SBC Summit Tbilisi 2026: Shaping Regulatory Future in Eurasia

The Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace recently hosted the fourth edition of the SBC Summit Tbilisi, a pivotal event for the iGaming and sports betting community in Eurasia. On 15 and 16 July 2026, the summit in Georgia brought together a diverse group of operators, affiliates, and regulators. The event, held in partnership with international consulting firm SMH, served as a vital platform for building new business relationships across Eastern Europe and Central Asia, highlighting the region's increasing importance in the global gambling landscape.

Attendees from various sectors praised the focused size of the event, which allowed for high-quality, in-depth conversations rather than just superficial networking. The discussions covered a wide spectrum of themes, including the implementation of artificial intelligence in player engagement, the complexities of market entry in developing jurisdictions, and the evolving nature of sports sponsorships. It was clear that the summit has cemented its position as the ultimate meeting point for gaming professionals interested in Eurasian markets.

Numbers and facts

More than 70 experts took to the stage during the two-day conference. Key figures included Giorgi Gvenetadze (COO, Flutter CEE), Kaido Ulejev (CEO, Mindcraft), and David Japaridze (CCO, Setanta Holding). The agenda also featured a highly anticipated keynote by former football star Fernando Morientes, who shared insights into performance and leadership that translate well into the betting business. The presence of such a diverse array of speakers underscores the summit's reach into both the corporate and sporting worlds.

A standout feature of the 2026 programme was the Regulatory Forum. This specific segment hosted regulatory figures from the EU, the United States, Georgia, and several Central Asian nations. The goal was to exchange best practices and discuss the legal policies that will shape the future of the industry. Valerii Vyzhak, Vice-Chairman for International Development at the National Gaming Business Council of Ukraine, noted that the forum provided "clever solutions" that could be relayed directly to national governments for implementation.

"It is really important to get fresh ideas. It is our job to take those ideas back and discuss them with the Ukrainian government. Sometimes they are open to clever solutions, and what we find here are clever solutions." - Valerii Vyzhak, Vice-Chairman, International Development, National Gaming Business Council (Ukraine)

Background

SBC Founder and CEO Rasmus Sojmark noted that the summit is special because of the quality of participants. It is not just about the volume of attendees but the specific access to senior leaders who are actively shaping their respective markets. The event also highligted that not all markets in the region are developing at the same pace. This disparity makes knowledge sharing essential, as lawyers and operators in emerging markets can learn from the experiences of those who have already navigated similar regulatory hurdles elsewhere.

Beyond the conference rooms, the expo floor provided a high-visibility platform for regional startups. This visibility is vital for a region that is evolving quickly and where success is often defined by local knowledge and trusted personal relationships. The summit also utilized technology like the SBC Connect app, which allowed delegates to plan their meetings in advance, ensuring that the two days were as productive as possible. Social events, including a VIP dinner and a poker tournament, provided the necessary backdrop for cementing long-term partnerships.

Why it matters for German players

For players in Germany, the trends discussed at such international summits are crucial. The German market is governed by the Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021), which is one of the strictest in Europe. Regulatory dialogues in Tbilisi often touch upon player protection and technical verification, which are cornerstones of the German system. When international giants like Flutter discuss their CEE operations, they also refine their strategies for complying with the German 1 Euro spin limit and the 1,000 Euro monthly deposit cap managed by LUGAS.

Understanding how other countries handle regulation helps German players see the value of their own licensed market. While other regions might still struggle with player safety, German-licensed casinos must adhere to rigid standards including the cross-provider blocking system OASIS. The exchange between EU and US regulators at such events suggests a global movement toward the kind of high-compliance environment that German players already experience, aimed at preventing gambling addiction and ensuring fair play.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

Casinos holding a license from the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL) receive a boost from the technological innovations showcased at events like the SBC Summit. Suppliers who provide software for German casinos are often present at these expos to present new tools for responsible gaming. As the GGL continues to enforce its whitelist, the participation of EU regulators in Tbilisi signifies a unified front against illegal offshore providers often licensed in jurisdictions like Curacao or the MGA.

For a GGL-licensed operator, staying competitive means staying ahead of technological trends like AI while remaining strictly within the legal bounds of German law. The summit's focus on technological challenges like player engagement and AI agents for support directly correlates with how German casinos can improve their services without violating strict advertising and operational rules. Ultimately, these international summits help solidify the legitimacy of national regulatory frameworks like Germany's on the global stage.