Payment Expert Summit returns as a dedicated stage, reflecting payments’ growing role in product, compliance and player acquisition strategies.
SBC Summit will return to Lisbon from 29 September to 1 October, with organisers placing payments firmly at the centre of the 2026 conference agenda.
Among six dedicated stages, the Payment Expert Summit will again take a prominent role, reflecting how payment infrastructure has evolved from a back-end function into a core driver of user experience, regulatory compliance and commercial performance in iGaming.
The payments-focused track will run across all three days of the event, with sessions structured around key pillars of modern payment strategy. These include fintech innovation, anti-money laundering (AML) and compliance, and the growing role of crypto and blockchain within operator ecosystems.
Aidan Brain, VP of Conference Production at SBC, said the agenda has been designed to reflect how different operational functions are increasingly interdependent.
“Success in today’s market depends on getting multiple moving parts right at the same time, from entering new markets to building better products and navigating regulation,” Brain said.
“The agenda is designed to reflect that reality, with each stage focused on helping delegates make better decisions in the areas that directly impact growth.”
Payments move to the forefront
The Payment Expert Summit stage will focus on how operators can build payment stacks that are both resilient and adaptable, particularly as regulatory expectations tighten and consumer demand for seamless checkout experiences increases.
Sessions will examine how payment performance now directly influences where customers choose to play, with topics expected to cover:
- Optimising payment acceptance rates and reducing friction at checkout
- Managing AML and fraud risks amid evolving regulatory scrutiny
- Integrating alternative payment methods and localised solutions
- Assessing the role of crypto and blockchain in transaction infrastructure
The structure of the payments track reflects broader industry trends, where speed, flexibility and compliance are becoming critical differentiators, particularly in high-growth and newly regulated markets.
Interplay with regulation and market expansion
While payments form a central pillar of the agenda, the wider conference structure highlights how closely the function is tied to regulatory and geographic expansion strategies.
The Regulation & Compliance stage will explore how global policy shifts are reshaping operational requirements, particularly in areas such as player protection and financial oversight, both of which have direct implications for payment workflows and KYC processes.
Similarly, the Global & Emerging Markets stage will examine opportunities across regions, including Latin America, Africa and parts of Europe, where payment localisation and regulatory alignment are often key barriers to entry.
Technology, affiliates and the broader ecosystem
Elsewhere, the Technology & Innovation stage will assess how infrastructure improvements and front-end product design are influencing player engagement, while the Affiliate Leaders Summit will explore how acquisition strategies are evolving in response to tighter regulation and changing digital marketing dynamics.
Both tracks intersect with payments, particularly as operators look to align acquisition strategies with conversion efficiency and long-term customer value.
Event scale and access
Alongside the themed stages, SBC Summit will host headline sessions at the Super Stage, as well as workshops and technical sessions through its Tech Academies, covering areas such as AI and Web3.
The event will bring together operators, affiliates, regulators and suppliers, with various ticket options available, including VIP passes for eligible senior stakeholders.
Affiliates, regulators, and operator C-levels and other budget holders can apply for a complimentary VIP Pass, granting full access to SBC Summit, including conference sessions, the exhibition floor, and networking events. Other operator roles can still apply for complimentary access and may qualify for a Business Pass, with the option to upgrade.
For all other attendees, a range of ticket options is available, designed around different event goals. Passes vary from expo-only access to full VIP experiences, with higher-tier tickets unlocking entry to all conference stages, curated networking programmes, evening networking parties, and premium on-site facilities. Attendees can also benefit from the SBC Connect app to plan meetings, connect with participants, and access content on demand after the event.
Explore all ticket options and secure your place at SBC Summit via the official website.
