Southeast Asia News Desk

(AsiaGameHub) –   Ranging from Italy’s full licensing system overhaul to stricter regulatory measures in the UK and the liberalization of emerging markets such as Finland, the global gaming sector is entering an era of major transformation. 

To help operators navigate this constantly evolving landscape, SBC Summit Malta is launching a specialized ‘Market Disruption’ track focused on regulatory shifts and newly emerging opportunities that will define the industry’s next phase of growth.

Taking place on Wednesday, 29 April, the programme will bring together regional experts to analyze the most significant regulatory changes across the global gaming space and their impact on operators, covering everything from market entry strategies to long-term financial viability.

Kicking off the track is the session Italy Reset: Consolidation, Control and the Next Licensing Cycle, which will unpack the ramifications of Italy’s new licensing structure. Regional experts Marco Tiso (Managing Director, Sisal), Quirino Mancini (Partner and Director, WH Italy), Luca Grisci (Managing Director, HBG Online (Novomatic Group)), and Nicola Tani (Chief Editor, Agipro) will assess the core challenges facing operators entering the market, from financial consequences and regulatory adjustments to the barriers created by the new framework.

“UK in Transition: Regulation, Retreat and the Fight for a Sustainable Market” will analyze how stricter regulation and rising operational costs are reshaping the UK gambling market. Christopher Dalli (CEO, L&L Europe) will explore how operators are adapting, from cost-cutting measures to adjustments in affiliate partnership models, alongside the rapid expansion of the black market, and whether tighter rules are protecting players or pushing them towards unregulated alternatives.

A key highlight of the track will spotlight Malta’s evolving fiscal framework with the session “New VAT Laws on Gambling and Betting, a Game Changer.”  Set to take effect on 1 October 2026, the new VAT regulations are expected to have a significant impact on how operators structure their business operations. The session will explore the drivers behind the reform, the benefits it brings to the gambling industry, and what steps Malta-based operators need to take to prepare for the changes, with insights from Nico Sciberras (Director Indirect Tax, MTCA), Cristian Edu (Head of Finance, Superbet Romania), and Ramona Cassar (Partner, Head of Tax, WH Partners).

“Germany at a Crossroads: Regulation and Market Sustainability” will examine the challenges facing one of Europe’s largest gambling markets. With growing black market activity, ongoing debates around channelisation, and increasing scrutiny over the balance between taxation and player protection, the session will explore whether Germany’s current regulatory model is viable, moderated by Dr. Fabian Masurat (Lawyer, Taylor Wessing).

“The Dutch Market at a Crossroads: Regulation, Politics and the Future of Licensing” will explore how political uncertainty and tightening restrictions are shaping the Netherlands’ gambling landscape. With ongoing discussions around advertising bans and licensing limits, the session will examine whether increased regulation could drive market consolidation or force operators to exit the market, with insights from Frank op de Woerd (CEO & Founder, CasinoNieuws.nl).

“Finland’s Big Gamble: Can Regulation Win Back the Market?” will focus on the country’s transition from a state monopoly to a licensed market by 2027. With channelisation rates declining and substantial revenue flowing to offshore operators, the session will explore whether the proposed regulatory framework can effectively compete with the black market, as discussed by Sam Brown (CEO, Rootz).

Closing out the track, “Emerging Markets: The Next Billion Dollar Battleground” will examine where the industry’s next growth opportunities are taking shape, as attention shifts from mature markets to regions across Africa, the UAE, Asia, and Latin America. With regulation still evolving in many of these markets, the session will explore where operators can make early moves, which regions are closest to formalizing regulation, and who is best positioned to succeed, featuring Donna Bugelli (Managing Associate, WH Partners).

SBC Summit Malta will be held at the InterContinental Malta from 28–30 April, bringing together 6,000 industry stakeholders to explore the key forces shaping global gaming, from evolving regulation to technological innovation and shifting player expectations. Alongside the Market Disruption track, attendees will gain insights across marketing, sports betting and iGaming, operations and compliance, policy and PR, affiliation, and leadership.

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Secure Your Tickets to SBC Summit Malta

Group Pass 3+ (VIP Pass): Available for groups of three or more, this pass grants full access to conference sessions, the expo floor, and networking events, all for a discounted rate of €400 per person. Single VIP Passes can be purchased at the full standard price of €600. 

Looking for an Expo+ Pass? You can get one for just €150.
If you are an operator or affiliate, you are eligible to apply for a free pass! Operators can apply for a complimentary pass here | Affiliates can apply for complimentary passes here.