Player Protection 2026
SBC Digital – Player Protection 2026 will examine the latest challenges and developments in player protection, responsible gambling and safer play. Bringing together industry experts, gambling operators and technology providers, sessions will explore how the industry can prevent gambling harm, support player recovery and strengthen responsible gambling strategies.
From funding independent player protection research and assessing the impact of gambling advertising to improving player education and adopting new technologies, the programme will examine the evidence, tools and approaches shaping the future of safer gambling. Discussions will also address how operators can identify at-risk behaviour, deliver effective interventions and use data, automation and AI to support player wellbeing.
With perspectives from across the gambling industry, SBC Digital – Player Protection 2026 will consider how operators can balance innovation and commercial priorities with player safety, helping to build more effective responsible gambling frameworks and a safer, more sustainable gambling environment.
1. Who Should Fund Player Protection Research? Navigating Priorities, Independence and Impact
As the need for player protection research grows, questions remain around how it should be funded, who should set research priorities and how independence can be maintained. This session will examine the role of government and industry funding in advancing gambling harm prevention research, addressing research gaps and building public trust.
Speakers:
- Ted Orme-Claye, Editor, SBC News
2. From Intervention to Recovery: Supporting Players Through Gambling Harm
Identifying gambling harm is only the first step. This session will examine how operators can strengthen player protection through early intervention, responsible gambling tools and accessible support pathways. Discussions will consider how technology and collaboration can help at-risk players access 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
3. Does Gambling Advertising Drive Gambling Harm? Examining the Evidence and Impact
With gambling advertising facing increased scrutiny, this session will examine the evidence surrounding its relationship with gambling harm. The discussion will consider how advertising influences consumer behaviour, whether current marketing practices contribute to risky gambling and which audiences may be most vulnerable.
Speakers:
- Michael Auer, Managing Director, Neccton
- Charlie Horner, Media Manager, SBC Media
4. Beyond the Warning: Educating Players About the Risks of Gambling
Effective player education is an important part of responsible gambling and long-term harm prevention. This session will examine how operators can help players better understand gambling odds, spending, risk and early warning signs. It will also consider how responsible gambling messaging can move beyond standard warnings to encourage informed decisions and help players recognise when to seek support.
Speaker:
- 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
5. Keeping Pace with Risk: The Technology Driving Safer Play
Advances in gambling technology are creating new opportunities to identify and respond to player risk. This session will explore how AI, data analytics and automation can strengthen responsible gambling measures, detect potentially harmful behaviour earlier and enable more timely, personalised interventions. Panellists will consider how operators can use technology to improve player protection, support safer gambling and deliver sustainable player experiences.
Speakers:
- Eduards Jakubovs, Head of Responsible Gambling, Betsson Group
- Sam Douglas, Head of Player Protection, Hippodrome Casino
- Savvas Illiopoulis, Responsible Gambling and Player Protection Expert, Allwyn Hellas
- Karim Chikh, CEO and Co-Founder, Integrity Analytics
