Experience vs. Information Overload: Rasmus Sojmark on the Value of Human Connection

The world of online gambling is changing rapidly, but one constant remains indispensable according to Rasmus Sojmark, founder and CEO of SBC: personal exchange. In an era where artificial intelligence can answer complex regulatory questions in seconds and reports are available at the click of a button, the purpose of major industry events is being redefined. Sojmark argues passionately that information alone is not enough to survive in a highly competitive market like the German or international gaming sector. It is about context that can only be provided by people who have spent years in a market or have lived through expensive mistakes themselves.

The SBC Summit in Lisbon is designed to provide exactly this added value. With an expected attendance of 40,000 people, it is not about meeting everyone, but about making the right connections. Sojmark aptly compares business to a contact sport. Trust, he posits, is difficult to simulate digitally. When companies invest millions in new technologies or enter into partnerships for market entry, sitting opposite someone remains the gold standard for risk assessment. This is particularly true for regulated markets where compliance with complex rules determines success or failure.

Numbers and facts

The sheer scale of the event underscores the importance of the topic. More than 600 speakers will share their knowledge across a total of six different stages. For Sojmark, it is less about the quantity of presentations and more about the experience represented within them. A particular focus this year is the cooperation with regulatory associations. Over 20 Regulatory Gaming Meetups are planned, conducted in collaboration with the IAGR (International Association of Gaming Regulators) and the IMGL (International Masters of Gaming Law). These meetings are intended to provide a direct line to authorities and legal experts, which can save months of independent research.

"Information is everywhere to find. Experience is still considerably harder to find." - Rasmus Sojmark, CEO and Founder of SBC

In addition, SBC is focusing on new interactive formats. Following successful trials at the SBC Summit Americas, Speed Networking and special Show Floor Tours are now being introduced in Lisbon. The goal is to filter out exactly the five people from the mass of 40,000 visitors who could be decisive for one's own business. Technology is also being used to support partner matching, but Sojmark warns against relying solely on algorithms. An algorithm can find commonalities, but it cannot create trust between two business partners.

Background

The transformation of conference culture reflects the maturation of the iGaming industry. In the past, people traveled just to find out what was happening in a new market. Today, that data is ubiquitous. The true value now lies in hearing from operators how they are specifically preparing for new laws or whether their AI investments are actually delivering the expected results. Sojmark emphasizes that the willingness to talk about mistakes brings the greatest benefit. Hearing what hurdles three competitors had in a particular jurisdiction allows one to ask better questions during their own investment planning.

Particularly interesting is Sojmark's approach of looking beyond the gaming industry. Speakers from the fields of sport, technology, finance, and entertainment are expected on the so-called Super Stage. The idea is simple: if the industry only talks to itself, ideas will eventually repeat. External impulses are necessary to respond to challenges such as demographic change or new payment methods. Sojmark does not see the social component, from evening events at Festival Square to performances by artists like Tiësto, as a distraction but as an integral part of networking. In a relaxed atmosphere, one learns more about a partner's way of working than from any LinkedIn profile.

Why it matters for German players

For German players, these global industry developments have an indirect but noticeable impact. When international operators and regulators exchange views at platforms like the SBC Summit, experiences regarding the German Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 are also shared. The strict rules in Germany, such as the deposit limit of 1,000 Euros per month or the stake limit of 1 Euro per spin for online slots, are often topics of such discussions. German players benefit when operators learn through the exchange in Lisbon how to implement player protection measures more technologically efficiently and in a more customer-friendly manner.

Furthermore, the dialogue between the Joint Gambling Authority of the States (GGL) and international experts ensures that the German regulatory system is constantly under review. Players who value security should always ensure they only play with providers listed on the official GGL whitelist. The exchange in Lisbon helps companies better understand and technically implement the requirements of the LUGAS system and the OASIS lock file, which ultimately increases gaming safety for the user in Germany.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

For operators with a German license, the exchange of experience at such events is vital for survival. The German market is considered one of the most difficult worldwide due to the tax burden and strict supervision. Here, GGL-licensed casinos can learn from the experiences of other companies that have already cleared similar hurdles in countries like the UK or Denmark. The exchange on player protection and the use of AI for early detection of problematic gaming behavior are central themes that flow directly into German practice. Only those who understand the context can permanently meet the high standards of the GGL without losing sight of profitability.