Empowering Player Safety: Player Protection Symposium at SBC Summit Barcelona

The player-oriented track will take place during the second core day (Thursday 21st September) of the global betting and iGaming show that will be held at the Fira de Barcelona Montjuïc. 

The conference will present attendees with the resources and strategies to continue innovating in the industry, whilst ensuring the implementation of effective and meaningful player protection practices. Delegates can anticipate discussions on the utilisation of data to gain a greater understanding of audience behaviour, the metrics used to measure effective responsible gambling initiatives, the ethical complexities of using artificial intelligence (AI) to identify problem gambling behaviours, and more. 

Rasmus Sojmark, CEO & Founder of SBC, said: “Ensuring the safety and well-being of players is paramount to us. As event organisers, we have a responsibility to address the subject of player protection and help facilitate a sustainable and ethical gaming ecosystem. I am extremely proud of the work we have accomplished for the player protection track as we equip industry professionals with the knowledge to prioritise the welfare of players.”

The panel titled ‘The Ethics of AI – a Tool Of Protection Or Harm?’ will discuss whether the practical use of AI in the industry creates an ethical concern for player protection. Expert speakers Peter Spiteri (CFO, Malta Gaming Authority), Angelo Dalli (CEO, Umnai), Joseph Borg (Partner, WH Partners), Dan Spencer (Director of Safer Gambling, EPIC Risk Management) and panel moderator Olga Finkel (Founder and Partner, WH Partners), will debate the benefits and hindrances of using AI to identify problematic player behaviour and highlight the responsibility operators hold in ensuring ethical and transparent AI use. 

The ‘Should ‘Path To Play’ Be a Roadmap For Other Regulated Markets?’ panel will discuss the success of the ‘Path to Play’ programme in the UK and whether it could be replicated in other markets. Guest panellists Dr. Jennifer Shatley (Consulting Partner, RGC), Brigid Simmonds (Chair, Betting and Gaming Council), Rasmus Kjaergaard (CEO, Mindway AI), Paul Foster (CEO, Crucial Compliance) and panel moderator Matt Smith (Head of External Affairs, Betknowmore), will discuss the elements of ‘Path to Play’ that could be adapted for other markets and explore how to measure the effectiveness of responsible gambling initiatives and the appropriate success metrics to use. 

The ‘Betting on Sustainability: The Rise Of ESG In iGaming’ panel will discuss the progressive ways the iGaming industry has adopted environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) factors into its business practices. Experts Sophie Platts (Group Head of Sustainability, Entain Group), Harald Pia (Founder, Oshi Casino), Jordan Lea (CEO, Deal Me Out), Gustaf Hoffstedt (General Secretary, Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling), and panel moderator Shelley White (CEO. RGC) will discuss how the iGaming industry has shifted its approach to social responsibility, the ways in which wider social attitudes have influenced business operations, and whether brands can be doing more to incorporate wider ESG initiatives.

Other conference tracks on the second day of the agenda include the Global Gaming Leaders track, the Sports Betting Innovation track, the Casino & iGaming Innovation track, the Marketing & Media track, the Payment Innovation track and the Technology Innovation track.