SBC Organizes the Global Prediction Markets Forum to Address Regulatory Challenges

The Global Prediction Markets Forum, an initiative by SBC, will take place on October 1st at the Myriad Hotel in Lisbon. This forum emerges in direct response to the industry's main question: how should prediction markets be regulated and classified in a global context where their legal and operational status remains uncertain both in Europe and the United States.

Launch of the Global Prediction Markets Forum

SBC, under the direction of its CEO and founder Rasmus Sojmark, is driving this independent forum, which will be held alongside the SBC Summit 2026. The event is designed to be an exclusive meeting point for operators, prediction market providers, legal experts, and regulators to shape the future of this segment.

"Prediction markets have become one of the most debated topics in the industry. But with rapid growth, significant doubts also arise," stated Rasmus Sojmark, CEO and founder of SBC. "The forum aims to bring together those already operating in the market and those planning to enter it, to clarify regulatory challenges and opportunities."

The meeting responds to the need to create common knowledge on how to effectively integrate prediction markets while maintaining safety and industry compliance. Entry costs €399 and includes a copy of the 'Prediction Market Report 2026' from SBC Insights.

Regulation: Challenges and Transatlantic Comparison

Regulators and governments still diverge in the legal treatment of prediction markets. The panel 'Regulating futures: bridging the gap between the US and Europe' will analyze the regulatory evolution on both continents. Participants include Andrew Lyman (Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner), Charles Mizzi (CEO of Malta Gaming Authority), Terence Cassar (GTG Legal), Zach Doctor (WagerWire), and Ron Segev (Segev LLP, as moderator).

The panel's goal is to examine regulatory uncertainty and prepare operators for future legal changes. The discussion will address the different paths—blocking, regulation, or licensing options—taken by key jurisdictions, as well as immediate challenges for global operators.

Legal Aspects: Gambling, Financial Product, or Hybrid Category?

One of the focal points of the event will be the panel 'The legal conundrum: are prediction markets gambling?'. This group, consisting of Matt Kane (Betr), Arthur Stadler (Stadler Partner Attorneys), Steve Humenik (Crypto.com), and moderated by Quirino Mancini (WH Partners Italy), will explore whether event contracts constitute gambling, financial trading, or an undefined legal category.

The panel will review existing legal frameworks and discuss how regulators might position themselves toward new models distinguishable from traditional sportsbooks.

Technology, Integration, and Go-To-Market Strategy

The session 'Time to market – the technological hurdles to launching a prediction market product' will analyze the technical requirements for launching and integrating new prediction market products. Speakers—Andrew Gonzalez (ParlayX), Henrich Tauber (Limitless), Amit Mahensaria (Pred.app), Guy Dotan (WireMarkets), with Jeff Haas (Binara.ai) as moderator—will discuss technological platforms, integration options, and solutions to expedite access and regulatory compliance.

Topics such as compatibility with regulatory frameworks, peer-to-peer models, and fixed-odds betting will be addressed, focusing on how to choose technologies that minimize legal and technical friction during launch.

Future Perspectives: Coexistence or Competition?

The future of prediction markets will be on the table in the session 'An industry on the cusp of boom or bust: what's the future of futures?'. John Aristotle Phillips (PredictIt), Joey Levo (Betr), and Noah Traisman (Winible) will explore two key questions: the potential coexistence with traditional sportsbooks and the lessons from verticals such as poker and daily fantasy sports.

The discussion will also consider whether a market dominated by multiple major players is viable and how strategic media agreements can bring prediction markets to the general public.

Key Differences and New Models in the Sector

Throughout the day, trends will be discussed, such as the evolution of products toward the mainstream, the distinction from sportsbook products, peer-to-peer models, and the impact of technological innovation on the global growth of the segment.

Attendees will receive exclusive insights on how regulatory changes, strategic partnerships, and technological adaptation can transform prediction markets into a main focus of the global gaming sector.