Introduction to the SBC Summit Lisbon 2025
This September, Lisbon hosted one of the largest events in the gambling and technology sector — the SBC Summit Lisbon 2025. The event drew in over 30,000 participants from 150 countries, all of whom gathered to present new products in the gaming industry and discuss key trends. A significant focus of the summit was on monitoring player behavior, protecting player rights, and preventing ludomania.
Ukrainian Representation at the Summit
A group of experts from Ukraine attended the summit, comprising representatives from the Center for Public Health of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, the National Social Service of Ukraine, the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, and the Public Union “Responsible Gaming Center” (RGC). The primary objective of the expert group was to study how the player protection system functions in other countries and explore how this experience could be effectively applied in Ukraine. This trip was made possible through an international experience exchange program with the Responsible Gaming Center, supported by FAVBET, the general patron of the project.
European Practices and Their Potential Impact on Ukraine
The summit featured dozens of thematic zones, including one dedicated to Player Protection. This zone saw the sharing of experiences and discussions on how Big Data and artificial intelligence technologies can help detect addiction at early stages. The Ukrainian representatives were particularly interested in the experience of player protection in Great Britain, where the GAMESTOP system operates. This system allows for the voluntary blocking of access to games from all operators simultaneously, a model that is being considered for adaptation in Ukraine, taking into account national realities.
Digital Solutions for Player Support
Experts at the summit presented various digital solutions aimed at supporting players. These included applications designed for emotional stabilization and online platforms for group therapy. In Ukraine, while a foundation for responsible gaming has already been established, with a social standard in effect, operators working with mandatory limits, and collaborative efforts between the state and business to build a safe environment for players, the experience of international colleagues opens up new opportunities for improvement.
Bringing Ideas to Ukraine
Tetiana Synitska, head of the psychological department of the Public Union “Responsible Gaming Center” (RGC), summarized the summit as not just an event but a space where new approaches are born. She emphasized that the ideas and experiences gained from the summit could potentially change Ukraine’s legislation, business models, and player support system. The participation of Ukrainians in the SBC Summit Lisbon marked another step towards forming a national responsible gaming strategy, one that incorporates international standards and addresses local challenges.
Future Plans and Collaborations
Following the summit in Lisbon, the Ukrainian team plans to visit Sweden, Lithuania, and Estonia. These visits aim to provide the team with experience in the operation of rehabilitation centers and the gambling industry control system. The support provided by FAVBET for the development of RGC, particularly in the area of international experience exchange, exemplifies how gambling operators can actively contribute to shaping a responsible market in Ukraine.
Conclusion
The SBC Summit Lisbon 2025 played a significant role in advancing the discussion on responsible gaming, both globally and in Ukraine. Through the exchange of international experiences and the exploration of new technologies and strategies for player protection, the foundation is being laid for a unique national program to combat ludomania in Ukraine. The collaboration between business, state, and public institutions, as seen in the partnership between FAVBET and RGC, is crucial for developing a culture of responsible gaming. As Ukraine moves forward with its national responsible gaming strategy, the lessons learned from the SBC Summit Lisbon 2025 will undoubtedly serve as a guiding force in creating a safer, more supportive environment for players.
