SBC Exceeds Forecasts, Drawing 4,000 Attendees to Debut Event in Rio

In an dynamic entrance into Rio, SBC's inaugural Brazil-focused event exceeded all forecasts, drawing in a staggering turnout of 4,000 attendees — surpassing the anticipated 3,000 — and signaling a promising start to the future expansion plans disclosed during the event.

Held from March 5th to 7th, SBC Summit Rio served as a deep dive into the Brazilian market during a pivotal moment of opportunity, spurred by Brazil's recent approval of online gambling regulation. The Summit played a protagonistic role in creating a platform for senior executives to unite and discuss the future trajectory of the industry in the country, blending local insights with global perspectives.

Featuring over 70 exhibitors, the show floor at the Windsor Convention & Expo Center was abuzz with activity throughout the event, which sold out well ahead of its scheduled dates. This strong demand underscored the imperative to transition SBC Summit Rio to its new venue, Riocentro, for next year's edition, allowing for the accommodation of over 10,000 delegates and 400 exhibitors and sponsors.

Exhibitor contentment was evident, as indicated by an initial Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 54, with the overwhelming majority of 2024 exhibitors already confirming their participation for the 2025 edition. The show floor featured prominent international suppliers including Amusnet, BetConstruct, Digitain, IDnow, Oddin.gg, Pragmatic Play, and others.

Victor Arias, Vice President LatAm at Pragmatic Play detailed his experience exhibiting at the event: "For me, it is always a joy to participate in an event organized by SBC, and this one in Rio was no exception. I left very satisfied because I was able to meet with friends and colleagues and analyze the possibilities offered by a market as relevant as Brazil. Without a doubt, this opportunity was fundamental for Pragmatic Play, which is experiencing continuous growth in the country. These days were extremely intense, with important commercial agreements and a stand that was filled with visitors who enjoyed the environment and the experience that Pragmatic Play provided."

The operator sector witnessed notable participation, comprising 30% of the total attendee numbers, from key players such as Aposta Ganha, Betano, Betsson, Esportes da Sorte, EstrelaBet, Galera.Bet, Rei do Pitaco, Superbet and Vai De Bob, among others. Feedback gathered from the post-event survey revealed a commendable NPS of 62 among operators, reflecting the positive reception of the event from the segment. Additionally, a diverse range of operators participated as exhibitors, indicating their proactive approach to market penetration.

"Timing couldn't be more impeccable; our recent entry into Brazil in December aligned perfectly with this event. SBC Summit Rio offered an exceptional opportunity for us to leverage the existing momentum and establish vital connections. With a notable turnout and invaluable networking sessions with prominent figures in the Brazilian sector, the event delivered on all fronts. For a European company venturing into this new territory, the knowledge acquired and relationships forged with affiliates and suppliers will be pivotal in shaping our strategy," said Alex Fonseca, CEO Brazil, Superbet.

The projected affiliate count of 300 was also surpassed, with 447 affiliates in attendance, marking a significant 49% increase over the initial target. This sets a promising precedent for the launch of the dedicated Affiliate Leaders Summit in Rio in 2025, providing a platform for affiliation and marketing professionals to deliberate on traffic acquisition strategies in the burgeoning market.

Clever Advertising COO Marcos Oliveira commented: "SBC truly outdid themselves with this event — the diverse representation of operators, both local and international, was fantastic to see, and the connections we made will help us set a strong foothold in Brazil, marking a crucial step forward for our business. SBC Summit Rio was about learning, taking action, and making things happen. For the 2025 edition, I am very pleased to support and sponsor the Affiliate Leaders Summit  — adding a dedicated summit is definitely a step in the right direction."

Zé Roberto, the celebrated Brazilian former footballer, kicked off the event with a keynote that drew a full house, initiating a highly productive conference segment featuring 100 influential voices in line with SBC's renowned standards. Furthermore, the event witnessed the official launch of the Associação de Mulheres da Indústria Gaming (AMIG), underscoring SBC's commitment to empowering women within the gaming sector.

One of the networking highlights beyond the exhibition floor throughout the event's three-day duration was an evening gathering at the Museu do Amanhã. This event welcomed Rio de Janeiro governor Cláudio Castro, who engaged in discussions with organizers, exploring the profound impact that events of this magnitude have on the industry and Brazil's economy.

Rasmus Sojmark, CEO and Founder of SBC said: "I wouldn't exactly label the turnout as surprising; it was evident from the outset that this event held great promise for several reasons: the timing, the choice of Rio as the host city, and the quality associated with SBC. 

"Nevertheless, I'm genuinely delighted to have had the opportunity to host both the Brazilian and international industry at our debut event in Rio. The conference provided much-needed insights from top experts, and the expo floor was teeming with activity. I'd dare say that the entire Brazilian industry was in attendance. Thank you all for your support. Let’s all work on making great things happen in 2025."