Amsterdam Gaming Summit: SBC and VNLOK Seal New Strategic Alliance

Amsterdam is preparing for a new major event in the European gambling calendar. With a recently announced multi-year strategic partnership between event organizer SBC and the Vergunde Nederlandse Online Kansspelaanbieders (VNLOK), the Dutch capital is moving to the heart of the regulatory debate. This cooperation aims to significantly strengthen the dialogue between licensed operators, regulators, and policymakers. It is not just about networking but about actively shaping the future of European gaming.

The core of this alliance lies in the preparation for the SBC Summit Europe, debuting at RAI Amsterdam from 19-21 April 2027. The Netherlands is considered one of the most important regulated markets in Europe, making the choice of location and partner logical. By connecting local expertise with international reach, urgent questions regarding advertising restrictions, taxation models, and protecting players from illegal black-market offers are to be addressed.

Numbers and facts

The scale of the planned event in April 2027 is impressive. Organizers expect more than 8,000 attendees, with over 3,000 representatives directly from the licensed operator sector. Across four conference stages, approximately 250 speakers will share their insights on market developments. Additionally, 250 exhibitors and sponsors will present their latest innovations. A particular highlight is the SBC Leaders Regulatory Forum on 19 April, reserved exclusively for invited guests from regulation and senior leadership.

"Our ambition is to establish Amsterdam as the annual meeting place for Europe’s regulated gaming industry, bringing together the licensed operators, regulators, policymakers and associations shaping its future." - Rasmus Sojmark, Founder and CEO of SBC

Background

The partnership with VNLOK is a strategic move, as the association represents the interests of licensed online gambling providers in the Netherlands. The Dutch market has experienced a steep learning curve in recent years, particularly in channeling players toward legal avenues. Björn Fuchs, Chairman of VNLOK, emphasizes that many markets face the same hurdles. Sharing experiences on fighting illegal supply and effective player protection measures is at the top of the agenda.

"The Dutch licensed market has a lot of experience to share, and a lot to learn from other regulated markets." - Björn Fuchs, Chairman of VNLOK

This cooperation also builds on SBC's existing ties with organizations such as the IAGR (International Association of Gaming Regulators) and the IMGL (International Masters of Gaming Law). This ensures the summit possesses high professional depth that goes beyond purely commercial interests.

Why it matters for German players

For German players, developments in Amsterdam are directly relevant. The German Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021) and the work of the Joint Gambling Authority of the States (GGL) often face similar obstacles as the Dutch system. When European associations collaborate more closely, it leads to harmonized player protection standards in the long run. Those playing with providers on the official GGL whitelist in Germany already benefit from strict rules, such as the cross-provider deposit limit of 1,000 euros per month and the 1 euro per spin limit on virtual slots.

The dialogue in Amsterdam will cover topics such as the LUGAS IT system for monitoring these limits. Since illegal providers without a German license attempt to bypass these safety mechanisms, cross-border exchange to combat the black market is essential. A safe gaming environment in Germany is only possible if regulators know how other EU states successfully push back the illegal market. German players can hope that the summit's outcomes result in more efficient protection measures and better enforcement of licensing laws at home.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

For operators with a GGL license, the SBC Summit offers a stage to compare German regulation within the European context. Germany's high requirements for player protection and strict advertising rules are often seen as a model or a warning for other nations. GGL-licensed casinos can learn from the experiences of Dutch providers on how to operate commercially sustainably despite strict restrictions. Participation in such events strengthens the position of legal providers against the unregulated market, highlighting transparency and professionalism as quality marks.