ALL ROADS LEAD TO ROME

Europe is increasingly a patchwork of diverging regulations, with Germany facing legal uncertainty around player claims, France and the Netherlands tightening enforcement, and grey markets expanding under stricter regimes. Assess the reality behind “one Europe,” exploring the cost of compliance vs speed to market, how operators structure tech, payments, and KYC across jurisdictions, and whether a pan-European licensing model is still viable.

Despite tighter regulation across Europe, offshore operators still capture up to 30-50% of market share in highly restricted jurisdictions, driven by faster onboarding, fewer limits, and better odds. Unpack the economic and product-driven forces behind black market growth and what must change to improve channelisation.

With tax rates ranging from 5% to nearly 40% across Europe, and vertical-specific carve-outs (e.g., racing vs casino), regulatory inconsistency is reshaping competitive dynamics and channelisation outcomes. Gain strategic understanding of how differentiated taxation impacts margins, player migration, and long-term market sustainability.

Brazil’s regulated market saw betting site access surge by 237% in 2025, driven by legalization and mobile adoption, but rapid growth is now, in 2026, colliding with stricter supervision, taxation (18% GGR), and enforcement frameworks. Discover where operators are already failing, licensing gaps, payment blocking, and compliance blind spots, and how to survive Brazil’s shift from expansion to enforcement.

Unlike Europe’s clearly written frameworks, many Asian markets oscillate between partial tolerance, ambiguous enforcement, and sudden crackdowns, making long‑term investment treacherous. Reveal risk signals that precede enforcement and how to pre‑empt shifts rather than react.

Europe’s iGaming market, projected to exceed €27 billion, is now defined by stricter enforcement, advertising bans, and increased compliance obligations across jurisdictions. Grasp how aggressive regulation is impacting channelisation, pushing players offshore, and forcing operators to rethink market strategies.

Each US state enforces its own licensing, taxation, and compliance framework, requiring operators to duplicate infrastructure across jurisdictions such as New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. Understand how this structure inflates operational cost, slows deployment timelines, and forces selective market entry rather than national scale.

Some African markets hold up to 60-70% of activity in unlicensed operations, undermining legitimate operators. Demystify how to navigate enforcement gaps while protecting brand integrity.

In Mexico, regulators are issuing binding opinions and guidance rather than formal statutes, leading to legal ambiguity that operators are already losing in court. Hear how brands are being penalized under soft law interpretations and why this ambiguity could trigger unexpected compliance risk.

A discussion on how regulators and enforcement bodies are approaching compliance failures, market abuse, and illicit finance within the digital asset sector. As regulatory scrutiny intensifies, how must exchanges, custodians, and service providers adapt their compliance strategies to remain operational in a rapidly tightening global framework?

As Europe rolls out the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework, the global digital asset industry is watching closely. Is MiCA creating the most robust regulatory blueprint for crypto markets — or pushing innovation to friendlier jurisdictions? This panel compares Europe’s approach with evolving frameworks in the U.S., the UK, and Asia, exploring whether MiCA will shape the global rulebook or fragment the crypto landscape.

One year into full implementation, MiCA has reshaped Europe’s crypto landscape. This session examines which business models thrived under regulatory clarity, which exited the market, and whether compliance became a competitive advantage. Expect real operator data — not theory.

Global payments are being re-engineered in real time, as stablecoins and CBDCs introduce new models for liquidity, settlement, and cross-border flows. This session explores whether traditional correspondent banking is being phased out — or fundamentally rebuilt — as financial institutions experiment with faster, cheaper, and more programmable alternatives.

Stablecoins are rapidly becoming a core layer of global payments, but regulatory uncertainty continues to shape their adoption. This session explores whether compliance frameworks can enable scalable, cross-border use — or if regulation risks slowing innovation at a critical stage of growth.

Exchanges are no longer just order books. They are becoming custodians, infrastructure providers, launchpads, and financial service ecosystems. What does this strategic expansion mean for competition and consolidation?

Real-world asset tokenization promises trillions — but where is actual traction emerging? From treasuries to private credit, we break down where liquidity is forming and who is driving adoption. Data, not headlines.

Dubai has positioned itself as a fast-moving regulatory and capital hub. What makes it attractive for founders, exchanges, and funds — and can it sustain that momentum long term?

With strong remittance flows and rapid fintech adoption, the Philippines is becoming a strategic Web3 market. This session explores regulatory posture, startup momentum, and why Manila matters in the global digital asset map.

A head-to-head debate on the ultimate safe haven, comparing Bitcoin and gold in terms of volatility, adoption, and long-term reliability. Experts will discuss which asset can truly serve as a store of value in today’s economic climate.

The workshop will deliver a strategic breakdown of cross-border enforcement trends, AML exposure for directors, and the real legal consequences of regulatory arbitrage versus regulatory risk. Gain practical guidance on licensing stacking strategies (EU, offshore, and local frameworks) to protect market access while minimizing liability in an increasingly aggressive global compliance climate.

IBIA flagged 300+ suspicious matches annually in recent years, yet enforcement outcomes remain inconsistent – this workshop shows where integrity systems fail under pressure and what operators can do to avoid exposure.

Join this workshop for a sharp, jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction breakdown of U.S. and Canadian licensing models heading into 2027, including tribal partnerships, sweepstakes versus regulated frameworks, and intensifying marketing enforcement. You will leave with concrete strategies to reduce payment and banking friction while positioning their operations compliantly across North America’s fragmented regulatory map.

In an industry where perception often drives policy, media coverage of fines, compliance failures, and innovation plays a critical role in shaping regulatory outcomes and public trust. Attendees will learn how to strategically manage narratives, leverage media exposure, and turn regulatory developments into reputational advantage.

Despite strict regulation ensuring fairness, player mistrust remains high due to opaque UX and misunderstood mechanics, with many users underestimating RTP and overestimating risk. Unlock how transparency in product design, RNG visibility, odds clarity, and decision-making, can increase trust, retention, and long-term player value.

Global ad platforms like X have tightened gambling content policies, now requiring prior authorisation and licensing verification, cutting off organic partnership channels and significantly disrupting affiliate performance marketing. Gain tactical workarounds and platform‑specific risk controls essential for 2027 customer acquisition.

As governments across Europe and CEECA increase GGR taxes, markets like the Netherlands, Romania, and Bulgaria are compressing operator margins while risking increased black-market leakage, with some jurisdictions already seeing channelisation drop below 70%. Dive into data-driven framework to evaluate optimal tax thresholds and how operators can adapt through pricing, compliance efficiency, and market selection.

From blanket credit bans to bank-level transaction blocking, control over gambling payments is shifting away from operators, fundamentally changing acquisition, retention, and compliance strategies. Test who will own the player relationship in 2027, and how to regain control without breaching regulation.

Entering a new regulated market can take 6-18 months and millions in compliance costs, making early strategic decisions critical to success. Join this LIVE interactive clinic to gain direct access to legal, compliance, and operational experts to solve real market-entry challenges in real time.

Measures like ad bans or payment blocks often redirect players to unlicensed platforms instead of boosting licensed operators. Explore why enforcement alone doesn’t protect market share.

Step inside the decision-making environment of an iGaming operation under pressure. This immersive session demonstrates how compliance, fraud, payments, and product teams interact when risk events unfold outside standard business hours. Gain practical insight into crisis management frameworks, escalation protocols, communication strategy, and how to align commercial priorities with regulatory survival.

Regulation is moving from policy to enforcement. This session breaks down how companies are operationalizing AI compliance — from risk audits to documentation frameworks — under the EU AI Act.

AI agents are entering treasury management, liquidity optimization, and risk modeling. What are the real-world results — and what guardrails are required?

Prediction markets are emerging as powerful tools for forecasting real-world outcomes — from elections and economic indicators to geopolitical events. As participation grows and liquidity deepens, these markets are challenging traditional forecasting models. Are “truth markets” becoming the most reliable signal of future events, and how might they reshape decision-making across politics, finance, and global policy?

Prediction markets claim to aggregate real incentives, not opinions — turning speculation into a form of collective intelligence. Supporters argue they reveal truths faster and more accurately than polls, analysts, or media narratives. Critics say they blur the line between information and gambling. Can markets that let people bet on outcomes become the most honest source of data about the future?

AI is enabling founders to build scalable companies with minimal headcount. Is this a structural shift in entrepreneurship or an early anomaly?

Join us for a remarkable showcase of the latest AI apps and tools that can be instantly used to scale business infrastructure, or simply improve your daily routines.

Private equity firms are increasingly targeting AI infrastructure, data centers, and enterprise platforms. What does this mean for consolidation and long-term market structure?

AIBC is throwing its weight behind up-and-coming startups. Showcase your projects on the expo floor or take part in the popular Pitch competition held live on stage.

A practical deep-dive into Brazil’s licensing pathway, corporate structuring, tax exposure, payments setup, and local compliance obligations, equipping operators with a clear blueprint to move from regulatory approval to fully operational, risk-resilient market entry.

In several LatAm markets, 40-60% of GGR still flows through unlicensed operators, despite tightening regulation; this session gives a rare, practical view into how authorities are adjusting tactics, where they’re failing, and what operators should expect next.

This workshop equips operators and suppliers with a clear-eyed assessment of Philippine regulatory shifts, offshore vs. onshore exposure, and intensifying AML scrutiny across key Asian hubs. Get a hands-on compliance readiness framework, which covers internal controls, employee training, and regional licensing structuring, to operate confidently and sustainably in Asia’s evolving regulatory landscape.

Dive into the whirlwind of Mexico’s gaming regulations, federal vs. state clashes, permit renewals in limbo, and political twists, and uncover how to turn uncertainty into strategic advantage in this fast-evolving market.

Fraud in iGaming has surged 64% YoY, with AI-driven scams like deepfakes increasing 10x, as organised syndicates use automation and real-time data to outpace traditional detection. Learn where current risk models break and how operators are restructuring for real-time decisioning.

Operators across Europe are reporting compliance costs consuming up to 15-20% of revenue, driven by fragmented licensing, password resets, dedicated KYC stacks, and local AML reporting. Grasp granular insights into actual cost drivers, not abstract concepts.

With 82.9% of operators reporting increased fraud and ~42% of attacks targeting the deposit stage, this live simulation pits fraud tactics against AML teams in real time, exposing exactly where detection fails and how fast responses need to be.

We´re championing up-and-coming startups with the exciting Pitch competition. Held live on stage, it’s your chance to connect with investors and VCs—don’t miss this golden opportunity!

Gaming is no longer just about play — it’s becoming a financial ecosystem where players are investors and in-game assets carry real-world value. This session explores how games are reshaping the line between entertainment and investment, and what this means for the industry’s future.

Gaming is no longer just about play — it’s becoming a financial ecosystem where players are investors and in-game assets carry real-world value. This session explores how games are reshaping the line between entertainment and investment, and what this means for the industry’s future.

The blockchain landscape is crowded, and only a handful of platforms are likely to survive and thrive. This panel dives into which projects have the architecture, adoption, and vision to endure in the next generation of decentralized networks.

Web3 is more than just Layer 1 blockchains — it’s a complex stack including oracles, interoperability layers, and infrastructure protocols. Explore how these layers are building the foundation for a truly decentralized and scalable digital economy.

Influencers don’t just shape trends — they move markets. This panel examines how key voices in crypto influence sentiment, trading behaviors, and even project valuations, with implications for investors and companies alike.

Market makers provide the backbone of crypto trading, but their role remains largely unseen. Join us to uncover how liquidity is orchestrated, prices are stabilized, and markets are engineered behind the scenes.

Explore the convergence of AI, Web3, and the Metaverse, and how these technologies are redefining digital interaction, governance, and business models. Dr. Thomason will share insights into the transformative potential and risks of these emerging technologies.

From product development to customer acquisition, AI is reshaping every stage of company growth. What new playbooks are emerging for founders and operators?

Southern Europe represents untapped potential in digital finance and AI. Can Italy leverage policy, talent, and capital to become a regional innovation anchor? A strategic look at Rome’s role in Europe’s next tech chapter.

As institutional oversight grows, the tension between true decentralization and regulatory compliance intensifies. This debate explores whether crypto can retain its founding principles while scaling globally.

This workshop offers an in‑depth look at Africa’s evolving gaming landscape, from rapid tax model shifts and licensing restructures to heightened scrutiny of foreign operators and political risk exposure. Participants will gain practical strategies to navigate regulatory changes, optimize market entry, and safeguard operations across diverse African jurisdictions.