Player Protection 2026
SBC Digital – Player Protection 2026 brings together industry experts, operators and technology providers to examine the latest challenges in responsible gambling, player protection and safer play.
From consumer protection and player education to emerging technologies, recovery support and independent research, the programme will explore how the industry can prevent gambling harm, strengthen interventions and build a safer, more sustainable gambling environment.
11:10 | Beyond Gambling: What Other Industries Can Teach Us About Consumer Protection?
What can the gambling industry learn from how other sectors protect consumers from harm? And where does gambling already lead the way?
Drawing on the findings of a major international research report by SBC Insights in partnership with 1xCare, this webinar will explore how approaches to consumer protection in industries such as financial services, alcohol, pharmaceuticals and cryptocurrency could help shape the future of safer gambling.
Combining insights from gambling industry compliance and responsible gambling professionals with YouGov research involving more than 2,000 consumers in the UK and Spain, our expert panel will examine perceptions of consumer safety, identify weaknesses in existing player protection provision and highlight examples of best practice from other industries.
The discussion will also consider where operators and consumers agree – and disagree – on priorities, and what a more effective, mature player protection framework might look like.
Speakers:
- Piotr Lisak, Chief Operating Officer, Q Digital Assets
- Thees Buschmann, Experienced Compliance Professional, Chevron Group
- Ashley Cahill, Co-Founder and Partner, Fiore Cahill Advisory
- Simon Westbury, Strategic Advisor, 1xCare
12:00 | Beyond the Warning: Educating Players About the Risks of Gambling
Player protection cannot rely solely on intervention once harm has already occurred. As gambling becomes more accessible, fast-paced and personalised, there is an opportunity for the industry to take a more proactive approach by helping players better understand the risks before problems develop.
Can education empower players to make more informed decisions and will the industry ensure responsible gambling messages are meaningful rather than simply another compliance requirement? From understanding odds, spending and risk, to recognising early warning signs and knowing when and where to seek support, what does effective player education look like?
Speakers:
- Maris Catania, Director of Player Sustainability, LeoVegas
- Hayley Smith, Group Compliance and Risk Director, Boylesports
- Rossi McKee, Co-Founder, Telematic Interactive Bulgaira AD and CT Interactive
- Sissel Weitzhandler, Co-Founder, EGARA
- Paul Buck, CEO, EPIC Global Solutions
- Ted Orme-Claye, Editor, SBC News
13:00 | Keeping Pace with Risk: The Technology Driving Safer Play
As gaming technology continues to evolve, so does the potential to strengthen player protection. With millions of interactions taking place across digital platforms, operators cannot rely on manual monitoring alone to identify every player at risk.
This panel will explore how technologies such as AI, data analytics and automation can help operators detect harmful behaviours earlier, improve oversight and deliver more timely, personalised interventions. Will technology move beyond simply identifying risk to actively supporting safer and more sustainable play, while also enhancing the overall player experience?
Speakers:
- Eduards Jakubovs, Head of Responsible Gambling, Betsson Group
- Sam Douglas, Head of Player Protection, Hippodrome Casino
- Savvas Iliopoulos, Responsible Gambling and Player Protection Expert, Allwyn Hellas
- Karim Chikh, CEO and Co-Founder, Integrity Analytics
- Michael Auer, Managing Director, Neccton
- Ted Menmuir, Editor at Large, SBC Media
14:00 | From Intervention to Recovery: Supporting Players Through Gambling Harm
Supporting people both experiencing and recovering from gambling harm is paramount for operators, with effective player protection frameworks having the potential to make a meaningful difference to both new and existing customers. However, accessing the right support at the right time can still be challenging for those experiencing harm or seeking treatment.
This session will explore what tools, technologies and support pathways can be made available to operators to help identify those at risk, intervene effectively and ensure players receive the appropriate support throughout their recovery journey.
Speakers:
- Conor Laffey, CEO, Game of Streaks
- Matt Burgiss, Head of External Affairs, Gamstop
- Rupert Ecker, CEO, Grand Casino Kursaal Bern AG
- Joe Streeter, Editor, iGaming Expert
15:00 | Who Should Fund Player Protection Research? Navigating Priorities, Independence and Impact
In the second panel of this series, the Better Gambling Forum, in association with SBC, will continue discussing the challenges around research funding, priorities, independence and public trust at the next SBC Digital – Player Protection Event.
You can join the panel on Wednesday 11 November at 15:00 GMT alongside:
- Judith Glynn, Head of Center of Excellence at the University of Gibraltar;
- Mackenzie Slade, CEO of Gaming Public Policy Consulting; and
- Dan Waugh, Partner at Regulus Partners.
- Steve Hoare, Editor, Player Protection Hub
The first panel in this series took place at the recent SBC Summit in Lisbon, where academics debunked a few myths around independence. On Wednesday, we’ll consider who should take responsibility for funding player protection research, how priorities should be established, and what can be done to ensure research remains credible, independent and impactful.
Register to attend
Join industry experts and fellow professionals for SBC Digital – Player Protection 2026 and take part in the conversations shaping the future of safer gambling.
