SBC Summit 2026: A Deep Dive into the Crypto & Blockchain Conference Track
SBC Summit 2026: A Deep Dive into the Crypto & Blockchain Conference Track
Introduction: Why a Dedicated Crypto & Blockchain Track Matters Now
The gambling industry is moving beyond theoretical discussions about digital assets and blockchain technology. The SBC Summit, taking place from 29 September to 1 October 2026 at the Feira Internacional de Lisboa (FIL) and MEO Arena in Lisbon, is responding to this shift by introducing a dedicated Crypto & Blockchain conference track. This track, scheduled for Thursday, 1 October 2026, signals a maturation in how the industry views these technologies—from speculative potential to tangible, operational value.
With an expected attendance of 40,000 industry professionals, the summit will feature this new track as part of the Payment Expert Summit stage, alongside two other focused tracks:
- Fintech (Tuesday, 29 September)
- Global Payment Compliance (Wednesday, 30 September)
The Bigger Picture: From Hype to Practical Integration
For years, discussions about crypto and blockchain in gambling were dominated by what these technologies might someday achieve. That era is ending. As Rasmus Sojmark, Founder and CEO of SBC, explains:
“For a long time, conversations around crypto and blockchain were dominated by what the technology might eventually make possible. We are now at a point where the industry can have a much more practical conversation about where it actually works.”
This shift reflects a broader industry trend: operators are no longer asking if they should integrate digital assets, but how to do so safely, compliantly, and profitably. The Crypto & Blockchain track aims to address both the opportunities and the obstacles, including:
- Faster payments and settlement times
- New engagement models inspired by crypto brands
- Compliance challenges around AML, KYC, and transaction monitoring
- Security concerns and player trust issues
- Regulatory navigation across multiple jurisdictions
Key Sessions and Expert Insights
1. Blockchain Banking for Gambling Operators
Session Title: Blockchain Banking for Gambling Operators
This opening session tackles the most pressing question for regulated operators: how to integrate crypto and stablecoins into existing payment ecosystems without falling foul of regulatory requirements.
Expert Panelists:
- Lissele Pratt (Founder, Capitalixe)
- Domenico Roberto Paradisi (Head of Payments, PressEnter Group)
- Ian Sherrington (CEO, Crownstar)
- Julian Goffin (Co-Founder and CEO, Alunafi)
- Martha Brincat (Chief Regulatory Officer, Malta Gambling Authority)
- Moderator: Bruce Porter Jr. (CEO, GlobalBoost)
Key Discussion Points:
- Unlocking digital asset benefits while maintaining AML compliance
- Transaction monitoring in a decentralized environment
- Balancing security with player trust
- Practical case studies from operators already using blockchain banking
Real-World Example: Stablecoins like USDC or USDT can reduce payment friction for international players, but operators must ensure that their wallet infrastructure supports both compliance checks and rapid settlement.
2. Speed, Security & Conversion for Crypto Gambling
Session Title: Speed, Security & Conversion for Crypto Gambling
Transaction speed is a major competitive advantage for crypto payments, but it must be balanced with rigorous regulatory safeguards. This session explores the latest advances in blockchain settlement.
Expert Panelists:
- Igor Shelamov (Chief Payments Officer/COO, VeliBC)
- Nick Fitt (CEO, Defynet)
- Alex Codina (Head of Payments, Godzilla)
- Moderator: Jean-Michel Azzopardi (Blockchain Architect)
Key Discussion Points:
- How blockchain settlement enables near-instant deposits and withdrawals
- Robust verification without sacrificing user experience
- AML safeguards in a high-speed transaction environment
- Regulatory compliance across different jurisdictions
Practical Insight: Layer-2 solutions and sidechains can offer faster confirmation times than mainnet transactions, but operators must ensure these are still auditable and compliant with local laws.
3. What iGaming Can Learn from Crypto Marketing
Session Title: What iGaming Can Learn from Crypto Marketing
This session goes beyond technology to examine the marketing and community-building strategies that have made crypto brands successful—even without massive advertising budgets.
Expert Panelists:
- Valentina Diaco (Strategic Business & iGaming Advisor)
- Becky Liggero (Lead Gaming Industry Video Reporter, Writer, Interviewer & Content Creator, CoinGeek)
Key Discussion Points:
- Building engaged communities from scratch
- Achieving rapid growth without traditional marketing spend
- Loyalty programs inspired by decentralized models (e.g., token rewards, staking)
- Realistic applications for traditional iGaming operators
Example Strategy: Crypto brands often use token airdrops, community voting, and transparent reward systems to foster loyalty. Traditional operators could adapt these by offering tokenized loyalty points that players can trade or use across platforms.
4. Fundraising 101: Crypto iGaming
Session Title: Fundraising 101: Crypto iGaming
Investor interest in crypto gambling ventures is growing, but what makes a project attractive in 2026? This session breaks down the key factors:
- Tokenomics and sustainable revenue models
- Regulatory preparedness as a differentiator
- Transparency through on-chain auditing
- Team credibility and track record
Context: Unlike traditional gambling startups, crypto iGaming ventures can leverage token sales, decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), and liquidity pools. However, regulators are increasingly scrutinizing these fundraising methods.
5. Web3 in Gambling: Risks & Rewards
Session Title: Web3 in Gambling: Risks & Rewards
Web3 promises to decentralize ownership and control, but it also introduces new risks. This session weighs the potential:
Potential Rewards:
- Player-owned assets (NFTs, in-game items)
- Transparent, provably fair gaming
- Cross-platform interoperability
- New revenue streams (staking, yield farming)
Key Risks:
- Smart contract vulnerabilities
- Regulatory uncertainty (especially around tokenized rewards)
- Player protection and responsible gambling in a decentralized environment
- Volatility of cryptocurrency values
Networking Opportunities: Beyond the Conference Sessions
Attendees can extend their learning and build valuable connections through several dedicated networking events:
Fintech Show Floor Tour
Connect with leading blockchain and crypto technology providers to discover their latest solutions. This guided tour helps operators identify relevant vendors and evaluate integrations.
Payments Speed Networking
Make up to a dozen targeted introductions in just one hour. Ideal for payments professionals, compliance officers, and C-suite executives looking to expand their network efficiently.
Smart Connect
Pre-qualified, one-on-one meetings between crypto and blockchain specialists and senior operator representatives. This ensures that every meeting has a clear business objective.
Practical Details for Attendees
Pass Requirements:
- Conference, Business, and VIP Passes grant access to the Crypto & Blockchain track sessions.
- Business or VIP Pass required for compliance-focused networking initiatives.
Exhibitor Information: Exhibitors interested in the Fintech Show Floor Tour should contact the sales team at [email protected].
Operator Reservations: Operators can reserve their place on their preferred tour via the official SBC Summit website.
Conclusion: A Turning Point for Crypto & Gambling
The introduction of a dedicated Crypto & Blockchain track at SBC Summit 2026 reflects a fundamental shift in the gambling industry. The conversation has moved from “what if” to “how to.” Operators who attend this track will gain actionable insights on:
- Safe integration of crypto payments
- Compliance frameworks that work across multiple jurisdictions
- Marketing and engagement strategies borrowed from crypto’s most successful brands
- Investment opportunities and fundraising best practices
- Web3 risks and rewards for both operators and players
As Rasmus Sojmark noted, the industry can now have a “much more practical conversation” about where blockchain technology actually delivers value. The SBC Summit’s Crypto & Blockchain track is where that conversation happens.
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