As the gambling landscape in Brazil evolves, the SBC Summit Rio has reportedly achieved a remarkable 200% year-on-year growth in its 2025 edition, solidifying its status as a pivotal event for the nation's gaming industry. The event, held at the Riocentro in Rio de Janeiro, attracted over 12,000 industry professionals, reflecting a broader engagement following the country’s move towards a fully regulated market on January 1, 2025.
Marcos Sabia, CEO of galera.bet, emphasized the importance of the summit, stating, “Since January 1st, we have had a fully regulated market, making this the first major event in Brazil under the new framework. This is a key reason to be here, combined with the great quality of events at SBC.” His sentiments were echoed by Rasmus Sojmark, CEO and Founder of SBC, who noted, “This edition cemented SBC Summit Rio as the defining event for Brazil’s gaming industry. The caliber of decision-makers in attendance, and the quality of conversations taking place proved that this event is no longer just about opportunity. We’ve created a platform where business gets done, connections are made, and the industry moves forward together.”
The massive expo took up an impressive 30,000 square meters and featured 400 exhibitors and sponsors, with 42% of the attendees classified as C-level executives and senior decision-makers. It was not just the number of attendees that stood out; the high-profile nature of the professionals participating underscored the event's significance. “We are a one-market operator—we focus solely on Brazil. All the suppliers we work with, including payment providers, CRM companies, and everyone we interact with on a daily basis, are here,” said Sean Telford, Head of Operations at KTO, highlighting the importance of the gathering. “Bringing the entire industry together is quite challenging, so for us, having everyone we need to talk to in one place allows us to strengthen relationships in person, which is obviously extremely important to us.”
Enhancing the experience, the conference offered four themed stages along with a dedicated workshop room. The summit kicked off with an inspiring keynote from Brazilian football legend Bebeto, alongside insights from Brazilian government officials including Senator Irajá Abreu, and representatives from the Ministry of Finance, Carolina Yumi and Daniela Olimpio. They presented crucial information about the evolving regulatory landscape in Brazil.
The event also introduced several new features designed to address the unique challenges of the gaming market. The Affiliate Leaders Summit proved invaluable for operators looking to navigate the new regulations while leveraging affiliate expertise for effective player acquisition and engagement. Additionally, the Influencer Academy, developed in collaboration with local marketing agency Propane, recognized the growing influence of digital marketers in the gaming sector. It provided essential strategies for engagement and market presence with popular local figures.
Another vital addition was the Payment Expert Summit, which focused on adapting payment strategies in Brazil’s diverse market. This session addressed critical issues like KYC compliance and fraud prevention, reaffirming the importance of these operational challenges in shaping the industry’s future.
Attendees enjoyed a lavish culinary experience at the newly launched Food Festival Zone. With nearly 30 food trucks offering a variety of options and complimentary meals for Full Access Pass holders, it was designed to make networking more convenient and enjoyable. According to Carolina Yumi de Souza, from the Ministry of Finance, “The occurrence of this event, with the number of people and companies present, is very important in demonstrating the trust that regulation has brought to the market and the confidence in the functioning of institutions in Brazil.”
As the SBC Summit Rio reached its crescendo, the night culminated in a spectacular closing party headlined by DJ Afrojack and the Brazilian duo Dubdogz at THE INFINITY Rio, a brand that debuted at SBC Summit 2024 in Lisbon. This celebration not only marked a fitting end to the record-breaking summit but also provided an enjoyable blend of business and entertainment.
The SBC Summit Rio will return to Riocentro from March 3-5, 2026, promising to build upon the momentum established in 2025 and further shape the gaming landscape in Brazil.
