Why operators can’t afford to miss SBC Summit Rio 2026

2025-11-20

Reading time 9:44 min

2026 marks a pivotal moment for Brazil’s iGaming and sports betting landscape as the country enters its second year under a fully regulated framework. In this guide, SBC Events explains why the upcoming edition of SBC Summit Rio 2026 is a can’t-miss opportunity for operators looking to deepen their presence in this evolving market.

In just two years, the country’s market has shown remarkable success, projected to generate USD 5.6 billion in 2025, with that figure expected to rise to nearly USD 9.2 billion by 2029. This rapid growth underscores the vast potential of the Brazilian market – and the fierce competition among the operators seeking to establish a foothold within it.

For operators looking to capitalise on the success of Brazil’s deeply competitive market, SBC Summit Rio 2026 is the event for you.

It serves as a crucial platform to reflect on the impact of new regulations, discover the latest trends shaping player engagement, and forge valuable connections with every corner of Brazil’s gaming ecosystem, from regional regulators and affiliates to the very best sportsbook, casino, and payment solutions providers.

In this blog, we’ll break down why operators can’t afford to miss SBC Summit Rio 2026.

The stats speak for themselves

Last year’s event attracted over 6,000 operator representatives, with all but four of Brazil’s licensed operators being represented – cementing SBC Summit Rio as the meeting place for the country’s newly regulated betting and gaming sector.

The value of attending was clear in the numbers. Operators rated the event with an average Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 76.67 – well above the benchmark for excellence of 50. Affiliates echoed that sentiment, giving an NPS of 74.29.

Much of this success stemmed from the strength and quality of leads generated on the show floor, with company representation up 59% compared to the 2024 edition.

Notably, 86% of delegates were first-time attendees, and we’re expecting a similar influx of new participants this year. This means access to fresh contacts, emerging brands, and untapped business opportunities from across Brazil and Latin America.

Operators go free

Did we mention that operators attend SBC Summit Rio for free? So there really is no excuse to miss out on the event! There are no catches, no hidden fees. As long as you’re working in the industry as an operator, whether local or international, you’re in!

After applying for our Operator pass, which is the equivalent of our VIP Pass (normally priced at R$3000/ €485), our relationship team will review your application within 3-5 days.

If you qualify, the ticket will land straight in your email inbox (or spam folder if you’re unlucky, so check that too!).

Here’s what an Operator Pass gets you:

Full access to our 70,000m² exhibition floor, where payment providers, tech innovators, affiliates, and compliance experts showcase the solutions that help operators launch, localise, and scale in Brazil’s newly regulated market.

Admission to all conference sessions, bringing you the latest regulatory updates and insights, regional marketing tactics, innovation in payments and compliance, and leadership perspectives on operator strategy.

Full access to our evening and networking sessions, including our INFINITY Rio closing party, allows you to strengthen connections away from the show floor.

Use of our SBC Connect App, allowing you to message and arrange networking sessions with fellow attendees, plus full on-demand access to conference sessions after the event is over.

If you’re already in Brazil, this is a fantastic opportunity to make valuable connections with over 15,000 attendees and position your brand at the centre of Latin America’s fastest-growing market!

A conference agenda designed to help you succeed in Brazil

Whether you’re planning entry into the market or looking to further grow your brand in Brazil, SBC Summit Rio’s educational agenda will give you the tools you need to succeed in Brazil’s evolving landscape.

The event will bring 250 industry experts together across three conference stages to discuss the lessons learned from Brazil’s first year as a regulated market and the tactics operators can deploy to strengthen their offerings as the market matures.

Themes covered across these stages include lessons on leadership from Brazil’s top operator C-levels, affiliate and marketing tactics, and information on how operators can implement new technological and payment innovations into their sportsbook and casino products.

Learn from industry C-levels on the leadership stage

SBC Summit Rio’s Leadership Stage will bring together Brazil’s top C-levels to share the lessons they’ve learned in the country’s first year of regulation. You’ll hear from established leaders as they dissect real-world case studies and debate what’s working (and what isn’t), providing you with practical strategies from those who have already succeeded under the newly regulated regime and scale your own operations.

Previous editions of the event have featured the likes of Ricardo Amado Costa (President, Febralot), Amilton Noble (CEO, HEBARA), Priscila Pio (Managing Director of Brazil, BETANDEAL), Marcos Sabiá (CEO, Galera.bet), and Plínio Lemos Jorge (President, ANJL), with SBC Summit Rio 2026 set to expand the representation of industry leaders on stage.

Focusing on topics ranging from market entry to regulatory changes, the leadership track will ensure operators have the know-how and tools to enter, expand, and thrive in Brazil’s market.

Notable panels for operators to look out for include:

Tech innovation and payments stage

The Payment Expert Stage will bring together leading technology and payment professionals to explore how operators can strengthen their sportsbook and casino offerings, enhance compliance, and deliver faster, safer, and more secure payments for their customers.

Key sessions for operators include:

The stage has its very own dedicated networking lounge attached to it, so if you want to connect with a speaker or dive deeper into a topic with potential partners, you can do so while the conversation is still fresh.

Affiliate Leaders Summit stage

The Affiliate Leaders stage will explore key topics shaping how operators collaborate with affiliates. Attendees will gain clarity on upcoming changes in the affiliate landscape, discover which marketing strategies are delivering results in Brazil, and learn how to work effectively with influencers to amplify their brand.

Key sessions for operators include:

Like at the Payment Expert Summit, here, you’ll also be able to meet and network with speakers and attendees in the lounge after each session – the perfect place to spark your next big affiliate-operator partnership.

Gain insight into regulatory changes

Brazil’s regulatory landscape is still evolving, making it crucial for operators to stay informed on every new development. The summit’s agenda reflects this, with regulatory discussion woven throughout the summit’s conference agenda.

Attendees can expect to hear from leading legal and compliance experts, as well as representatives from the Sports and Betting Authority (SPA) and Brazilian senators, who will share their perspectives on the future of the licensed market.

Key topics will include the government’s proposal to increase gambling taxation from 12% to 24%, navigating regulatory differences across federal, state, and municipal levels, and understanding how Law No. 14,790 has introduced stricter KYC and AML requirements across the sector.

For operators planning to enter or scale in Brazil, sessions such as Building Unicorns: Behind the Scenes of Running and Scaling Betting Giants will deliver practical advice on building compliant, successful brands.

A segmented show floor that gives you access to the entire iGaming ecosystem

SBC Summit Rio’s show floor has been designed with operator efficiency in mind.

You’ll be able to quickly and easily find solutions for your casino and sportsbook in our Casino and Sports Betting Zone, connect with the country’s top affiliates at the Affiliate Leaders Summit and explore the latest tech and payment solutions at the Payment Expert Summit.

Here’s an overview of the show floor, with exactly what you’ll find there:

Casino and Sports Betting Zone

The Casino and Sports Betting Zone is the largest area on the Rio show floor and a central hub for product innovation. Here, you’ll find leading suppliers showcasing cutting-edge solutions designed to strengthen your casino and sportsbook operations.

It’s a must-visit for casino and sportsbook directors, product managers, and CRM or trading specialists looking to discover new technology, partnerships, and growth opportunities.

Exhibitors include:

Altenar
Amusnet
BETBY
BetConstruct
Caleta Gaming
Digitain
EGT Digital
Kambi
Pascal Gaming
Sportingtech

View the floor plan here.

The Affiliate Leaders Summit

The Affiliate Leaders Summit takes place within SBC Summit Rio, bringing together the region’s leading affiliates in one dedicated space – and that’s a major advantage for operators.

Alongside its affiliate-focused conference programme, the side-summit will also feature a segmented show floor offering operators a rare opportunity to connect face-to-face with the affiliates driving growth across Brazil’s iGaming market. Meet over 1,500 affiliates producing locally resonant content and form partnerships that deliver high-quality traffic to your platform.

Exhibitors include:

Brazino777
Clickadu
Flashscore
Propane

More than a show floor, you’ll also have the chance to build relationships in the summit’s dedicated networking lounges and Food Festival – designed to spark genuine business connections over a coffee or a drink.

View the floor plan here.

Payment Expert Summit

The Payment Expert Summit is where you’ll connect with Brazil’s leading payment and compliance providers. Featuring a payment-centric educational programme, alongside a dedicated show floor, the side-summit will be especially valuable for Payment Managers, Compliance Leads, and Finance Directors looking to optimise their operations in Brazil’s regulated market.

Whether you’re exploring new KYC and AML technologies or improving transaction speed and fraud prevention, the Payment Expert Summit connects you with the partners and solutions that make secure, seamless payments possible.

Connect with leading payment and tech brands, including:

Fiserv
IDnow
Pagsmile
Socinal S.A
Trio Payments
UNICO

The Payment Expert Summit contains several designated networking lounges on the show floor, and with 40% of our attendees possessing a decision-making role, there’s every chance a conversation could lead to a valuable deal.

View the floor plan here.

Networking opportunities

An Operator Pass gives you full access to all networking opportunities at SBC Summit Rio — from daytime meet-ups and networking lounges to the event’s Opening Party, and our legendary INFINITY Rio party.

These experiences are what separated SBC events from other, run-of-the-mill trade shows, where the focus of the event is purely on connecting with leads at their booths.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s on offer:

Daytime Opportunities

Your operator pass offers you access to countless networking opportunities on the show floor, whether that be at our networking bars, lounges, or coffee stands. You’ll be able to step away from the hustle and bustle of the show floor and connect with fellow attendees.

Here are some of the networking areas on offer:

Summer Bar (G15)
Coffee Bar & Lounge – Sponsored by SmartSoft (A540)
Speaker Lounge (A950)
SBC Connect Lounge – Sponsored by Games Global (A500)
Refreshments & Networking Lounge (A05)
Networking Lounge – Sponsored by SOFTSWISS (A701)
Networking Bar & Lounge (A420)
Ice Cream Bar (A710)
Food Festival & Networking Lounges (A898, A1000, G10)

Familiarise yourself with the floor plan and our networking areas here.

Evening networking opportunities

Also included with an operator pass is access to our evening networking parties, allowing you to meet and strengthen existing connections with industry peers.

Your operator pass gets you access to:

Tuesday, 3 March – SBC Summit Rio Opening Party – Kick off the week in style with complimentary drinks and top DJ talent. Our opening parties allow you to make new connections on the first day of the event, setting the foundation for the week ahead.
Thursday, 5 March – The INFINITY Rio Closing Party – Wrap up the week in style at our legendary INFINITY Rio closing party. Last year’s edition lit up the stage with Afrojack and Dubdogz, and this year we’re once again bringing world-class EDM talent to deliver an unforgettable finale.

Take a look at our schedule to see what evening networking opportunities we have throughout the week.

SBC Connect App

Operators get unlimited access to our SBC Connect App – your essential companion for any SBC Event.

Why is it so essential? Let’s break it down:

Search Attendees: You can search any registered attendee by name, job title, or company to help you identify the leads you want to connect with ahead of the show.
Message Fellow Attendees: Once you’ve found the lead you want to connect with, send them a message saying you want to connect at the show! This messaging service stays live before, during and after the show, meaning you can stay connected.
Schedule Meetings: Once you’ve identified a lead you want to connect with, you can request a meeting with them in our SBC Connect Lounge, making closing a deal or exploring a partnership easier than ever.
Access the Conference Agenda from Your Pocket: Access the full conference agenda from the app and star any sessions relevant to you – allowing you to build your very own agenda.
Access Sessions on Demand: Had a meeting that clashed with a key session? No problem, you can watch all sessions back after the event on demand using the app.

The SBC Summit Rio event will go live on the app six weeks before the event commences.

Download SBC Connect now on Android and Apple devices to start planning your experience.

Final thoughts

An operator pass gives you access to the entire Brazilian iGaming ecosystem in one place – for free!

Whether you’re looking to ensure your brand is compliant amid impending regulatory changes, strengthen your sportsbook or casino offering with new software, sharpen your payment solutions, or work with the country’s leading affiliates to drive traffic, you’ll find it all here.

To claim your pass and join 15,000 fellow attendees this March, simply click here.