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U.S. and LATAM Leaders to Headline Opening 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 occasion joining North and Latin America's video gaming sectors under one roofing.
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 video gaming guideline. Brown played an essential role in establishing the Commission and brings a deep understanding of Florida's regulatory landscape, making her a fitting figure to assist open the very first edition of this reimagined occasion.
The opening remarks will be followed by the discussion with Bill Miller, President & CEO of the American Gaming Association (AGA) who will use a timely exploration of how the shifting political landscape-from Capitol Hill to state regulative conversations-is shaping the future of legal gaming in the U.S, as policymakers and regulators adjust to emerging technologies, progressing customer behaviours, and increased examination 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 among the industry's most important and prompt concerns: gamer defense. As DraftKings' first-ever Chief Responsible Gaming Officer, Lori Kalani will bring a fresh viewpoint on how the company is embedding responsible gaming practices throughout its platforms and player communities.
SBC's Managing Editor, Jessica Welman, will talk to Ari Borod, who will use participants an unique look into the strong ambitions and technique of among the most closely seen entrants in the U.S. sports wagering market-Fanatics Betting and Gaming. As Chief Business Officer, Borod plays a central function in forming how the powerhouse brand name is distinguishing itself in a saturated market, browsing regulatory difficulties, and intending to combine commerce with video gaming in ingenious methods.
The first day will also feature 3 devoted Leaders panels, each tackling crucial obstacles and opportunities throughout the Americas.
"LatAm Leaders - Beyond Brazil: Balancing Growth Across LatAm's Other Markets" will bring together a powerhouse panel of regional experts to deal with among the most urgent strategic questions dealing with the Latin American gaming industry: how to capitalise on Brazil's explosive development without neglecting the rest of the area. 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 well balanced expansion and unlock untapped growth across the wider LATAM area.
The "Sports Betting Leaders: Tech vs Sports Books - What Are the Odds?" panel will dive into one of the most important arguments in the U.S. sports wagering landscape: whether to embrace or withstand emerging technologies like AI. Featuring Stuart Simms (Group CEO, Media), Behshad Behzadi (Chief Product, Technology & AI Officer, Sportradar), and Endre Nesset (President, Coolbet), this session will unpack the opportunities and difficulties that included integrating cutting-edge tools into tradition systems.
Finally, the "iGaming Leaders: Omnichannel Strategy for Enhanced Customer Experience" panel will explore how operators can develop 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 market is truly maximising this prospective to satisfy contemporary consumer expectations.
Another key series 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 check out the history, skill-based game types, and monetisation models of the sector. Then, "Crossover Between Fantasy Sports & Sports Betting" will take a look at how companies 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 functional contrasts in between the 2 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 change through the lens of development.
Capping off the day, "Ask the Regulators" will offer an uncommon and high-impact chance for operators and providers to engage directly with the crucial 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 top priorities, difficulties, and future instructions of state-level policy.