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SBC Summit 2025 Adds Latin America & Brazil Track
SBC Summit 2025 introduces a Latin America & Brazil track, further aligning its conference strategy with the global nature of the event, which is set to welcome 30,000 attendees from around the world this September.
The track will form part of the Global Markets stage, which was introduced this year alongside the Emerging Markets stage to spotlight some of the industry’s hottest regions as well as those that deserve early attention from industry stakeholders.
The decision to include a dedicated track builds on the remarkable 126% surge in Latin American attendance in 2024, reinforcing the event’s position as the go-to destination for professionals seeking to engage with and understand this rapidly evolving region.
Held on Tuesday, 16 September at Lisbon’s Feira Internacional de Lisboa (FIL), the track will deliver five expert-led sessions exploring some of the region’s most pressing issues, from Brazil’s evolving post-regulation landscape to Peru’s tax reforms and Mexico’s regulatory direction.
Delegates will gain exclusive insights from the industry leaders driving growth across Latin America. These experts will share how they’ve built market presence through strategic local partnerships, culturally relevant marketing, and a clear understanding of regulatory complexity, offering essential knowledge for any company looking to succeed in these high-potential markets.
Rasmus Sojmark, Founder and CEO of SBC, said: “Latin America represents not just one of the most dynamic regions in global gaming, but also one of the most nuanced.
“Our programme gets to the heart of the challenges businesses face in Latin America and Brazil, whether it’s navigating local rules, understanding cultural differences, or keeping pace with shifting tax policies and digital trends. If you want to grow in this region, these sessions offer insights you can’t miss.”
The track will open with the LATAM Leaders: Latin America First – the Home-grown Operators Reinventing the Game, which will unite industry heavyweights Zeno Ossko (CEO, Betwarrior) and Sebastian Salazar (Founder, EstelarBet) as they discuss how regional operators are outmaneuvering international brands by creating locally-tailored innovations that resonate with Latin American audiences.
The Brazil Leaders Panel: The Bubble That Just Won’t Burst – Looking Back at the Launch of Sports Betting will explore Brazil’s post-regulation landscape and why operators must tailor strategies to local contexts. Regional experts Andreas Bardun (CEO, KTO Group), Alex Fonseca (CEO, Superbet Brazil), Almir Silva (CEO – Brazil, BetMGM) and panel moderator Neil Montgomery (Founding Partner, Montgomery Sociedade de Advogados), will discuss how partnerships with local providers and gaming influencers are key to long-term success in Brazil.
The session Peru and the Impact of ISC: All Eyes on the Andes will examine what Peru’s new tax measures will mean for operators in the region. Experts Xabier Maribona (CEO, RETABet Group), Alejandro Rivero (CEO, Estelarbet), Gonzalo Perez (CEO, Apuesta Total), and Gonzalo Rosell (CEO, La Tinka) will tackle the implications of the new Selective Consumption Tax (ISC) and what it could mean for growth, compliance, and the pace of market development.
Another key session centres on the Mexican market. In Mexico: Reaching Market Maturity, or More to Go?, industry leaders George Athanasopoulos (CEO, Novibet), JD Duarte (CEO, Betcris), Ohad Narkis (CEO, PlayUZU), Dr Miguel Angel Ochoa (President, AIEJA), Aviv Sher (CEO, Codere), and Yono Sidi (CEO, Winpot.mx) will examine the country’s stalled regulatory progress and whether an ongoing lack of clarity is creating the conditions for black market activity to thrive.
The track will also feature the panel Casino in Latin America: from Land-Based to Mobile, where regulatory leaders will examine the evolving legislative frameworks driving the region’s digital gaming transition.
Beyond the Latin America and Brazil spotlight on day one, the Global Markets track will also feature in-depth sessions on Western Europe and North America, rounding off this dedicated summit stream.
Complementing this, a separate Emerging Markets stage will focus on key regions including Africa, Eurasia & the Middle East, and Asia, reinforcing SBC’s commitment to providing comprehensive insights into the markets shaping the global gambling landscape.
The post SBC Summit 2025 Adds Latin America & Brazil Track appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Canada
Group from Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe and Great Canadian Entertainment Announce Agreement for the Acquisition of Elements Casino Chilliwack
Great Canadian Entertainment and a consortium group of certain communities from the Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe, through an entity affiliated with Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe Management Ltd. (the “Ts’elxwéyeqw Group”), announced that on November 7th, 2025, they entered into a definitive agreement for the purchase by the Ts’elxwéyeqw Group from Great Canadian Entertainment of Elements Casino Chilliwack, one of the premier gaming and entertainment destinations in the Fraser Valley region of British Columbia.
The Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe constitute seven First Nation communities and are the First People of the Chilliwack River watershed. The transaction represents a transformational milestone for the communities within the Ts’elxwéyeqw Group.
Elements Casino Chilliwack serves guests across the Fraser Valley and is Chilliwack’s top destination for gaming and entertainment, featuring over 300 slots, live and electronic table games, bingo, dining, live entertainment and more.
The closing of the transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions and the receipt of regulatory and other approvals. Under the terms of the definitive agreement, Great Canadian Entertainment will continue to provide transitional services and support to the Ts’elxwéyeqw Group for a period following closing.
“This purchase marks an exciting milestone for our Nations and for the entire territory. By coming together in partnership, we are not only investing in a strong business opportunity, but also in the future of our people. The revenues generated through this acquisition will help strengthen our communities, create new opportunities, and ensure our Nations continue to play a leading role in the local economy. Additionally, we believe that local community-based ownership of Elements Casino Chilliwack will further strengthen the broader Fraser Valley community and economy. It’s a proud moment that reflects how Indigenous leadership and collaboration can build a stronger, more inclusive future for everyone,” said Chief David Jimmie, Chief of Squiala First Nation and President of Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe Management Ltd.
“We are very excited to have entered into this agreement with the Ts’elxwéyeqw Group. We have had the privilege of being part of the Chilliwack community since we opened Elements Casino Chilliwack in 2012, and we believe that under the Ts’elxwéyeqw Group’s stewardship, the business will begin an exciting new chapter. For the team members and guests of Elements Casino Chilliwack, and the local community, we can think of no better owner for the business. We look forward to the closing and then working with the Ts’elxwéyeqw Group team during the transition period,” said Matt Anfinson, CEO of Great Canadian Entertainment.
McCarthy Tétrault LLP is acting as legal advisor and KPMG Corporate Finance Inc. is acting as financial advisor to the Ts’elxwéyeqw Group. McMillan LLP is acting as legal advisor to Great Canadian Entertainment.
The post Group from Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe and Great Canadian Entertainment Announce Agreement for the Acquisition of Elements Casino Chilliwack appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Australia
SkyCity Announces Renewal of Queenstown Casino Licence
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SkyCity Entertainment Group Limited confirmed that the New Zealand Gambling Commission has granted SkyCity Queenstown Limited with a renewal of its casino venue licence for a further 15 years from 7 December 2025, pursuant to section 134 of the Gambling Act 2003.
SkyCity Chief Executive Officer, Jason Walbridge, said: “We’re delighted with this outcome. We look forward to continuing to play our part in Queenstown’s fantastic range of entertainment for both locals and visitors.”
The post SkyCity Announces Renewal of Queenstown Casino Licence appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
John H. Ott
John H. Ott to Take Over as Rank Group Chair on Nov 17
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The Rank Group Plc has announced that John H. Ott will be appointed as chair of the Company, with effect from 17 November 2025.
John is currently a Senior Advisory Partner at Bain & Company, UK, having joined the company in 2006, alongside being a founder, investor and board member for two private businesses, a data and technology services business, and a global fractional ownership business. A highly experienced business consultant with more than 40 years of global experience, John commenced his career in the financial services sector in the US before joining McKinsey & Company in 1989. John moved to the UK in 2003 to join Barclays Bank as Group Strategy and M&A Director before joining Bain and Company, UK. Throughout his extensive career, John has worked in senior positions in Europe, the USA and the Far East, advising CEOs and Boards globally.
John will succeed Karen Whitworth, who has served as the interim chair since 15 October 2025. Karen will resume her role as both Senior Independent Director and Audit Chair.
Karen Whitworth, interim chair, said: “During a rigorous and wide-ranging selection process, John emerged as the stand-out candidate to become Rank’s chair. His wealth of experience in highly regulated industries, and advising and working with boards across the globe, will provide the Group with the expertise and leadership that it requires as we embark on the next phase of our strategic journey.”
The post John H. Ott to Take Over as Rank Group Chair on Nov 17 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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