Regulated United Europe at SBC Summit Barcelona 2023: Building Global Connections in the Gambling and iGaming Sector

In September 2023, Regulated United Europe (RUE) attended SBC Summit Barcelona, an international conference and exhibition dedicated to sports betting, online gambling, payment technologies and the iGaming industry.

The event took place from 19 to 21 September 2023 at Fira de Barcelona Montjuïc in Barcelona, Spain.

According to the organiser’s post-event report, the conference attracted approximately 15,000 participants, including representatives of gambling operators, technology providers, affiliates, payment companies and other industry stakeholders.

The 2023 edition featured an exhibition area of approximately 38,000 square metres, more than 350 exhibitors and an extensive programme of discussions covering sports betting, casino operations, responsible gambling, emerging technologies and regulatory developments.

For RUE, participation provided an opportunity to exchange industry knowledge, establish professional contacts and discuss the legal challenges facing international gambling businesses. It provided an exceptional opportunity for leaders in the gambling industry to discuss the future of gaming, explore new regulatory developments and establish strategic partnerships that continue to influence the direction of the sector worldwide.

The atmosphere at the SBC Summit Barcelona was electric, filled with innovation, open discussions and a shared passion for achieving responsible and sustainable growth in the global gambling industry. With global experts in sports betting, iGaming and technology-driven entertainment gathered under one roof, the RUE team had a unique opportunity to witness first-hand how the industry is evolving and adapting to the rapidly changing digital economy.

For Regulated United Europe, participation in this event marked an important milestone in our firm’s journey. At that time, our legal and compliance teams were actively expanding into the gambling and entertainment law sector, establishing a specialised division dedicated to providing licensing, AML/CTF compliance, corporate structuring, and operational support for gaming-related businesses operating across multiple jurisdictions. Our attendance at the SBC Summit Barcelona reflected RUE’s strategic commitment to understanding the latest global trends and to establishing itself as a leading advisory firm for gaming operators, affiliates, and software providers entering or operating within regulated markets.

Our involvement in the summit went beyond simple observation. It was a step towards establishing RUE as a key player in the international gambling compliance landscape and helping both established companies and new entrants to navigate the complex web of legal frameworks governing the industry. The event enabled our team to meet face-to-face with global industry leaders, discuss future trends such as AI in responsible gaming, blockchain integration in iGaming platforms and data-driven compliance monitoring, and gain an understanding of the real challenges that operators face when expanding into new jurisdictions.

Furthermore, the conference offered RUE a valuable opportunity to gain deeper insights into how various jurisdictions, ranging from the European Union to Latin America, Africa, and Asia, approach the regulation of gambling and betting. The discussions at SBC Summit Barcelona 2023 contributed to RUE’s understanding of gambling regulation, cross-border market entry and compliance requirements in different jurisdictions.

At the time of the conference, RUE was developing its advisory services for clients considering gambling-related activities in jurisdictions including Estonia, Lithuania, Malta, Curaçao, Costa Rica and the Isle of Man.

However, these jurisdictions operate under different legal and licensing frameworks.

Malta, Estonia and Lithuania maintain specific regulatory systems for gambling operators, including applicable authorisation requirements for remote gambling.

The Isle of Man also operates a dedicated online gambling licensing regime under the Online Gambling Regulation Act 2001.

Curaçao has historically regulated online gambling through a licensing framework that subsequently underwent substantial reform.

Costa Rica, by contrast, does not operate a dedicated national offshore online gambling operator licensing regime. Establishing a Costa Rican company, completing tax registration or obtaining applicable municipal business permissions does not constitute acquiring a gambling operator licence.

RUE’s advisory services must therefore distinguish between obtaining a gambling licence from a competent regulator and establishing a corporate structure for a business connected with international gambling activities.

Furthermore, gambling authorisation in one country does not automatically permit an operator to accept customers in other countries without complying with their applicable laws. Attending SBC Barcelona enabled our legal team to connect directly with potential partners, technology providers, and regulatory consultants, thereby enriching our understanding of the nuances and best practices of each jurisdiction. This knowledge continues to guide our work today as we support clients in structuring transparent, compliant, and innovative gaming operations across Europe and beyond.

For RUE, participating in the SBC Summit Barcelona 2023 was more than just a professional engagement — it was a valuable learning experience and an opportunity to expand our network, reaffirming our commitment to combining legal precision with industry expertise. Our participation demonstrated our commitment to remaining at the forefront of global regulatory developments, understanding market needs and cultivating meaningful relationships with key figures in the gaming and technology sectors.

Exploring the Future of Gaming Regulation

The SBC Summit Barcelona 2023 brought together regulators, operators, technologists, and legal experts to debate, forecast, and co-create the future regulatory framework for gaming and iGaming. For RUE, the summit provided valuable insights into the latest regulatory trends, jurisdictional changes, and technological disruption in the gambling sector.

Throughout the multi-day event, our team attended various keynote presentations, panel discussions and breakout sessions on topics such as AI and machine learning in gaming platforms, cross-border licensing and compliance, cryptocurrency and stablecoin payments in gambling operations, and player protection, responsible gaming and fraud prevention. These sessions allowed us to deepen our understanding of how regulators and industry stakeholders envisage the future of iGaming and how RUE’s legal strategies must evolve.

One of the standout exhibitors at SBC Barcelona 2023 was GR8 Tech, a Cypriot B2B iGaming technology provider renowned for its sportsbook and casino aggregation solutions. GR8 Tech has publicly acknowledged its participation in SBC Barcelona 2023. Engaging with companies like GR8 Tech, whose business models span multiple jurisdictions, reinforced our belief that modern legal counsel must be globally aware yet locally precise.

We also noted a strong presence from leading iGaming operators, affiliate networks, payment providers and software vendors. The density of these gatherings enabled RUE’s attorneys to engage in in-depth regulatory discussions with compliance officers, legal counsels and business development teams. During these conversations, we gained first-hand insights into how operators interpret jurisdictional licensing demands, negotiate with regulators and align their internal systems to meet AML, KYC and data privacy standards.

These industry interactions have had a direct impact on RUE’s legal methodology. The knowledge we gathered at SBC Barcelona has influenced how we structure licensing support frameworks, especially for gambling and betting businesses entering the EU, how we design compliance and risk management documents, and how we guide clients in navigating multi-jurisdictional regulatory regimes. As the iGaming sector is highly dynamic, constantly influenced by regulatory reforms, payment innovations and cross-border competition, our participation in these discussions ensures that we can be proactive rather than reactive.

In short, SBC Summit Barcelona 2023 was a valuable networking and learning opportunity, as well as a strategic investment in regulatory foresight. The insights gained there now enable RUE to offer gambling and iGaming clients — from start-up operators to established platform providers — more robust, future-proof legal services, ensuring they remain compliant, resilient and competitive as the regulatory landscape evolves.

Networking and Building Lasting Partnerships

Although Regulated United Europe (RUE) did not host a booth at SBC Summit Barcelona 2023, our presence was far from passive. From day one, our team engaged in meaningful discussions with leading figures from the sports betting, iGaming, marketing and technology sectors. The event had a remarkable energy — the halls were buzzing with innovators and professionals from all over the world, all united by a shared mission to shape the future of gaming and betting responsibly.
Our representatives spent most of the summit moving from booth to booth, connecting with companies whose vision closely aligned with our own. These included several globally recognised names, such as GR8 Tech, BetConstruct, SoftSwiss, Endorphina, SoftGamings and EvenBet Gaming. Each of these companies is known for its technological innovation and international reach. We held conversations with their compliance and business development teams about how the European regulatory environment is evolving, and how legal strategies can help them maintain long-term compliance while expanding into multiple jurisdictions.
As one of our representatives noted,

“Every booth felt like a new opportunity to connect innovation with regulation. We weren’t just discussing licensing frameworks — we were exchanging ideas about how the gaming industry can evolve in a sustainable and ethical way.”

Many of these interactions continued well beyond Barcelona. Some of the companies we met later became RUE’s clients, trusting us to guide them through the complexities of market entry and regulatory approvals with our expertise in EU gambling law, AML compliance, and international licensing. While we cannot disclose the specific names due to confidentiality agreements, several collaborations initiated during SBC have since developed into long-term partnerships that continue to this day.

The connections we established were not limited to gaming operators. We also met marketing agencies, affiliate networks and IT solution providers, all of which play a crucial role in supporting the gaming ecosystem. These included firms specialising in affiliate marketing campaigns, performance analytics, and digital infrastructure solutions. Many of them were interested in how RUE’s legal team could support their operations in ensuring compliance with advertising regulations, cross-border marketing laws, and responsible gaming requirements.

One of the marketing company representatives told us,

‘It’s rare to find a law firm that truly understands both the commercial and regulatory sides of the gambling industry. What impressed us about RUE was how practical your advice is — it’s not just legal theory, it’s business strategy.”

This kind of feedback reinforced our belief at RUE that real partnerships are built not just on technical knowledge, but on understanding the client’s business model and goals. The SBC Summit provided the perfect opportunity to reinforce this philosophy, enabling us to meet clients face-to-face, understand their needs, and demonstrate the personal touch of legal consultancy.

During SBC Summit Barcelona 2023, the integration of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology into gambling platforms was among the regulatory and commercial topics relevant to the industry.

At the time, the European Union had recently adopted Regulation (EU) 2023/1114 on Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA), which entered into force on 29 June 2023.

However, the authorisation requirements for Crypto-Asset Service Providers under MiCA did not become applicable until 30 December 2024.

Consequently, discussions concerning MiCA in September 2023 related primarily to preparations for the forthcoming regulatory framework rather than to obtaining licences already available under the new regime.

The application of MiCA to gambling-related businesses requires careful legal analysis.

An online casino or sportsbook accepting cryptocurrencies does not automatically become a Crypto-Asset Service Provider merely because it receives permitted digital asset payments.

However, businesses providing regulated custody, exchange, transfer or other crypto-asset services may require CASP authorisation or another applicable regulatory permission.

MiCA authorisation does not replace a gambling operator licence, and a gambling licence does not independently authorise regulated crypto-asset services.

Similarly, the availability of cryptocurrency payments to gambling customers depends on the laws of the relevant gambling jurisdictions, financial crime prevention requirements and the regulatory status of the payment providers involved.

RUE‘s advisory work in this area therefore involves assessing the relationship between gambling regulation, crypto-asset legislation, payment services requirements and applicable AML/CFT obligations.

By the end of the conference, we had met with representatives from over 40 companies, exchanged dozens of business cards and arranged follow-up consultations with many of them. Some of these meetings evolved into long-term advisory relationships, helping clients obtain gambling and remote gaming licenses, build internal AML frameworks and launch operations across Europe. Others evolved into strategic partnerships with technology firms and marketing agencies, thereby strengthening RUE’s network within the wider digital entertainment ecosystem.

As one of our partners reflected after the event,

‘What made SBC Barcelona special wasn’t just the scale — it was the quality of the people we met. Everyone came with genuine curiosity and a willingness to collaborate. It reminded us that the gambling industry is built on trust, and trust begins with the right conversation”.

For RUE, SBC Summit Barcelona 2023 was more than just another conference — it was a turning point in the way we engage with the gaming world. It helped us build new bridges, reinforce existing ones and establish our firm as a trusted legal partner for companies seeking to operate responsibly in the rapidly evolving global gambling landscape.

From Barcelona to global reach

The conversations that began at SBC Summit Barcelona 2023 did not end when the conference lights dimmed — they became the foundation for RUE’s global expansion in the months that followed. Informal exchanges on the exhibition floor transformed into strategic partnerships, new projects and long-term collaborations across multiple jurisdictions.

For Regulated United Europe (RUE), the summit served as a springboard to further establish itself as a global leader in gambling and gaming compliance. Shortly after the event, our dedicated Gaming and Entertainment Law Division began expanding its operations to new regions, offering tailored regulatory and licensing support to companies seeking to establish or scale their gambling businesses internationally.
While RUE’s expertise was already well-established within the European Union — particularly in Estonia, Lithuania, Poland and Malta — the period following SBC marked the beginning of a broader, more global outlook. A growing number of enquiries from operators based in Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America revealed a clear trend: the industry was rapidly looking to Europe as the gold standard for regulation, and RUE was ready to guide these companies there.

Expanding Across Jurisdictions

Following SBC Summit Barcelona 2023, RUE continued developing its legal and regulatory advisory services for international gambling businesses, including projects involving Malta, Curaçao, the Isle of Man and Costa Rica.

However, the nature of the services and available regulatory permissions differs significantly between these jurisdictions.

Malta: Online gambling operators may apply for the relevant B2C Gaming Service Licence or B2B Critical Gaming Supply Licence from the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), depending on their activities.

Curaçao: The jurisdiction introduced substantial regulatory reforms following the 2023 conference. On 24 December 2024, the National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LOK) entered into force, establishing a direct online gambling licensing framework administered by the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA).

Isle of Man: Online gambling activities are regulated under the Online Gambling Regulation Act 2001, with licensing and supervision undertaken by the Gambling Supervision Commission.

Costa Rica: The jurisdiction does not issue a dedicated national offshore online gambling operator licence. Relevant services may involve company incorporation, corporate structuring, tax registration and compliance with applicable commercial, municipal and financial crime prevention requirements.

Accordingly, RUE’s involvement in these jurisdictions may include gambling licence applications where an appropriate regulatory framework exists, as well as corporate and compliance advisory services where no equivalent licensing regime is available.

The successful establishment of a legal entity must not be presented as proof that a gambling operator licence has been granted.

Malta, for example, remains one of the most respected gaming jurisdictions in the world, governed by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA). Our direct engagement with gaming operators at SBC helped us refine our advisory approach for clients applying under MGA supervision, covering everything from preparing internal control systems to drafting compliance manuals and risk management frameworks.

In Curaçao and Costa Rica, RUE’s legal advisory work addressed different regulatory and corporate requirements.

In Curaçao, online gambling licensing developed significantly following the introduction of the National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LOK) on 24 December 2024.

Under the current framework, companies seeking to offer online gambling services in or from Curaçao generally require an appropriate licence issued by the Curaçao Gaming Authority.

Applications are subject to regulatory assessment, including examination of ownership, management, compliance arrangements, business operations and the proposed gambling activities.

Costa Rica has a different legal framework and does not issue an equivalent offshore online gambling operator licence.

For gambling-related businesses establishing a Costa Rican corporate presence, relevant services may include incorporation, corporate governance, tax registration, beneficial ownership reporting and preparation of compliance documentation.

Additional requirements may apply depending on whether the business processes betting-related data, directly operates gambling services or performs other regulated activities.

Neither company registration nor acceptance by a payment processor constitutes a gambling licence or automatically authorises the provision of gambling services internationally.

RUE’s advisory services must therefore be described according to the specific legal and regulatory procedures applicable in each jurisdiction.

Each project demonstrated our ability to balance a global perspective with local precision, ensuring that every client received a solution that was tailored to their jurisdiction, business model and long-term goals.

Growing Beyond Europe

SBC Summit Barcelona 2023 provided an opportunity to discuss European gambling regulation with businesses interested in developing international operations, including operators from Asia and the Middle East.

However, the European Union does not operate a single harmonised gambling operator licence that automatically authorises online casinos or sportsbooks across all EU Member States.

Unlike certain financial services activities covered by EU passporting frameworks, online gambling remains primarily regulated under national legislation.

A gambling licence issued in Malta, Estonia, Lithuania or another EU Member State does not automatically authorise an operator to offer its services to customers in every other Member State.

The European Commission confirms that there is no sector-specific EU legislation establishing a common authorisation system for gambling services.

Operators must therefore assess the licensing requirements, permitted products, advertising restrictions and player protection obligations applicable in each intended market.

Likewise, obtaining a European gambling licence does not retrospectively legalise earlier unlicensed operations in other jurisdictions.

RUE‘s cross-border advisory work should distinguish between establishing a compliant European operating structure and obtaining the separate permissions required in individual target markets.

These conversations paved the way for RUE’s strategic plan to expand its services into the Asian market. We have established cooperation with regional legal advisors and compliance consultants to support clients interested in cross-border gaming operations. As interest in blockchain-based betting, Web3 gaming and NFT-integrated casino systems grows among regulators, RUE has positioned itself as one of the few European legal consultancies capable of offering MiCA compliance and gaming law expertise under one roof.

By combining our experience in crypto regulation with our in-depth knowledge of gambling compliance, we now provide integrated legal frameworks for businesses exploring the intersection of fintech and entertainment — a niche where innovation meets regulation and the future of digital gaming is being shaped.

From Connections to Achievements

Several of the companies we met in Barcelona have since launched fully licensed operations under RUE’s guidance. Whether in Europe, the Caribbean or Latin America, these success stories reflect our firm’s philosophy that every connection has the potential to become a long-term partnership.
As one of our partners commented after the event,

“The SBC Summit was a turning point. We left Barcelona not just with new business cards, but with new collaborations that are now shaping our company’s growth.”

RUE continues to maintain close communication with many of the contacts established at the SBC Summit. Through regular virtual meetings, compliance consultations and strategic follow-ups, we ensure that our clients obtain their licenses and maintain compliance as their operations grow.

The post-conference period also enabled our team to enhance coordination between our offices in Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, the Czech Republic and Cyprus, ensuring a consistent approach to serving clients in the gambling and iGaming industries. This structure enables us to deliver comprehensive, multi-jurisdictional solutions — from corporate setup to full licensing and compliance maintenance — under one coordinated legal framework.

Continuing the Journey

Today, the legacy of SBC Summit Barcelona 2023 continues to resonate within RUE. The partnerships forged during the conference have become integral to our daily work, case portfolio, and global identity. We look back at those days in Barcelona with immense gratitude — not only for the professional opportunities, but also for the human connections, shared vision and mutual trust that have since blossomed into tangible results.
RUE’s participation in SBC Barcelona proved that meaningful relationships begin with meaningful conversations and that a genuine interest in clients’ success is the cornerstone of every lasting partnership. This experience has reinforced our belief that legal excellence is not defined by distance or geography, but by collaboration, commitment and the courage to grow together across borders.

Looking forward: Expanding our presence at global gaming conferences (2026–2027)

The success and inspiration we gained from participating in the SBC Summit Barcelona 2023 and other international events have shaped a new chapter in RUE’s development — one that is defined by growth, visibility and global integration. As the gaming and fintech industries continue to evolve at an unprecedented pace, Regulated United Europe (RUE) is strategically positioning itself to remain at the forefront of legal innovation, compliance and client collaboration worldwide.
Following SBC Summit Barcelona 2023, international gambling, fintech and regulatory conferences have remained relevant to RUE‘s business development and professional networking strategy.

The company’s plans for 2025–2027 include strengthening relationships with industry participants, monitoring changes in financial services and gambling regulation, and exploring opportunities to participate in relevant international events.

As of October 2026, 2025 is a completed calendar year, and most major gambling industry conferences scheduled for 2026 have already taken place.

Consequently, historical attendance, confirmed registrations and planned future participation should be clearly distinguished.

Participation in past events should be reported only where supported by the company’s records, while prospective attendance and sponsorship activities should be described as plans until formally confirmed.

Stepping Further: 2026

International Gaming Conferences in 2026

In 2026, several major international gaming conferences provided opportunities for gambling operators, technology providers, payment institutions and regulatory advisers to discuss industry developments.

Two significant events were:

SBC Summit Americas 2026: Held from 8 to 10 June 2026 at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States.

iGB L!VE 2026: Held from 1 to 2 July 2026 at ExCeL London, United Kingdom.

The event previously known as SBC Summit North America was incorporated into SBC Summit Americas, which brought together the North American and Latin American conference programmes beginning in 2025.

Likewise, iGB L!VE relocated from Amsterdam to London in 2025. The 2026 edition was held in London, not Amsterdam.

As of October 2026, both conferences have already taken place.

Any statement confirming RUE’s attendance, registration, exhibition or sponsorship at these events should be supported by the company’s internal records.

If participation cannot be independently documented, the article should refer to these conferences as relevant industry events without claiming that RUE attended or registered for them.
At the same time, our Asian expansion initiative will take centre stage, with representatives attending major technology and gaming conferences in Singapore, Hong Kong and Seoul, where we will continue to establish partnerships with local advisory firms and compliance consultants. These collaborations aim to create a seamless legal bridge between the Asian and European gaming markets, enabling businesses to expand with confidence under our legal supervision.

Setting the Global Standard: 2027

International Gaming Conferences in 2027

RUE’s plans for 2027 include further development of its international professional network and potential participation in conferences addressing gambling regulation, crypto-assets, financial technology and compliance.

Major relevant events scheduled for 2027 include:

ICE Barcelona 2027: Scheduled for 18–20 January 2027 at Fira Barcelona Gran Via, Spain.

SBC Summit 2027: Scheduled for 21–23 September 2027 at Feira Internacional de Lisboa (FIL), Lisbon, Portugal.

The references to ICE London 2027 and SBC Summit Barcelona 2027 are outdated.

ICE relocated from London to Barcelona in 2025, while the flagship SBC Summit moved from Barcelona to Lisbon in 2024.

RUE may explore opportunities to attend these conferences, participate in professional discussions or contribute to workshops covering cross-border gambling regulation, financial crime prevention, licensing and related compliance matters.

However, the organisation of conference panels, speaking engagements and workshops is subject to confirmation by the event organisers.

Until such participation has been formally agreed, these activities should be described as prospective objectives rather than confirmed conference commitments.

These sessions will showcase our expertise and provide a platform for collaboration between regulators, law firms and industry stakeholders, emphasising RUE’s commitment to responsible innovation and legal excellence.

Furthermore, RUE intends to support our clients by acting as speakers, sponsors and exhibitors at these global events, helping them to share their success stories. Many of the projects that began under our guidance, ranging from crypto payment platforms to licensed iGaming operators, have grown into thriving businesses that contribute to Europe’s digital economy. We take pride in being part of their journey.

A Vision for the Future

The years ahead are full of opportunity, growth, and global connection. For RUE, attending these conferences is about more than just visibility — it’s about presence, purpose, and partnership. Every conversation we have, every stand we visit and every handshake we exchange brings us closer to realising our mission: to establish Regulated United Europe as a bridge between innovative businesses and trusted regulation.

Our long-term objective remains unchanged: to help clients from all over the world to enter, grow and succeed in European and global markets with full legal confidence. Whether it’s MiCA licensing, VASP registration or gaming compliance, RUE is ready to provide expert guidance, international experience and personalised attention to every client.

Our presence at conferences in Barcelona, Singapore, London and beyond not only demonstrates our physical presence, but also represents our continuous evolution as a firm, our expanding network of partners and our belief that excellence in law begins with understanding, empathy and innovation.