Key Leaders from the United States and Latin America to Speak on First Day of SBC Summit Americas in Fort Lauderdale
SBC Summit Americas will open its conference agenda on Wednesday, May 14, at the Broward County Convention Center with a high-impact Leaders Track, setting the tone for a landmark event uniting North and Latin America’s gaming sectors under one roof.
The day will begin with opening remarks titled “Welcome to Florida”, delivered by Julie Brown, Vice Chairman and Inaugural Chairman of the Florida Gaming Control Commission—one of the state’s most authoritative voices in gaming regulation. Brown played a pivotal role in establishing the Commission and brings a deep understanding of Florida’s regulatory landscape, making her a fitting figure to help open the first edition of this reimagined event.
The opening remarks will be followed by the conversation with Bill Miller, President & CEO of the American Gaming Association (AGA) who will offer a timely exploration of how the shifting political landscape—from Capitol Hill to state regulatory conversations—is shaping the future of legal gaming in the U.S, as policymakers and regulators adapt to emerging technologies, evolving consumer behaviors, and increased scrutiny around responsible gaming.
“It’s More Fun When It’s For Fun: In Conversation with DraftKings’ First Chief Responsible Gaming Officer” will shine a spotlight on one of the industry’s most crucial and timely priorities: player protection. As DraftKings’ first-ever Chief Responsible Gaming Officer, Lori Kalani will bring a fresh perspective on how the company is embedding responsible gaming practices across its platforms and player communities.
SBC’s Managing Editor, Jessica Welman, will interview Ari Borod, who will offer attendees an exclusive look into the bold ambitions and strategy of one of the most closely watched entrants in the U.S. sports betting market—Fanatics Betting and Gaming. As Chief Business Officer, Borod plays a central role in shaping how the powerhouse brand is differentiating itself in a saturated market, navigating regulatory hurdles, and aiming to merge commerce with gaming in innovative ways.
Day One will also feature three dedicated Leaders panels, each tackling key challenges and opportunities across the Americas.
“LatAm Leaders – Beyond Brazil: Balancing Growth Across LatAm’s Other Markets” will bring together a powerhouse panel of regional experts to address one of the most urgent strategic questions facing the Latin American gaming industry: how to capitalize on Brazil’s explosive growth without neglecting the rest of the region. Featuring key voices from Colombia, Argentina, Peru, and beyond—including Julio César Tamayo Betancur (President, Wplay), Felipe Fraga (CBO, EstrelaBet), Sebastián Vivot(Director of Modernization and Information Technologies, LOTBA), Ramon Glieneke (COO, Alea), and Gonzalo Pérez (CEO, Apuesta Total)—and moderated by Karen Marcela Sierra-Hughes (VP of LatAm, Caribbean & Spain, GLI), this session will explore how to sustain balanced expansion and unlock untapped growth across the wider LATAM region.
The “Sports Betting Leaders: Tech vs Sports Books – What Are the Odds?” panel will dive into one of the most pressing debates in the U.S. sports betting landscape: whether to embrace or resist emerging technologies like AI. Featuring Stuart Simms (Group CEO, FairPlay Sports Media), Behshad Behzadi(Chief Product, Technology & AI Officer, Sportradar), and Endre Nesset (President, Coolbet), this session will unpack the opportunities and challenges that come with integrating cutting-edge tools into legacy systems.
Finally, the “iGaming Leaders: Omnichannel Strategy for Enhanced Customer Experience” panel will delve into how operators can create seamless, unified experiences across both digital and physical touchpoints. Kresimir Spajic (CEO & Chair, Betfred US), Oliver Bartlett (Vice President of Gaming – Product & Content, BetMGM), Lee Terfloth (Chief Interactive Officer, Gaming, Delaware North), Shai Frank (SVP Product & GM Americas, Optimove), and Andy Mace (Head of Casino Personalisation, Sportradar) will examine whether the industry is truly maximizing this potential to meet modern consumer expectations.
Another key sequence of sessions will offer a deep dive into the evolution, crossover, and regulation of fantasy sports in the U.S. It will begin with “The State of Fantasy Sports in America,” a presentation that will explore the history, skill-based game types, and monetization models of the sector. Then, “Crossover Between Fantasy Sports & Sports Betting” will examine how businesses can engage a shared audience of 70 million fans through aligned products and strategies. “Paid Fantasy Sports & Sports Betting – Legislation & Regulation Differences” will follow, unpacking the legal and operational contrasts between the two verticals. The block will conclude with “30 Years of Sports: From the Internet’s Infancy to Today’s Tech,” which will reflect on the industry’s transformation through the lens of innovation.
Capping off the day, “Ask the Regulators” will provide a rare and high-impact opportunity for operators and suppliers to engage directly with the key figures shaping U.S. gaming legislation. In this interactive Q&A session, Ed Martin (CEO) and Tom Sage (VP) of the Sports Betting Regulators Association, alongside Shawn Fluharty, President of the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States, will offer insight into the priorities, challenges, and future direction of state-level regulation.
Day Two of the event will also feature a dedicated Leaders Track, bringing together even more influential voices from North and Latin America to discuss what lies ahead for the industry.
Get your SBC Summit Americas tickets—group discounts are available!
The SBC Summit Americas, one of the most anticipated events in the gaming and betting industry, is set to kick off in Fort Lauderdale with a lineup of key leaders from the United States and Latin America slated to speak on the first day of the summit. The event, which will take place from September 28th to 30th, promises to bring together industry professionals, regulators, and policymakers to discuss the latest trends and developments in the rapidly evolving world of sports betting and online gaming.
Among the notable speakers scheduled to address attendees on the first day of the summit are several influential figures from both the United States and Latin America. These include key leaders from major gaming companies, regulatory bodies, and industry associations who will share their insights and expertise on a wide range of topics, including regulatory challenges, market opportunities, and technological innovations shaping the future of the industry.
One of the highlights of the first day’s agenda is a panel discussion featuring top executives from leading gaming companies in the United States and Latin America. These industry leaders will offer their perspectives on the current state of the market, as well as their predictions for future growth and expansion opportunities in the region. The panel is expected to provide valuable insights for attendees looking to navigate the complex regulatory landscape and capitalize on emerging trends in the industry.
In addition to the panel discussion, attendees can look forward to keynote addresses from prominent figures in the gaming and betting industry, as well as interactive workshops and networking sessions designed to facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing among participants. The summit will also feature a trade show showcasing the latest products and services from a wide range of exhibitors, providing attendees with the opportunity to explore new business opportunities and forge valuable partnerships.
Overall, the SBC Summit Americas promises to be an informative and engaging event for anyone involved in the gaming and betting industry. With a lineup of key leaders from the United States and Latin America set to speak on the first day of the summit, attendees can expect to gain valuable insights into the latest trends and developments shaping the future of the industry. Whether you are a seasoned industry professional or a newcomer looking to learn more about this dynamic sector, the summit offers a unique opportunity to connect with industry leaders, exchange ideas, and stay ahead of the curve in this rapidly evolving industry.