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As Day 3 of the SBC Summit comes to a close, the event impressively surpasses the 30,000-attendee milestone, marked by an in-depth look at the latest stats.

Andrew McCarron, SBC Managing Director, and Denis Algreen, Marketing Director, have wrapped up a review of the SBC Summit 2025 numbers, comparing attendance and other key metrics with last year’s edition.

Published on September 18, 2025

As Day 3 of the SBC Summit comes to a close, the event impressively surpasses the 30,000-attendee milestone, marked by an in-depth look at the latest stats. Thumbnail


Andrew McCarron, the Managing Director of SBC, and Denis Algreen, the Marketing Director, recently wrapped up a review of the SBC Summit 2025. They carefully compared attendance figures and other crucial metrics to the previous year’s event. This year's summit marked its second successful edition in Lisbon, Portugal. It certainly brought new challenges with partners, sponsors, and authorities, but these were met with enthusiasm and creativity. Denis Algreen kicked off by sharing the impressive stats: the SBC Summit 2025 exceeded the target, welcoming over 30,000 attendees. He expressed his satisfaction, noting, Seeing the expo bustling with visitors even on Day 3 was a testament to our success. We've grown by 20% from last year and welcomed representatives from 16 new countries. Our international engagement is truly flourishing. The event saw a significant rise in operator and affiliate attendance, with increases of 31% and 38%, respectively. The expo was graced by nearly 6,000 key decision-makers—an astonishing figure for any industry gathering. Algreen proudly claimed that this was perhaps the highest number of senior executives to ever attend such an event. The summit expanded to cover 135,000 square meters and welcomed 235 new sponsors and exhibitors since the previous year. Algreen highlighted the decision to integrate core industry verticals with external insights, bringing thought leaders like Randi Zuckerberg and Gary Vaynerchuk on board to introduce attendees to groundbreaking technological and business trends. The summit also generated a staggering 72,000 room nights, and while the full economic impact is still being calculated, it’s clear the effects are rippling across the region. McCarron explained that SBC Summit is the company's flagship global event, reflected in its innovative layout, including the Emerging Markets Stage. Both McCarron and Algreen emphasized new initiatives like the Tech Academies, which introduced vital technologies to attendees, enhancing their learning experience. Algreen pointed out, We’ve launched some new networking events too, like the celebrated Legends Charity Game, which perfectly complements our summit. McCarron added, Adding an international football game to our agenda was a bold step, but it demonstrates SBC's commitment to innovation. In Spain alone, 500,000 people tuned in. Algreen further discussed the introduction of the Affiliate Leaders Awards, giving deserved recognition to the affiliate community. According to him, the Super Stage remains fundamental for drawing in external knowledge, something SBC values highly. The Affiliate Leaders Summit and the Payment Expert Summit continue as distinctive features within the broader event, with each cultivating a strong following. Algreen also mentioned the SBC Summit First Pitch Competition, offering companies an affordable platform to showcase their innovative ideas, which are crucial for the industry’s evolution. McCarron echoed this, drawing attention to the over 500 speakers who participated—more than any other industry event provides. He highlighted that no other conference matched SBC's content and networking offerings. Algreen and McCarron both attested to the event's meticulous attention to detail. From logistical support ensuring smooth transportation around Lisbon to the seamless execution of the summit, every element combined to create an unparalleled experience. Answering audience questions, McCarron and Algreen addressed the move to Lisbon, confirming that Lisbon’s exceptional venues and event infrastructure made it the ideal choice. The local facilities enable SBC to achieve more significant connections and initiatives. As they look toward the future, McCarron and Algreen reiterated their commitment to maintaining a strong international presence. Countries like Brazil have spurred attendance increases, fueled by the recent iGaming and sports betting legalization, reinforcing SBC's global influence.

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