New Regulatory Advisory Board Established: SBC Strengthens Global Dialogue

The international gambling industry is navigating an era of unprecedented regulatory change. From shifting tax landscapes in the United States to rigorous new licensing frameworks across Europe, the relationship between regulators and operators is more critical than ever. In response, SBC has established a new Regulatory Advisory Board. This initiative is designed to move beyond reactive measures and instead foster a proactive, strategic dialogue between those who set the rules and those who must operate within them. By creating a dedicated platform for knowledge-sharing, SBC aims to contribute to the development of more sustainable and competitive regulated markets.

The board is composed of a distinguished group of individuals who bring perspectives from both sides of the regulatory fence. Andrew Gellatly, the former Executive Director of the Alderney Gambling Control Commission (AGCC), serves as Chairman. His leadership ensures that the board’s initiatives are grounded in deep regulatory knowledge. The goal is to address emerging challenges like market integrity and player safety in a way that balances consumer protection with industrial growth.

Numbers and facts

The Regulatory Advisory Board boasts an international roster of industry veterans. Members include David Foster, Group Director of International Regulatory Affairs at Entain, and Yannis Xirotiris, Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs at Kaizen Gaming. Other participants hail from major firms like Playtech, Allwyn, and OpenBet. Former regulators from Denmark and France are also contributing their expertise. A cornerstone of the board’s work will be supporting the SBC Leaders Regulatory Forums. The first European forum is scheduled for April 19, 2027, in Amsterdam, with an expected attendance of 350 senior decision-makers. A North American counterpart in Toronto is set to host 250 leaders from the US and Canada.

Rasmus Sojmark, CEO and Founder of SBC, identified regulation as a primary force shaping the industry’s future. He noted that discussions around licensing and illegal gambling are becoming increasingly complex. The board is intended to serve as a guide in these turbulent times.

"We’ve assembled an outstanding group of people who understand regulation from different perspectives, and their experience will be invaluable in helping us develop something that makes a meaningful contribution to the industry." - Rasmus Sojmark, CEO & Founder of SBC

Background

The complexity of modern gaming regulation arises from the need to protect players while maintaining a viable legal market. Andrew Gellatly pointed out that while jurisdictions differ, many face identical challenges regarding market integrity and sustainable growth. The board intends to identify these common hurdles and encourage open conversations between licensed operators and policy makers. This effort is bolstered by SBC's existing partnerships with the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) and the International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL), ensuring a high standard of educational and collaborative output.

"The Advisory Board provides an opportunity to bring together experienced industry leaders, identify emerging regulatory challenges and encourage constructive dialogue between regulators and licensed operators." - Andrew Gellatly, Chairman of the SBC Regulatory Advisory Board

Why it matters for German players

For players in Germany, this global initiative is highly relevant due to the strict nature of the 2021 Interstate Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV 2021). Germany has implemented rigorous measures, including a 1,000 EUR monthly deposit limit via the LUGAS system and a 1 EUR stake limit per spin on virtual slots. A global dialogue facilitated by the new SBC board could help share German successes in player protection with the international community. Conversely, German regulators might adopt best practices from other regions to improve market channeling—moving players away from dangerous unlicensed sites toward the safe, regulated environment monitored by the GGL. A more harmonized international approach generally leads to higher safety standards for all consumers.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

Casinos operating under a GGL license face significant technical and legal requirements. The new Advisory Board provides a venue where the concerns of these operators, such as fair competition against offshore entities, can be voiced internationally. Since board members include executives from Entain—which operates major German-licensed brands like bwin—there is a direct link to the local market’s realities. If global responsible gaming standards become more aligned, it could reduce the administrative burden for operators working across multiple jurisdictions. This, in turn, may lead to better platform innovation and a wider variety of safe gaming options for players within the German legal framework.