Launching an online casino means becoming part of the huge industry named iGaming. This global gaming community brings together casino operators, bookmakers, software providers and game developers, jurisdictional and financial authorities, marketers, influencers and players from all over the world.
All these people speak different languages but regularly exchange experiences to keep the wheels of online gambling turning. This is why, in 2026, iGaming events are as relevant as ever, serving as central meeting points for the industry decision-makers.
Here is our line-up of the best iGaming conferences, exhibitions, and trade shows that you ought to attend along with tips on how to prepare for them.
Types of iGaming Events
Casino and sports betting conferences serve as a vital link for networking among the land-based and online betting worlds. While the main purpose of iGaming events is networking, understanding the specifics of each type – conference, summit, and exhibition – can greatly enhance the value attendees gain from them.
Event Scale
International and Regional
International events, like ICE and SiGMA, often draw large audiences and significant media attention, providing broad networking and knowledge-sharing opportunities.
Regional events, on the other hand, tend to focus more on local gambling markets, offering forums for regulatory discussions and insights into specific country operations.
For example, the SPiCE Series, with events across India, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, and the UAE, focuses on the nuances of emerging regional markets across the globe.
Event Format
Conferences, Summits, and Exhibitions
iGaming events typically include conferences, summits, and exhibitions, with each one catering to specific aspects of the industry.
- Conferences: These events, like iGB Live!, primarily focus on knowledge-sharing and networking within the iGaming community. They bring together brands from both B2B and B2C sectors, featuring a mix of speeches, presentations, and opportunities for professional interaction. Conferences are ideal for staying up-to-date with industry trends and developments, particularly in areas such as betting software and casino software development, where innovation and regulatory changes are constant.
- Summits: Summits, such as those organised by SBC or SiGMA, are generally high-level gatherings where industry leaders and decision-makers gather to discuss strategic issues and forge important partnerships. They are typically more exclusive and focus on shaping the future direction of the industry.
- Exhibitions: Exhibitions, in contrast, are more commercially focused, offering a platform for companies to display their products and solutions. A prime example of this is the International Casino Exhibition – or ICE as it’s more commonly known – where businesses have the opportunity to stand out, demonstrate their offerings, and engage directly with potential clients and partners. Exhibitions often feature unique stands, entertainment areas, and activation zones, underscoring their promotional and interactive nature.
- Elite Retreats: These invitation-only events are meticulously curated to unite top-tier iGaming operators with leading suppliers, all set in some of the world's most luxurious and exclusive resorts.
Each retreat focuses on a specific regional market, facilitating high-level networking, strategic discussions, and entertainment among key decision-makers.
This makes them invaluable for decision-makers looking to expand their influence and operations in specific markets.
While there is some overlap in these iGaming events, each one has its own unique focus. By understanding these differences, attendees can choose the events that best match their professional goals, ensuring a more focused and rewarding event experience.
Event Focus
Regulatory Issues, Operations, Affiliate Marketing, Payment Processing, etc.
The focus of iGaming events can vary greatly, covering everything from regulatory issues to operations, affiliate marketing, and payment processing. Each event is tailored to meet the evolving needs of the market and the iGaming industry at large. With the rise of digital currencies, cryptocurrencies have become a crucial part of online gambling, increasing the number of gambling options available to players.
As a pioneer in online crypto gambling, SOFTSWISS continues to stay on top of the state of crypto in iGaming. That’s why the team will participate in several events in 2025 related to digital currencies, including regulatory, operations, affiliate marketing, and payments-related iGaming events that zoom in on a particular topic or vertical.
These events offer deep insights into specific areas of iGaming, and are tailored for those looking to delve into a topic on a more granular level.
Top iGaming Events in 2026
Here's a curated list of some of the most popular iGaming events offering value to both exhibitors and attendees alike.
ICE Barcelona 2026
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Date: 19-21 January
Event type: Exhibition
Format: Offline
Organiser: Clarion Gaming
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ICE has long been a cornerstone in the iGaming calendar, renowned for its comprehensive showcase of the latest innovations across various sectors of the iGaming industry.
SOFTSWISS will join around 65,000 industry professionals from the following fields:
- Betting
- Bingo
- Casino
- Lottery
- Mobile
- Online
- Payments
- Social
- Esports
- Sports betting
The 2026 edition builds on ICE’s move to Barcelona by expanding the show footprint into a new Hall 1 at the South Entrance, adding 14,000 m² of additional exhibition space. This expansion reflects the event’s continued growth and creates more room for exhibitors, content stages, and networking areas across the venue.
With its extensive exhibition floor and an international audience representing over 180 countries, ICE Barcelona remains a fertile ground for industry dialogue, innovation, and collaboration. In 2026, new show-floor initiatives add fresh depth to the experience, including the ICE Innovators Challenge, an AI-driven programme developed in partnership with Microsoft that invites participants to pitch solutions focused on safety in the industry, and the ICE Esports Arena, featuring an EA Sports FC tournament with an €8,500 prize pool and a football-themed battle arena.
IGB Affiliate Barcelona 2026
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Date: 20-21 January
Event type: Exhibition
Format: Offline
Organiser: Clarion Gaming
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Coinciding with ICE, iGB Affiliate Barcelona is one of the leading events for affiliate marketing in the iGaming sector. Expected to host over 11,000 attendees from 55 nations and 200 exhibitors, the event provides a platform for networking and business development. Additionally, attendees can expect a series of seminars and workshops designed to provide actionable insights into affiliate marketing trends and techniques.
For affiliates, iGB Affiliate Barcelona offers a chance to meet top operators and uncover strategies to expand their reach and revenue. Operators gain access to a diverse pool of high-performing affiliates, helping drive customer acquisition and market growth. Tech providers can present their latest solutions to a qualified audience, eager for tools to optimise campaigns and scale their businesses.
With a 20% increase in size, the 2026 event places a stronger emphasis on structured networking and content tailored to acquisition-focused teams, supporting discussions around traffic quality, compliance-aware marketing, and sustainable growth strategies in mature and emerging markets alike.
The synergy between ICE and iGB Affiliate Barcelona offers a comprehensive experience for professionals seeking to explore both gaming innovations and trends and affiliate marketing opportunities.
AIBC Eurasia 2026
Location: Dubai, UAE
Date: 23-25 February
Event type: Summit
Format: Offline
Organiser: SiGMA Group
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Since its first edition in 2014, SiGMA has rapidly expanded its global footprint, with AIBC Eurasia focusing on the burgeoning Asian market. With over 300 speakers and 14,500 confirmed delegates, the summit brings operators, B2B providers, affiliates, payment system vendors, and other iGaming businesses together. Dubai's strategic location and business-friendly environment make it an ideal host for this event, facilitating connections between Eastern and Western markets.
The summit features networking opportunities, expert discussions, and events like AIBC Eurasia Pitch, where startups can showcase their innovations, and the AIBC Eurasia Awards, which celebrate leading iGaming brands.
For decision-makers, SiGMA Eurasia offers insights into the unique dynamics of the Asian iGaming market, providing opportunities to explore new business avenues and understand regional consumer behaviours. The event's comprehensive agenda and diverse attendee base make it a strategic platform for those looking to expand their presence in Asia.
SBC Summit Rio 2026
Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Date: 3-5 March
Event type: Summit
Format: Offline
Organiser: SBC Events
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SBC Summit Rio is Brazil's premier sports betting and iGaming event, attracting over 12,000 industry leaders and experts. The summit serves as a platform for discussing regulatory frameworks, market-specific strategies, and opportunities within the Brazilian market.
In 2025, the event moved to Riocentro in response to rapidly growing demand and marked a milestone for the industry by becoming the first major iGaming gathering in Brazil following market regulation. This shift proved decisive: attendance increased by 200%, earning SBC Summit Rio the “Exhibition Growth of the Year” award at the EN Indy Awards 2025.
Building on this momentum, the summit continues to offer a platform for in-depth discussions on the region's unique challenges and prospects, providing valuable insights for businesses looking to enter or expand in Latin America.
Attendees will have a chance to interact directly with SOFTSWISS experts at the networking zone. This is an opportunity to explore tailored tech solutions and gain insights into strategies that facilitate successful entry into Brazil's market and beyond.
SiGMA Africa 2026
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Date: 3-5 March
Event type: Summit
Format: Offline
Organiser: SiGMA Group
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As part of the regional SiGMA event series, Africa is gaining attention as another promising market, often mentioned alongside Brazil. SiGMA Africa aims to bridge the gap between local opportunities and global expertise, offering a focused platform for networking, educational sessions, and business development tailored to the African context.
With a booming economy, developing telecommunications networks, and an increase in population interest, Africa is a target for many operators, and Cape Town's vibrant culture and status as a tech hub make it a fitting location for this forward-looking summit.
Focusing on the exciting African market, the summit is poised to serve as a pivotal networking hub, attracting over 3,000 delegates and 800 operators. Bringing together industry leaders in iGaming, the event will explore the potential of mobile gaming, sports betting, blockchain, and other innovative technologies that are rapidly shaping the future of iGaming in Africa.
With more than 150 speakers and over 250 exhibitors, SiGMA Africa 2026 promises to be a comprehensive and insightful event.
BiS SiGMA South America 2026
Location: São Paulo, Brazil
Date: 6-9 April
Event type: Summit
Format: Offline
Organiser: SiGMA Group
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It’s no misnomer to call SiGMA one of the world’s most popular iGaming conferences. It is a truly international event – a treasure trove of new products and contacts (a large proportion of participants are C-level or decision-makers).
After its merger with SiGMA, the Brazilian iGaming Summit (BiS) has become an integral part of the SiGMA portfolio. The combined event delivers focused insight into the Brazilian and wider Latin American gaming and sports betting markets, bringing together local expertise and global industry perspective.
iGaming industry leaders will once again gather in Brazil in 2026 to discuss this year's hottest topics. Regulators, gamification, and player experience enhancement are traditional topics for speakers, pitches, and discussion panels covered during this expo. Anyone planning their development and expansion to the local markets will find SiGMA and their regional events (held in Europe, Eurasia, Asia, Americas and Africa) invaluable for gaining relevant insights and contacts.
SOFTSWISS will be hosting a dedicated stand, so this can be an excellent opportunity to connect with us and learn more about our tech solutions.
NEXT Summit: Valletta 2026
Location: Valletta, Malta
Date: 27-28 May 2026
Event Type: Summit
Format: Offline
Organiser: NEXT.io
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Set against the backdrop of Valletta’s historic charm, NEXT Summit Valletta 2026 stands out as a crucial gathering for Europe’s iGaming professionals.
With an anticipated attendance of over 6,000 global delegates and over 300 industry-leading speakers, the summit is poised to offer invaluable insights and a wealth of opportunities for industry discussions, featuring panel discussions and networking sessions that position it as an unmissable event in the European iGaming calendar.
Some things change, but the iGaming community’s gathering in Malta remains eternal. Year after year, NEXT.io not only upholds this tradition but also creates a space rich with diverse opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and growth, ensuring the event continues to evolve while staying true to its roots.
SBC Summit Americas 2026
Location: Fort Lauderdale, USA
Date: 9-11 June
Event type: Summit
Format: Offline
Organiser: SBC
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SBC Summit Americas marks a new chapter for the sports betting and iGaming industries across the Americas. By combining the strengths of its previously separate North and Latin American events, the summit reflects the growing interconnectedness of these markets.
In 2026, SBC Summit Americas continues to refine its programming to reflect this Pan-American focus, with a six-stage conference agenda that places leadership, regulation, and market expansion at its core, providing delegates with region-specific insights and cross-border dialogue.
A key draw of the summit is its audience composition – 25% of SBC’s attendees are senior decision-makers, offering participants a rare opportunity to engage directly with influential leaders. For operators, affiliates, and regulators, this makes the event a focused environment for strategic dialogue. The exhibition floor, hosting 400 companies and sponsors, adds practical value by allowing attendees to see firsthand the latest innovations and solutions tailored to the Americas.
SiGMA Asia 2026
Location: Manila, Philippines
Date: 1-3 June
Event Type: Summit
Format: Offline
Organiser: SiGMA Group
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SiGMA Asia 2026 is poised to be a premier event in the Asian iGaming sector, bringing together a diverse group of iGaming professionals and a dynamic mix of exhibitions and panel discussions that capture the essence of Asia's gaming potential.
With over 250 speakers and, expectedly, 16,000 delegates, this summit will feature a two-level expo floor with exhibitors spanning B2B, B2C, and land-based sectors.
Numerous networking opportunities, including 15 networking dinners, startup pitches, parties, and two gala awards, will provide attendees with a focused environment to meet partners, explore market-ready solutions, and understand specific strategies for succeeding in Asia’s gaming market.
The SOFTSWISS team will also be present at SiGMA Asia, bringing our experience and solutions to the table. This will be an opportunity to connect and discuss how technology can fuel your success in Asia and beyond.
SBC Summit 2026
Location: Portugal, Lisbon
Date: 29 September – 1 October
Event type: Summit
Format: Offline
Organiser: SBC
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Following last year’s success, the SBC Summit 2026 returns to Lisbon and promises to bring new synergies and buzz to the global sports betting and iGaming community. Join SOFTSWISS at this summit that features a comprehensive conference agenda across seven stages, a large-scale exhibition, and various networking events, providing a holistic view of the industry's current and future direction.
The event is structured into themed zones such as the iGaming & Casino Zone, Sports Betting Zone, and Player Protection Zone. It also features specialised summits like the Payment Expert Summit and the Affiliate Leaders Summit. Attendees can further enjoy the Food Festival and explore the Media Headquarters for additional engagement opportunities.
For 2026, SBC continues its focus on practical tech-focused education with its Tech Academy programme, a series of hands-on learning tracks designed to complement the main conference. First introduced in 2025, these academies provide immersive sessions on key technology topics such as AI, marketing technology, Web3 & blockchain, and other emerging tech themes, giving visitors a privileged space for deeper learning and direct interaction with world-class experts.
What niches are usually represented?
- Sports betting
- Casino and iGaming
- Payments and compliance
- Affiliates, marketing, and media
- Emerging tech, blockchain, and metaverse
For business leaders, attending this summit offers unparalleled insights into global market trends, access to the latest technological innovations and opportunities to network with a diverse range of industry professionals and thought leaders.
NEXT Retreat Europe 2026
Location: Peyia, Cyprus
Date: 12-14 October
Event Type: Retreat
Format: Offline
Organiser: NEXT.io
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Elite retreats have redefined the concept of industry gatherings, offering a format that prioritises depth over scale. These invitation-only events are designed for senior executives and decision-makers, creating a focused space for addressing critical challenges and exploring new opportunities. The 2025 NEXT Retreat Europe was noted for the high quality of conversations and interaction among attendees.
Set in the serene surroundings of Peyia, Cyprus, the retreat offers an optimal environment for relationship building with structured talks, networking dinners, and settings that encourage business connections outside the typical expo floor context among key iGaming decision-makers.
This year’s Elite Retreat Cyprus expands its focus on curated programming sessions and structured roundtables that highlight emerging market strategies, regulatory developments, and partnership acceleration tactics designed to bring practical insights into delegates’ business plans.
SiGMA World 2026
Location: Rome, Italy
Date: 2 – 5 November
Event type: Summit
Format: Offline
Organiser: SiGMA Group
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SiGMA World 2026 will be held in Rome, where the expanded event will cover 100,000 square metres and is expected to attract approximately 30,000 delegates. With over 1,200 exhibitors, including SOFTSWISS, this exhibition provides broad snapshot of the industry as it stands today.
This event focuses on the iGaming markets of Central and Eastern Europe, providing a platform for discussions on regional regulatory developments, market opportunities, and technological advancements. It includes an expo, conference sessions, and networking events tailored to the European context.
Engaging in this event allows business owners to understand the nuances of the European market, connect with regional stakeholders, and explore opportunities for market entry or expansion, with attendees expected to be able to engage with the latest technological advancements and regulatory developments shaping the industry.
Elite Retreat LatAm 2026
Location: Cancun, Mexico
Date: 17-19 November
Event Type: Retreat
Format: Offline
Organiser: NEXT.io
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The second event in the NEXT.io retreat series shifts focus to the flourishing LatAm market. Bringing together 100 carefully selected guests, including operators and suppliers, the retreat offers a unique opportunity to combine business with leisure. Participants will engage in meaningful discussions, build valuable connections, and enjoy an event meticulously crafted down to the finest details.
The LatAm retreat will naturally centre on local markets, emphasising the importance of strong partnerships for navigating the complexities of the region. A reliable local partner can be a game-changer for successful market entry, and participants will come together to explore these opportunities.
The exclusive and focused environment is a must-attend for those seeking actionable insights and strategic collaborations that can lead to significant business development in the LatAm region.
Meet 2026 Head-on
iGaming events continue to play a central role in how the industry connects, learns, and does business. Choose suitable expos, invest in decent company and team representation, and participate in global conferences. The efforts won't wait for results, and upon return, the team will be equipped not only with suitcases but also with a ton of new information to digest, leads to process, and business ideas to implement.
- What to Do at iGaming Events?
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Annual iGaming conferences and exhibitions are significant industry events that cannot be missed or overlooked. A day feeds a year. Reaching event attendance goals requires proactive preparation. What might these goals be?
- Lead generation
- Client loyalty maintenance
- Networking with potential partners
- Seeking investment and mentoring opportunities
- Uncovering new business opportunities
- What is the best way to prepare for an iGaming conference?
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- Establish an event calendar. In the midst of a highly competitive environment, marketing is an investment in ensuring long-term brand viability. Take this into consideration while developing your calendar. Consider your business strategy and fill the calendar with events relevant to your current business goals (to acquire new audiences, boost brand awareness, practise new market entry strategies, etc.).
- Determine the format for participation in each exhibition. Exhibiting everywhere with a huge stand and a 100-person delegation is not necessary. A simple presence or having several representatives with brand merchandise will be perfect enough for some events to check the trends and meet partners. Book the place and format of participation in advance, work out the logistics, and prepare all the necessary marketing assets (stands, presentations, business cards, etc.)
- Determine the purpose. This point is related to the previous one, but it is reasonable to highlight it separately: clearly define the purpose of the trip and explain the motivation to other participants. The purpose may be to meet specific partners offline, gather industry experience, find as many contacts as possible, or attend specific workshops. Having everyone focused on incentives will ensure the team works to their full potential without being distracted by unnecessary activities.
- Prepare delegate calendars. Before the event, every team member should have a clear understanding of their role in the upcoming event to avoid mishaps. Several team members can meet potential clients, while others attend workshops, acquiring experience they will pass on to their colleagues. Schedule meetings and workshops in advance on a calendar to reduce confusion.
- How to improve your casino or betting on sports conference presence?
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- Meet game developers, software and payment system providers. An iGaming conference is a great place to find dependable IT partners, so take advantage and reinforce your brand with enhanced payment processing, software service and direct contact with gaming content providers.
- Find out what's new in the iGaming world: mobile casino, Bitcoin gambling, innovative game design, etc. Meet representatives of different gaming jurisdictions, learn about the latest iGaming initiatives, and discover the peculiarities.
- Dive into marketing. In the world of iGaming marketing, there is always room for improvement and revision. Check out new trends in marketing and advertising, and determine which type of promotion could work best for your online casino. Be sure not to underrate affiliate marketing opportunities and sign new partners.
- Join seminars and panels. The experience of attending seminars and interacting with the best iGaming experts is invaluable. Pick a relevant topic and generously share your knowledge.
- Be a networker! The more people you know, the better your business does. Do not ignore the parties after the exhibition's official opening hours. In general, the atmosphere at such events tends to be friendly, so you can find yourself talking with C-level executives quite at ease.
