The online SBC Digital – Player Protection 2026 conference will take place on 11 November 2026, bringing together industry experts, gambling operators, and technology providers to examine the latest challenges in player protection and responsible gambling. Sponsored by 1xCare, the event will explore how the industry can prevent gambling harm, support recovery and use technology to strengthen player safety.
The programme features five sessions covering research funding, early intervention, gambling advertising, player education and emerging technologies. Discussions will consider how operators can balance innovation and commercial priorities with player wellbeing while building more effective responsible gambling frameworks.
Funding Independent Research
The session “Who Should Fund Player Protection Research? Navigating Priorities, Independence and Impact” will examine the roles of government and industry in funding research into gambling harm prevention.
Topics will include who should set research priorities, how independence can be maintained and how funding can help address gaps in existing evidence while building public trust. Ted Orme-Claye, Editor of SBC News, is among the listed speakers.
Supporting Players from Intervention to Recovery
“From Intervention to Recovery: Supporting Players Through Gambling Harm” will focus on the steps operators can take after identifying signs of harm.
The discussion will explore early intervention, responsible gambling tools and accessible support pathways, alongside the role of technology and collaboration in helping at-risk players receive appropriate assistance throughout recovery.
Listed speakers include Conor Laffey, CEO of Game of Streaks; Matt Burgiss, Head of External Affairs at Gamstop; Rupert Ecker, CEO of Grand Casino Kursaal Bern AG; and Joe Streeter, Editor of iGaming Expert.
Examining the Impact of Gambling Advertising
As gambling advertising faces increased scrutiny, “Does Gambling Advertising Drive Gambling Harm? Examining the Evidence and Impact” will assess the evidence surrounding its relationship with harmful play.
Michael Auer, Managing Director of Neccton, and Charlie Horner, Media Manager at SBC Media, are listed for the session. The discussion will consider how advertising influences consumer behaviour, whether current marketing practices contribute to risky gambling, and which audiences may be most vulnerable.
Moving Beyond Standard Warnings
Player education will be the focus of “Beyond the Warning: Educating Players About the Risks of Gambling.” The session will examine how operators can help players better understand gambling odds, spending, risks, and early warning signs.
It will also consider how responsible gambling messaging can move beyond standard warnings to support informed decisions and help players recognise when to seek assistance.
The speaker line-up includes Maris Catania, Director of Player Sustainability at LeoVegas; Hayley Smith, Group Compliance and Risk Director at Boylesports; Rossi McKee, Co-Founder of Telematic Interactive Bulgaria AD and CT Interactive; Sissel Weitzhandler, Co-Founder of EGARA; Paul Buck, CEO of EPIC Global Solutions; and Ted Orme-Claye, Editor of SBC News.
Using AI and Data to Identify Risk Earlier
“Keeping Pace with Risk: The Technology Driving Safer Play” will explore how artificial intelligence, data analytics and automation can strengthen responsible gambling measures.
Panelists will discuss how these technologies can help detect potentially harmful behaviour earlier and enable more timely, personalised interventions. The session will also examine how operators can use technology to improve player protection and support safer gambling.
Speakers include Eduards Jakubovs, Head of Responsible Gambling at Betsson Group; Sam Douglas, Head of Player Protection at Hippodrome Casino; Savvas Illiopoulis, Responsible Gambling and Player Protection Expert at Allwyn Hellas; and Karim Chikh, CEO and Co-Founder of Integrity Analytics.
Don’t forget to subscribe to our Telegram channel!
