SBC Summit 2026 will explore how the gambling industry is putting digital assets and blockchain technology into practice with the introduction of a dedicated Crypto & Blockchain conference track.
Taking place on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, at the Feira Internacional de Lisboa, the Crypto & Blockchain track will bring together operators, payments leaders, fintech specialists, blockchain professionals, and Web3 experts to examine where these technologies are delivering real-world value, the challenges surrounding their adoption, and what comes next for their use across the industry.
The Crypto & Blockchain track will feature as part of the Payment Expert Summit stage, alongside tracks covering Fintech (Tuesday, Sept. 29) and Global Payment Compliance (Wednesday, Sept. 30).
Throughout the day, sessions will explore how operators can safely integrate crypto payments, the technologies enabling faster and more secure transactions, and what the wider industry can learn from crypto brands about acquisition, engagement and loyalty.
“For a long time, conversations around crypto and blockchain were dominated by what the technology might eventually make possible. We are now at a point where the industry can have a much more practical conversation about where it actually works,” said SBC Founder and CEO Rasmus Sojmark.
“Faster payments and new approaches to engagement are exciting, but adoption also brings questions around compliance, security and regulation that operators cannot ignore. We want this track to look at both sides: where the genuine opportunities lie and what needs to happen for businesses to take advantage of them responsibly.”
SBC Summit’s Crypto & Blockchain panel agenda
The Crypto & Blockchain track will open by examining how regulated operators can safely integrate crypto and stablecoins into their payment ecosystems in the session ‘Blockchain Banking for Gambling Operators.’ Experts Lissele Pratt (founder, Capitalixe), Domenico Roberto Paradisi (Head of Payments, PressEnter Group), Ian Sherrington (CEO, Crownstar), Julian Goffin (co-founder and CEO, Alunafi), Martha Brincat (Chief Regulatory Officer, Malta Gambling Authority), and moderator Bruce Porter Jr. (CEO, GlobalBoost) will explore how operators can unlock the benefits of digital assets, while navigating AML requirements, transaction monitoring, security, and player trust.
The balance between transaction speed and regulatory safeguards will take center stage during the session ‘Speed, Security & Conversion for Crypto Gambling.’ Industry leaders Igor Shelamov (Chief Payments Officer/COO, VeliBC), Nick Fitt (CEO, Defynet), Alex Codina (Head of Payments, Godzilla), and moderator Jean-Michel Azzopardi (Blockchain Architect) will examine how advances in blockchain settlement can support faster deposits and withdrawals while ensuring robust verification, AML safeguards, and regulatory compliance.
Extending beyond technology, the session ‘What iGaming Can Learn from Crypto Marketing ‘iill examine what the wider iGaming industry can learn from the crypto sector’s approach to customer acquisition, engagement and loyalty. Valentina Diaco (strategic business and iGaming advisor) and Becky Liggero (lead gaming industry video reporter, writer, interviewer, and content creator, CoinGeek) will examine how crypto brands have built engaged communities and achieved rapid growth without relying on large marketing budgets, and which of those strategies can realistically be applied by traditional operators.
Other sessions across the day will examine what makes crypto iGaming ventures attractive to investors today during ‘Fundraising 101: Crypto iGaming‘, while ‘Web3 in Gambling: Risks & Rewards‘ will consider where Web3 can create new opportunities for operators and players, and whether the potential rewards outweigh the complexities of adoption.
Networking opportunities on tap
As well as the Crypto & Blockchain agenda, attendees looking to continue the conversation beyond the conference can take advantage of a series of networking opportunities located on the show floor throughout the week.
- The Fintech Show Floor Tour will connect operators with leading blockchain and crypto technology providers to discover their latest solutions.
- The Payments Speed Networking will give attendees the opportunity to make a dozen targeted introductions within a single hour.
- Smart Connect will facilitate prequalified meetings between crypto and blockchain specialists and senior operator representatives.
Exhibitors interested in taking part in the Fintech Show Floor Tour can contact the sales team at [email protected]. Operators can reserve their place on their preferred tour.
About SBC Summit 2026
Taking place Sept. 29 to Oct. 1, 2026, SBC Summit will welcome 40,000 industry professionals to the Feira Internacional de Lisboa (FIL) and MEO Arena for three days of networking, exhibition, and education.
Access to SBC Summit’s conference is included with Conference, Business and VIP Passes. Delegates wishing to attend the conference sessions and compliance-focused networking initiatives will require a Business or VIP Pass.
