SBC Summit Tbilisi 2026 Set to Draw Major UK Gaming Industry Presence as Event Expands
The SBC Summit Tbilisi is returning for its 2026 edition with ambitious plans to welcome over 2,500 gaming industry professionals to Georgia's capital, marking a significant expansion for an event increasingly popular with UK operators and suppliers.
Scheduled for 15-16 July at the Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace, the conference is being organised by SBC in collaboration with SMH Global. The announcement comes on the back of a successful 2025 edition which drew more than 2,000 delegates from 44 countries, demonstrating the growing appeal of the Georgian market within the international gaming sector.
For UK gaming companies, the summit represents an important opportunity to explore emerging markets in the Caucasus region and Eastern Europe. Georgia has been developing its regulatory framework for gaming in recent years, making it an attractive destination for operators seeking expansion opportunities beyond saturated Western European markets.
The 2026 event is placing particular emphasis on sports betting and regulatory matters, two areas of keen interest to UK industry stakeholders. With the UK government currently reviewing its Gambling Act and implementing changes to advertising and safer gambling requirements, the focus on regulatory best practices at the Tbilisi summit could provide valuable insights for British operators navigating increasingly complex compliance landscapes.
The conference agenda typically includes sessions on responsible gambling, emerging technologies, payment solutions, and market entry strategies. UK delegates attending previous editions have highlighted the networking opportunities with operators from markets that British companies may be less familiar with, including Central Asian and Eastern European territories.
Georgia's own gaming market has been modernising rapidly, implementing licensing requirements and establishing clearer regulatory oversight. This evolution mirrors trends seen across Europe, where standardisation and consumer protection have become paramount. UK companies with experience operating under the Gambling Commission's stringent requirements are well positioned to share expertise and potentially partner with Georgian operators seeking to implement robust compliance frameworks.
The expansion from 2,000 to over 2,500 expected attendees reflects the summit's growing reputation as a key date on the regional gaming calendar. For UK suppliers of gaming technology, payment processing, and compliance solutions, events like this provide access to a concentrated audience of potential clients from markets experiencing rapid growth.
The July timing also positions the summit strategically in the industry calendar, falling between major European gaming conferences and offering a focused regional alternative to larger international events.
What UK Gaming Professionals Should Know
If you work in the UK gaming industry and are considering attendance, the SBC Summit Tbilisi offers networking opportunities with operators and regulators from emerging markets. The event's focus on regulation and sports betting aligns well with current UK industry priorities. Early registration typically offers cost savings, and the Georgian capital provides relatively affordable accommodation compared to Western European conference destinations. Those exploring international expansion opportunities or seeking partnerships in developing markets may find the delegate profile particularly relevant to their business objectives.