Gaming Laboratories International Leads Regulatory Analysis at SBC Lisbon 2026
GLI will participate in SBC Lisbon with global experts, growth-oriented sessions in Latin America, and the inclusion of Karen Sierra-Hughes in the SBC Hall of Fame.

Key Takeaways
- GLI gathers international experts and leads key sessions at SBC Lisbon 2026.
- The 'LatAm Leaders' panel will discuss strategies for sustainable growth in regulated markets.
- Karen Sierra-Hughes will be inducted into the SBC Hall of Fame for her contributions to the sector in Latin America and Spain.
- GLI offers certification and technical support for operators, suppliers, and gaming regulators.
Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) will actively participate in SBC Lisbon 2026, gathering international experts to address key trends in certification, regulatory compliance, and innovation in gaming. GLI will have a presence at stand #B238 and will lead strategic discussions at the event, thereby consolidating its role in the regulation and safe development of the iGaming and sports betting sector.
GLI Brings Global Experience and Local Knowledge to SBC Lisbon
GLI will attend SBC Lisbon with professionals from several of its international offices, available at stand #B238. The company's focus is on testing and certification services, regulatory compliance consulting, sports betting and iGaming consultancy, and information security through the GLI Secure division. GLI's aim is to guide operators, regulators, and providers to meet quality standards and regulatory requirements in various markets.
Apart from activities in the exhibition area, GLI will play a prominent role in leading sessions and panels focused on the strategic evolution of the gaming industry in emerging markets.
"LatAm Leaders" Panel: Discipline and Sustainable Growth in Regulated Gaming
On Thursday, October 1, the session "LatAm Leaders: Strategy, Scale and Survival" will be held on the Global & Emerging Markets - Latin America - Stage 2. The moderator will be Karen Sierra-Hughes, Vice President of GLI for Latin America, the Caribbean, and Spain. The panel will discuss the situation of sustainable growth, the markets that best balance disciplined expansion, and the creation of long-term value in a context of accelerated consolidation.
This session reflects a trend of increasing relevance for the industry in the region and will be key for operators and regulators wishing to understand the role of discipline and scale in expansion strategy.
Meeting with LatAm & Brazil Regulators at SBC Lisbon
On Tuesday, September 29, from 16:30 to 18:00, the LatAm & Brazil Regulator Meet up will take place, organized by GLI and also moderated by Sierra-Hughes. The following regulators have confirmed attendance:
- Javier Milian, President of the National Lottery of Beneficence of El Salvador
- Ida Lopez, President of the State Lottery Association of Argentina (ALEA)
- Ezequiel Domínguez, Director of the Lottery of the City of Buenos Aires (LOTBA)
- Juan Carlos Santaella, Executive Director of the Games Commission of Puerto Rico
This forum will facilitate direct exchange between regulatory agencies in Latin America and Brazil, promoting the modernization of regulatory frameworks and international collaboration in the sector.
Recognition for Karen Sierra-Hughes and GLI's Institutional Presence
Prior to the event, organizers announced that Karen Sierra-Hughes will be recognized in the tenth generation of the SBC Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony will take place on Monday, September 28, 2026, at 15:30 at the Palácio Estoril Hotel in Lisbon, during the SBC Leaders Summit, an exclusive event for top executives. This recognition highlights her career supporting regulators in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Spain, contributing to the modernization and advancement of the safe and regulated gaming industry.
"The future is full of opportunities, and GLI is here to help you make the most of them." — Institutional statement from GLI.
GLI: Certification, Global Coverage, and Technical Standards
Since its founding in 1989, Gaming Laboratories International has certified nearly 2 million elements and tested equipment for over 710 jurisdictions, approving more than 5.3 million components related to gaming. GLI has laboratories on six continents and possesses international accreditations according to ISO/IEC standards for technical competence in land-based gaming, lotteries, and iGaming.
GLI provides providers, operators, and regulators in the sector with a range of services including:
- Testing and TIC certification for land-based, lotteries, and online gaming
- Global regulatory compliance consulting
- Consulting on regulatory processes aimed at international expansion
- Security certification and support in innovation processes
GLI's presence at SBC Lisbon reinforces its strategy to accompany key sector players in transitioning to more demanding regulations and increasingly integrated markets, with particular attention to Latin America and the need to adapt to changing regulatory frameworks.
GLI's Outlook and Agenda for the Gaming Industry
GLI anticipates new challenges in the validation of components and new technologies, as well as a growing demand for specialized advice as Latin American and European markets accelerate regulatory reforms. The company positions itself as a key partner in certification, auditing, and preparing providers and operators for licensing and launch processes, facilitating safe entry into new markets.
For additional information channels and contacts, GLI maintains updated resources on certification, compliance services, and industry news on its official portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will participate in the LatAm Leaders panel at SBC Lisbon?
The panel will be moderated by Karen Sierra-Hughes, Vice President of GLI, and will include industry leaders analyzing sustainable strategies and value in Latin America on October 1.
Which regulators will attend the LatAm & Brazil Regulator Meet up?
The event will feature Javier Milian (El Salvador), Ida Lopez (Argentina, ALEA), Ezequiel Domínguez (LOTBA), and Juan Carlos Santaella (Puerto Rico), promoting exchange and regulatory updates.
Why was Karen Sierra-Hughes selected for the SBC Hall of Fame?
Karen Sierra-Hughes will be recognized for her support to regulators in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Spain, and for her influence in modernizing the regulatory framework in the industry.
What certification services does GLI offer worldwide?
GLI provides testing, TIC certification for land-based, lotteries, and iGaming, along with consulting on regulatory compliance and information security on six continents.
Where will the SBC Hall of Fame induction ceremony take place?
The induction of Karen Sierra-Hughes will occur on September 28, 2026, at 15:30, at the Palácio Estoril Hotel in Lisbon as part of the SBC Leaders Summit.
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About the author

Gonzalo Marín
Industry Deals Correspondent
Gonzalo Marín covers the corporate deal flow of gambling — operator strategy, M&A, regulated-market entries, and product launches. The reports open with the transaction, cite companies, valuations, and jurisdictions exactly as released, and keep the announcement apart from its actual effect. When a Latin American operator raises capital or a European brand lands in the region, Gonzalo Marín reports who signs, for how much, and on what terms.
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