In this special bonus episode recorded at the close of SBC Summit Malta 2025, join our host, Ted Orme-Claye, who led the Affiliation and Marketing Stage, and Ted Menmuir, the moderator of the AI, Innovation, and Customer Realities track, as they share exclusive insights straight from the operational heart of the iGaming world.

Together, they unpack the biggest trends, pressures, and predictions shaping the global betting and iGaming industry, offering listeners an insider’s perspective on what’s coming next for operators, affiliates, and suppliers navigating this rapidly evolving sector.

One of the summit’s most talked-about themes—the "new tax dawn"—signals a game-changing economic shift for B2C operators in regulated markets. With tax burdens now exceeding 50% in key regions like France, the Netherlands, Germany, and the UK, operators are feeling the squeeze more than ever. Germany’s severe taxation and game restrictions have pushed channelisation to the black market beyond 55%, prompting many to write off the country as a viable market altogether.

Alongside the tax pressure, operators must now contend with fragmented advertising bans and tightening regulations across Europe, making 2025 a year of strategic cost-saving, operational pivoting, and regulatory navigation.

Despite these challenges, the future holds promise. Optimism surrounds Finland’s upcoming regulated market launch in 2027, with stakeholders preparing early to avoid the missteps seen in markets like the Netherlands. Italy shows renewed energy too, albeit now catering mostly to top-tier operators due to its £7 million licensing cost. The rise of AI remains another pivotal opportunity—and risk—with summit discussions exploring its potential to transform customer service, content creation, and competitive dynamics across the industry.

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