As artificial intelligence and fintech continue to reshape the global gaming industry, SBC Summit 2026 is introducing two dedicated educational programmes designed to help operators, suppliers and technology leaders navigate the next phase of digital transformation.
Taking place from 29 September to 1 October 2026 at Feira Internacional de Lisboa & MEO Arena in Lisbon, the event is expected to attract more than 40,000 industry professionals. Alongside its exhibition and networking programme, the summit will feature a new AI Academy and a dedicated Fintech conference track, giving delegates practical insights into emerging technologies that are changing payments, compliance, fraud prevention and customer engagement.
AI Academy focuses on practical business applications
A key addition to SBC Summit’s premium Education+ programme, the AI Academy will move beyond discussions about artificial intelligence by offering hands-on workshops, live demonstrations and interactive case studies.
According to SBC Founder and CEO Rasmus Sojmark, businesses benefit most from AI when they understand both its capabilities and its limitations.
“The biggest mistake businesses can make with AI is treating it like a shortcut. The organisations getting the most from it are the ones that understand its strengths, recognise its limitations, and know where human expertise still matters. That’s the thinking behind this academy. Rather than simply talking about AI’s potential, we’re giving delegates the opportunity to test it, question it, experiment with it, and leave with skills they can immediately put into practice.”
Rather than presenting AI as a shortcut, the academy is designed to help delegates experiment with real-world applications and leave with practical tools they can implement immediately.
Sessions will cover:
- AI-powered sports data analysis and decision-making
- AI agents and the future of customer interaction
- Wearable AI, robotics and human augmentation
- Deepfake fraud, voice cloning and cybersecurity
- Building a customised AI assistant for marketing, CRM or analytics
One of the highlights will be an interactive workshop where attendees create their own AI assistant tailored to specific business functions, providing practical skills that extend beyond the conference itself.
Fintech track explores the future of gaming payments
Running on 29 September, the dedicated Fintech track will examine how payment technology is transforming every stage of the player journey from onboarding and identity verification to payments, compliance and responsible gambling.
Hosted within the Payment Expert Summit, the programme brings together operators, payment providers, fintech companies and compliance specialists to discuss modern payment infrastructure, evolving regulation and fraud prevention.
“Fintech is now influencing almost every stage of the player journey, from how players are onboarded and verified to how operators manage compliance, prevent fraud and support responsible gambling,” said Sojmark.
Industry experts will explore how operators can build faster, more resilient payment systems while maintaining compliance across increasingly complex regulatory environments.
Digital identity, AML and responsible gambling in focus
Beyond payment processing, the fintech agenda also addresses regulatory challenges surrounding digital identity and customer verification.
Sessions will examine how upcoming EU anti-money laundering reforms are reshaping Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements and how operators can maintain smooth onboarding experiences while strengthening compliance.
Responsible gambling will also feature prominently, with experts discussing how financial data and transaction insights can help identify risky player behaviour earlier and support more proactive intervention strategies.
AI becomes central to payments and fraud prevention
Artificial intelligence is increasingly overlapping with fintech, and both programmes reflect that convergence.
The Fintech track will include sessions examining agentic AI, intelligent financial automation and modular payment orchestration, while the AI Academy will demonstrate how AI-generated identities, deepfakes and voice cloning are creating new cybersecurity risks for gaming businesses.
Together, the programmes highlight how AI is becoming integral to fraud detection, payment optimisation, customer verification and operational efficiency.
Networking connects operators with technology providers
Beyond educational sessions, delegates will have opportunities to engage directly with solution providers through SBC Summit’s expanded networking programme.
Initiatives including Smart Connect will facilitate pre-arranged business meetings between operators and technology suppliers, while guided show floor tours will introduce attendees to leading AI and fintech exhibitors showcasing the latest innovations.
SBC Summit expands focus on digital transformation
With dedicated programmes covering AI, fintech, compliance and cybersecurity, SBC Summit 2026 is positioning itself as a platform for exploring the technologies reshaping the gaming industry.
As operators face growing regulatory complexity alongside rapid advances in artificial intelligence and payment innovation, the summit aims to provide practical guidance on implementing secure, compliant and scalable digital solutions while improving player experience and operational performance.
How to participate in SBC Summit Fintech & AI discussions
Operators can apply to participate in Smart Connect here. Suppliers interested in securing a place can contact the team at [email protected]. Operators can also join the AI in Gaming Show Floor Tour, an SBC team-guided experience showcasing the event’s leading AI exhibitors and solutions.
Exhibitors interested in taking part in the Fintech Show Floor Tour can contact the sales team at [email protected]. Operators can reserve their spot on their desired tour here.
Access to SBC Summit’s conference is included with Conference, Business, and VIP Passes. Delegates wishing to attend conference sessions and the Fintech-focused networking opportunities will require a Business or VIP Pass.
Use our 30% Discount Code: PAYSPACEPARTNERVIP to receive VIP Passes AND Conference, Networking, and Business Passes at reduced prices.
Access to the AI Academy is available exclusively with an Education+ Pass.
Available as a €249 add-on to all SBC Summit and Affiliate Leaders Summit ticket types, the Education+ Pass provides access to one Academy or Masterclass of your choice, including the AI, Marketing & CRM, Web 3, and Player Experience academies, as well as the Sportsbook Trading, Responsible Gaming Marketing and Electronic Gaming Masterclasses.
To upgrade, email [email protected] with your current ticket type to receive your dedicated payment link.
