Rupert Ecker (Grand Casino Kursaal Bern) Analyzes the Role of Technology in Player Protection at SBC Summit 2026

Technological tools are transforming player protection, but according to Rupert Ecker (CEO of Grand Casino Kursaal Bern AG), oversight by the Compliance team cannot be replaced. This balance between innovation, privacy, and effective intervention will be a key focus of the panel at SBC Summit 2026, where Ecker will share his insights on the concrete challenges faced by operators in both online and physical environments.

Technology and Data in Player Protection

Ecker emphasizes that the growth of online gambling has led to greater accessibility and speed, with a clear consequence: behaviors can fluctuate rapidly and generate vast amounts of data. Unlike physical casinos, where experienced staff can identify warning signs in person, online operators must rely on technology and data analysis to capture these changes in time. This transformation requires Compliance teams to be adapted to monitor and evaluate a significantly larger volume of information.

Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities and Limits in Risk Detection

According to Ecker, artificial intelligence (AI) and predictive models allow for connecting large volumes of data on player behavior and identifying risk indicators much earlier than traditional approaches could achieve. Among the most relevant signals are:

• Increase in deposits
• Longer gaming sessions
• Unusual activity hours
• Repeated attempts to recover losses
• Sudden changes in betting patterns

Swiss regulations require all online casinos to define a comprehensive Social Responsibility concept with clear processes for identifying at-risk players. Here, AI and data analysis support preventive measures, early investigation, and intervention when necessary. The main challenge is training these models to recognize relevant patterns and avoid false positives that could lead to unnecessary interventions.

"Technology must support our Compliance teams and help them make better decisions, not replace their judgment," emphasizes Ecker.

Privacy and Compliance: Regulatory and Technological Challenges

Data protection and privacy are key requirements for digital operations, especially under strict regulations and requirements like ISO 27001. Ecker emphasizes that the aim is not to replace the human element but to responsibly complement the staff's experience with technology. This necessitates that the information obtained—both from direct observations and automated analyses—is integrated into structured systems while always respecting the regulatory framework and user rights.

This framework implies that operators must clearly explain why they request certain information and maintain active communication with players, in addition to investing in training and awareness. Technology should enhance the accuracy and efficiency of actions, not make them overly rigid or restrictive.

Differences and Learnings Between Online and Physical Gambling

In the physical environment, the most valuable information usually comes from observation and direct interaction with customers. However, Ecker sees an opportunity in systematizing and digitizing these insights while ensuring guarantees regarding privacy and data protection. Thus, technology can also make player protection more effective in physical casinos.

The accumulated experience in the physical segment offers equally relevant lessons for online operators; the key lies in how both environments can learn from the combination of data analysis, human contact, and regulatory compliance.

Towards Balanced Protection: Communication, Efficiency, and Migration to the Illegal Market

For Ecker, the greatest challenge is finding the right balance between early risk detection and respectful, proportionate intervention. He explains that more interventions do not automatically equate to better protection; indeed, excessive restrictions can lead players to migrate to the illegal market. He highlights the need for close and constructive relationships among operators, regulators, and technology providers.

"If regulation becomes too strict, there is a real risk of losing players to the illegal market, where no party wins, except the unregulated market," warns Ecker.

The goal should be effective protection based on data, technology, and cooperation, without losing sight of players' rights to privacy and a positive experience.

The Agenda of SBC Summit 2026 and the Integration of Responsible Gambling

During the event, Ecker hopes to discuss practical solutions to theories and general models. He argues that the discussion should focus on the quality and effectiveness of interventions, not just their quantity. The panel will address how risks can be identified more preventively and what mechanisms truly work in regulated markets like Switzerland. He also calls for observing international experiences to avoid excessive regulation favoring unauthorized operators.

The SBC Summit 2026, from September 29 to October 1 in Lisbon, will bring together key industry players to discuss how technology can be responsibly integrated into player protection and responsible marketing strategies. The conference will feature masterclasses and interviews with personalities such as Arjan Korstjens and Emanuel Macedo de Medeiros, providing a comprehensive view on integrity, compliance, and industry trends.