical skills and a concrete roadmap for adoption.
Rather than simply discussing potential, the Academy focuses on where Web3 is already delivering real value—speeding up payments, enhancing transparency, strengthening player trust, and expanding product offerings. As Rasmus Sojmark, Founder and CEO of SBC, puts it: “In an industry as competitive as ours, it’s often the small things that have the biggest impact. Web3 and crypto can offer that advantage… What’s so unique about this Academy is that it moves beyond discussing potential. It’s about showing attendees where Web3 and crypto payments can add real value and giving them the practical knowledge to start applying it within their own businesses.”
This guide breaks down the Academy’s key sessions, providing context, explanations, and real-world examples to help you understand the current state and future direction of Web3 in gambling.
Understanding the Current Landscape: Crypto, Blockchain, and Gambling
Where Are We Now? The State of Web3 Adoption
The Academy opens with a foundational presentation titled “Crypto, Blockchain & Gambling: Where Are We Now?”, delivered by Simit Naik (Web3 Specialist, Teronade Group). This session will examine the actual value Web3 is delivering today—not just in theory but in live operations.
Context & Examples:
- Crypto as a Payment Method: Many operators now accept Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins like USDT. For instance, Bitcasino and mBit have processed billions in crypto transactions, citing faster withdrawals and lower fees.
- Blockchain for Transparency: Some platforms use on-chain ledgers to record game outcomes, allowing players to independently verify results. This is especially relevant for “provably fair” games.
- Hybrid Models: A growing trend is combining traditional Web2 infrastructure (e.g., centralized databases) with Web3 features (e.g., crypto wallets, smart contracts) to balance security, speed, and decentralization.
Naik’s talk will provide a sober assessment of where these approaches are working—and where they still fall short.
The Hype vs. Reality of Crypto Payments in Regulated Markets
The panel “Crypto Payments in Regulated Markets: Hype or Reality?” brings together experts Anthony Day (Marketing Director, VeChain), Dinis Guarda (CEO & Founder, Ztudium), Aaron Sanchez (Director of Industry Engagement, MiCA), Dereck Hoogenkamp (Chairman, Yalla Limited), and moderator Udo Seckelmann (Head of Gambling & Crypto, Bichara e Motta Avogados). They will explore how operators are integrating cryptocurrencies and stablecoins alongside traditional payment methods.
Key Topics:
- Regulatory Challenges: In jurisdictions like Malta, the UK, and Sweden, crypto payments face strict anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) requirements. Stablecoins pegged to fiat currencies offer a compromise.
- Case Study – VeChain: Anthony Day may discuss how VeChain’s blockchain is used for supply chain transparency in regulated gaming, ensuring that digital assets are traceable and compliant.
- MiCA Framework: Aaron Sanchez will likely explain the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets regulation and its implications for iGaming operators operating across Europe.
- Real-World Integration: For example, some operators now allow deposits in Bitcoin and immediate conversion to fiat for wagering, reducing volatility risk while still offering crypto convenience.
Practical Applications: Payments, Transparency, and Player Trust
Crypto Payments in Action: Integration and Stability
Beyond the panel, the Academy will feature live demonstrations and case studies. A dedicated session on crypto payments will show how operators can incorporate stablecoins (e.g., USDC, DAI) to offer near-instant settlements while maintaining regulatory compliance. Example: A player deposits $100 in USDT; the platform converts it to fiat for betting, and winnings are paid out in USDT within seconds—no bank delays.
Provably Fair: Can Players Really Verify Every Outcome?
The case study and live demonstration “Provably Fair: Can Players Really Verify Every Outcome?” will be led by Ulle Skottling (CEO, DeGaming). This session compares traditional random number generator (RNG) models with on-chain verification.
How Provably Fair Works:
- In a typical RNG slot, the outcome is determined server-side and players must trust the operator.
- In a provably fair system, the player receives a seed (e.g., a hashed value) before the game. Afterward, the operator reveals the original seed and algorithm, allowing the player to compute the outcome themselves—verifying that no manipulation occurred.
- Blockchain adds a layer: Storing these seeds and proofs on an immutable ledger ensures they cannot be altered retroactively.
Skottling will demonstrate practical implementations, including the limitations (e.g., higher gas fees, slower transaction times) and how hybrid approaches can mitigate them.
Building Hybrid Gambling Platforms: Where Web2 Meets Web3
The concluding workshop, “Building Hybrid Gambling Platforms: Where Web2 Meets Web3,” is led by Gene Deyev (Co-Founder & CEO, Stobox) and Brett Calapp (CEO & Co-Founder, Turnt Gaming). They will use real-world examples of crypto payments, on-chain verification, and digital assets to illustrate a balanced hybrid approach.
Real-World Examples:
- Stobox specializes in tokenization and digital asset management; they may showcase how a gaming platform can issue its own utility tokens for loyalty rewards.
- Turnt Gaming builds Web3-native casino games; Brett Calapp might demonstrate a slot that uses a smart contract to distribute winnings automatically, with the backend still running on traditional servers for speed.
- Key Takeaway: Hybrid platforms allow operators to leverage the benefits of Web3 (transparency, user ownership) without sacrificing the user experience of Web2 (speed, low latency, seamless UI).
The Importance of Trust: Does Blockchain Really Make Gaming Fairer?
A fireside chat titled “Trust on the Chain: Does Blockchain Really Make Gaming Fair?” will take a closer look at the relationship between blockchain, fairness, and player trust. This discussion will address the opportunities—such as immutable audit trails and player-controlled wallets—as well as the limitations.
Critical Questions:
- Can on-chain verification be applied to complex games like live dealer blackjack, where outcomes depend on physical cards?
- How do regulators view self-verifying games? Are they considered more trustworthy or do they introduce new risks (e.g., “code is law” bugs)?
- What about data privacy? Public blockchains expose transaction histories; zero-knowledge proofs may offer a solution.
The chat will help attendees understand that while blockchain is a powerful tool for transparency, it is not a silver bullet. Player trust still depends on robust licensing, independent testing, and responsible business practices.
How to Attend: Education+ Pass Details
Access to the Web3 & Crypto Academy is available exclusively with an Education+ Pass. Here are the details:
- Price: €249 as an add-on to any SBC Summit or Affiliate Leaders Summit ticket.
- What You Get: Entry to one Academy of your choice from the following options:
- AI
- Digital Marketing & CRM
- Player Experience
- Web3 & Crypto
- Bonus Access: Education+ Pass holders also gain entry to all SBC Summit masterclasses, including:
- Sportsbook Trading Masterclass
- Responsible Gaming Marketing Masterclass
- Electronic Gaming Masterclass
This pass is ideal for professionals seeking deep, practical knowledge in a focused area. The Academy’s interactive format—workshops, live demos, panels, and fireside chats—ensures that attendees leave with actionable insights, not just theory.
Conclusion: Why This Academy Matters for iGaming Professionals
The SBC Summit’s Web3 & Crypto Academy represents a mature step in the industry’s adoption of decentralized technologies. By focusing on demonstrable value—faster payments, verified fairness, and hybrid infrastructure—it equips operators, affiliates, and technology providers with the tools to innovate responsibly.
Whether you are considering accepting crypto payments, exploring provably fair games, or planning a hybrid platform, the Academy’s expert-led sessions offer the context, examples, and practical roadmaps needed to move from experimentation to implementation. As the gambling industry becomes increasingly competitive, those who understand where Web3 truly adds value will have a clear advantage.
Mark your calendar: Wednesday, 30 September 2026, at Sala Tejo, MEO Arena. Secure your Education+ Pass and prepare to turn Web3 potential into operational reality.
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