SBC Digital World Cup 2026 | Sportsbook Strategy, Risk & AI Betting

25 February | Live Digital Conference

Strategy, Risk and Growth in the Industry’s Ultimate Stress Test

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will place unprecedented pressure on sportsbook performance.

Rising acquisition costs, tighter compliance frameworks, AI-assisted bettors, and extreme in-play volatility are converging to create the most challenging tournament the industry has ever faced.

SBC Digital – World Cup 2026 brings together senior leaders from global operators and suppliers to deliver a clear, practical view of what this World Cup means for profitability, risk management, and long-term strategy.

Complete the form on this page to secure your free place.

Partners

Headline Partner
DATA.BET

SportsBook: Lead Partner
Betby

Secure Your Place

SBC Digital World Cup 2026 is free to attend and open to industry professionals.

Complete the sign-up form on this page to receive confirmation and access details ahead of the event.

Why Attend SBC Digital World Cup 2026

This digital conference is designed for operators, platforms, and suppliers who need clarity, not speculation.

Across four expert-led panels, speakers will examine:

Whether World Cup acquisition still delivers sustainable value
How AI-driven bettors will test pricing, risk, and technology frameworks
What effective marketing looks like under stricter advertising and content regulation
How operators can manage matchday volatility that could impact quarterly earnings

All sessions are live, interactive, and focused on real-world operator experience.

Agenda Overview

Improving Live Betting Through Data Science & Statistics

Live betting is one of the most complex and margin-sensitive areas for gambling operators. Data science, statistical modelling, and real-time analytics can play a transformative role in optimising in-play pricing, managing risk, and enhancing the customer experience during the year’s biggest sporting events.

This session will bring together experts to explore practical applications of machine learning and behavioural analytics, highlighting how to reduce latency risk, improve live markets, and implement balanced automation in gaming.

Speakers

Yurii Berest, CEO, DATA.BET
Ivan Gojic, Chief of Sportsbook, Entain
Filip Jakupovs, Senior BI Analyst, Entain
Joe Streeter, Editor, iGaming Expert

All In or Sitting Out?

The True Cost of the World Cup Acquisition Game

Once the most lucrative acquisition moment in the betting calendar, the World Cup has become a high-stakes decision for operators. Customer acquisition costs are rising sharply, bonusing is capped, and regulatory scrutiny continues to increase.

This session will explore whether record turnover still translates into sustainable profitability, how operators can balance brand visibility with compliance risk, and whether the World Cup remains a viable global acquisition opportunity.

Speakers

Myke Foster, Group Head of Gaming and Commercial Strategy, FEG
Damir Bohm, CEO, Tipwin
Aviv Sher, CEO, Codere Online
Dainis Niedra, COO, Entain
Marco Marchioro, Sportsbook Manager, Superbet

Moderator
Ted Orme-Claye, Editor, SBC News

AI Players vs. Sportsbooks

Preparing for the Ultimate Stress Test

The 2026 World Cup will attract a new generation of bettors using AI-assisted tools, real-time arbitrage scanners, and automated pricing models. These players are faster, more disciplined, and capable of exploiting inefficiencies within seconds.

Panelists will discuss how sportsbooks can prepare for this environment, strengthen pricing frameworks, deploy AI defensively, and maintain competitive odds without sacrificing margins.

Speakers

Greg Papanastasiou, CCO, Playnorth
Ifran Parvez, Director of Sports, LiveScore
Ivan Gojic, Chief of Sportsbook, Entain
Chris Nikolopoulos, CCO, Betby

Moderator
Charlie Horner, Media Manager, SBC

Winning Marketing Strategies for World Cup 2026

Advertising restrictions, age-gating, and DSA-style content regulation are reshaping how operators reach players. At the same time, competition for attention during the World Cup has never been more intense.

This panel will explore how brands can stand out without relying on high-cost mass campaigns, focusing instead on smart segmentation, creator-led strategies, and compelling product storytelling.

Speakers

Dawid Pozoga, Chief Marketing Officer, STS Gaming
Casey Hurbis, Chief Marketing Officer, BetMGM North America
Elena Barba, Executive Director of MarComms & Media, Novibet
Tamazi Gambashidze, Head of Sports Brand Experience Department, Flutter CEE/Adjarabet

Moderator
Joe Streeter, Editor, iGaming Expert

Navigating the Storm

Managing Risk in the 2026 World Cup

The 2026 World Cup may represent the most complex risk environment in sportsbook history. Thousands of live markets, unpredictable in-play dynamics, and global regulatory pressure mean a single matchday could materially impact financial performance.

This session examines how operators can manage volatility, protect margins, and maintain control across the tournament.

Speakers