SBC Summit Tbilisi Highlights Regional Regulatory Advances

SBC Summit Tbilisi 2026, held on 15-16 July at the Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace, brought together a cross-section of leaders from the iGaming and sports betting industries. The summit, now in its fourth year, addressed critical regulatory and commercial topics, offering an unparalleled opportunity for networking and discussion among regulators, operators, affiliates, and suppliers.

Networking and Strategic Partnerships

The event was noted for its high-quality dialogues and opportunities to form significant partnerships across Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Rasmus Sojmark, SBC Founder and CEO, emphasized the summit's role as a central meeting point in these regions. "It's not simply the number of attendees but the quality of conversations," he noted.

An Intimate Yet Impactful Setting

Dmitry Starostenkov, CEO of EvenBet Gaming, praised the event for balancing size with meaningful interactions. According to him, the summit allowed for in-depth discussions with partners, effectively enhancing exposure while maintaining intimacy.

Comprehensive Agenda

The summit's agenda covered commercial, technological, and regulatory challenges, with over 70 experts sharing insights on market entry, AI, player engagement, and more. Highlights included contributions from industry figures such as Giorgi Gvenetadze, COO of Flutter CEE, and David Japaridze, CCO of Setanta Holding.

Regulatory Forum Focus

A dedicated Regulatory Forum drew key regulatory figures from the EU, US, Georgia, and Central Asia. Discussions centered on best practices and policy developments for the gaming sector. Valerii Vyzhak of Ukraine's National Gaming Business Council underscored the forum's role in bringing new ideas to light.

Milica Delevic, Founder of Delewhite, stressed the importance of understanding varied legal frameworks and learning from colleagues in different markets.

Startups in the Spotlight

The summit also provided a platform for emerging startups to showcase innovations. This visibility was celebrated by Starostenkov for offering newcomers an opportunity to engage with decision-makers.

Networking and Social Events

An array of social events, including an Opening Party and a VIP Dinner, fostered informal interactions among attendees. Roxana Dinescu of Super highlighted the relaxed atmosphere that these events provided, facilitating personal connections.

SBC Connect, a planning app, was praised for its efficiency, enabling delegates to schedule meetings in advance, as mentioned by Vyzhak.

Event Organisation

Critically acclaimed for seamless organization, the summit maintained a high standard throughout. Starostenkov gave it a perfect score, noting the flawless execution from registration to evening activities.

The Future Event: SBC Summit in Lisbon

The next major event is the SBC Summit in Lisbon, occurring from 29 September to 1 October 2026, promising an expansive gathering of industry professionals, with 800 exhibitors and a robust networking schedule.

The participation of international regulators underscores the summit’s growing significance, making it a key player on the global stage for iGaming sector discussions.