Top iGaming experts discuss opportunities, challenges during SBC North America Summit

The industry’s most influential figures will gather at the 2022 SBC North America Summit to shed some light on the opportunities and challenges that can arise with the slow opening of more iGaming markets in the region.

Attendees will be able to follow the discussions during ‘iGaming Americas’ – one of the eight conference tracks that will be held at the leading sports betting and iGaming conference and trade show in the United States and Canada. The SBC North America Summit is taking place at Meadowlands Exposition Center, New Jersey July 12-14.

The track will kick off on the first full day (Wednesday, July 13) of the Summit and starts with a panel comprising Matt Sunderland (VP Gaming, BetMGM), Per Hellberg (CEO, PlayStar), Todd Cravens (President and CEO, Galaxy Gaming), and Ed Camargo (Managing Director for US, Incubeta). The panelists will discuss the various player relationship-building strategies that operators can implement here and now before the regulation hits their state. Dan Phillips (CEO and Founder, NEL Advisory) will moderate the panel discussion.

The ‘Converging Worlds of iGaming and Sports Betting’ session will focus the discussion on how operators can leverage their strengths when more states regulate the iGaming market alongside sports betting, given the assumption that the online casino and sports betting worlds are destined to converge in the coming years. Panelists include Luisa Woods (Vice President, Marketing Gaming and Entertainment, Delaware North), Anika Howard (President and CEO, WONDR Nation), and Patrick Keane (CEO, Action Network). Jonathan Doubilet (VICE President, US Business Operations, Playtech) will guide the discussion.

After lunch and the headline fireside chat with FanDuel CEO Amy Howe, the focus will shift to Ontario. The opening of the fifth largest market in North America presents a plethora of opportunities. Panelists will discuss the primary licensing and regulation requirements and will dive deeper into the pros and cons of various market entry strategies. The experts for this panel include Richard Roberts (President, Digital Gaming, Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment), Oren Cohen Shwartz (CEO, Delasport), Chris Looney (CCO, Bragg Gaming Group), Will Whitehead (Associate Director, mkodo), and Scott Vanderwel (CEO, PointsBet Canada). Amanda Brewer (Country Manager, Canada Kindred Group) will act as a moderator of the ‘Online in Ontario’ panel.

Moving onto the next session with a focus on tribal-led iGaming, David Murley (Deputy Director, Online Gaming & Legal Affairs Division, Michigan Gaming Control Board), Quincy Raven (US Managing Director, Aspire Global), and Jim Wise (VP of Marketing & Sports, Firekeepers Casino), will discuss whether Michigan could serve as the blueprint for further states opening up to online casinos.

After the break, a panel comprising Magnus Olsson (CCO, Play’n GO), Daniel Sahl (Director, UNLV Center for Gaming Innovation), and Rob Procter (VP Game of Game Development, Light & Wonder) will shift the discussion to the importance of innovation for American-centric game studios and will highlight some of them that are worth following in the US iGaming market. Andy Mound (Owner, Playtables.com) will moderate the panel discussion.

The final session of the day will center around the ever-growing streaming culture and the ways traditional casinos can evolve and enhance their games to attract online casino streamers.

Sue Schneider, VP of Growth and Strategy, Americas at SBC said: “The ‘iGaming Americas’ panel is an exciting opportunity to listen to some of the most respected professionals in the industry touching upon major topics such as the opening of more iGaming markets in North America, the Ontario gambling regulation, and the increasing need to innovate and build solid relationships with players.”

Delegates attending the conference and trade show from July 12 to 14 will also have access to an exhibition with leading sports betting and iGaming companies with a focus on the United States and Canada showcasing their latest innovations. The event also features a program of evening networking events in some of the most upscale New York City and New Jersey venues. 

Find full details of the event, including how to book your all-access pass ($795), at the SBC Summit North America website.