AI Academy in Lisbon: Fighting Deepfakes and Fraud in Gaming

The landscape of online gambling is undergoing a massive transformation as artificial intelligence moves from theoretical potential to practical, daily application. At the upcoming SBC Summit in Lisbon, a new educational pillar called the AI Academy will debut on September 29, 2026. This initiative is designed to equip 40,000 expected delegates with the tools needed to navigate the complexities of AI, focusing specifically on cybersecurity and operational efficiency. Instead of just discussing what AI could do, the academy offers hands-on workshops and live demonstrations to prepare the industry for the next wave of technological challenges.

Located at the Sala Tejo in the MEO Arena, the academy will host a range of tech specialists and AI leaders. The primary goal is to move past the hype and provide delegates with skills they can apply immediately. This includes everything from data analysis to defending against AI-powered fraud, such as voice cloning and deepfake identity theft. As criminals become more sophisticated, the gambling industry must innovate just as quickly to ensure player safety and financial integrity. The academy serves as a front-line training ground for these emerging battles.

Numbers and facts

Several industry heavyweights are set to lead the sessions. Behshad Behzadi, CTO of Sportradar, will conduct a live demonstration titled 'Data and AI: Limits and Lessons,' showcasing how AI analyzes player behavior and enriches sports data. Meanwhile, the 'Trust Test' case study will feature Lluis Mora, Chief Security Officer at Entain, and Donald Tabone, CISO at Betsson, who will demonstrate how AI-generated identities are used to exploit systems. Attendees will also have the chance to participate in a workshop led by Mayank Pachauri, CEO of FalconDive, where they will build their own practical AI assistants for specific business roles like marketing or CRM.

"The biggest mistake businesses can make with AI is treating it like a shortcut. The organizations getting the most from it are the ones that understand its strengths, recognize its limitations, and know where human expertise still matters." - Rasmus Sojmark, Founder and CEO of SBC

This comprehensive event concludes with an 'AI in Gaming Show Floor Tour,' allowing operators to meet directly with technology suppliers. The entire summit runs from September 29 to October 1, 2026, marking a significant milestone in how the global gaming community addresses the duality of AI technology as both a tool for growth and a potential weapon for fraud.

Background

The integration of AI into gambling is not entirely new, but the rise of generative AI has changed the stakes. Previously, algorithms were used for simple tasks like recommendation engines. Today, the ability of AI to simulate human behavior, voices, and faces has created a new category of risk. The industry is currently in a race to implement 'defensive AI'—systems capable of spotting deepfakes in real-time. Experts like John Caldwell of i3Soft will also explore the physical side of this tech, demonstrating how smart glasses and biometric wearables could change the way consumers interact with digital entertainment, adding another layer of complexity to the digital ecosystem.

Why it matters for German players

For players in Germany, the advancements discussed in Lisbon are vital for maintaining a secure gambling environment. The German Interstate Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV 2021) mandates strict verification processes. As deepfake technology becomes more accessible to fraudsters, the methods used by German-licensed casinos to verify identities must become even more robust. The innovations presented at the AI Academy will likely set the global standard for how these verifications are performed. When players use platforms on the GGL whitelist, they are protected by operators who are required to use the latest security tech. Improved AI systems also mean better detection of problematic gambling habits, helping to enforce the 1,000 euro monthly deposit limit and the 1 euro per spin rule effectively. This ensures that the protection mechanisms intended by German law are not just legal requirements but functional realities.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

For operators holding a GGL license, staying at the forefront of AI technology is mandatory. They must comply with the LUGAS central monitoring system and the OASIS exclusion database, both of which require high levels of data integrity. The sessions in Lisbon regarding AI agents and autonomous decision-making provide valuable insights into how these casinos can automate customer support without sacrificing player protection. If a GGL-licensed casino can use AI to identify a player at risk of addiction faster and more accurately, they fulfill their legal duty more effectively. Furthermore, as the German regulator keeps a close eye on technical compliance, adopting international best practices for fraud prevention is essential for avoiding fines or the loss of their license. Security is the foundation of the German regulated market, and AI is increasingly becoming the most important tool to maintain that foundation.