The importance of prediction markets was a focal point on the inaugural day of the SBC Summit Americas 2026, as leaders from various sectors—regulators, operators, and tech innovators—convened at the Broward County Convention Center to address pressing gaming issues influencing North and Latin America’s landscape.

Over the course of the two-day event, discussions spanned topics such as artificial intelligence, responsible gaming, and fantasy sports; however, one key theme consistently emerged: the rising significance of prediction markets and their implications for the traditional sports betting framework.

Prediction Markets at the Forefront

The dialogue kicked off with a panel discussion on the Leaders Stage titled, The Big Picture: Steering the Future of Gaming. Executives delved into whether prediction markets are seen as rivals, innovative solutions, or simply a natural progression in wagering offerings.

Ian Botts, Chief Technology Officer of Fanatics Betting & Gaming, noted that the appeal of prediction markets lies in their straightforwardness.

“The success of prediction markets can be attributed to their user-friendly nature,” Botts remarked. “Participants face a simple yes or no choice. In contrast, a sports betting event might feature numerous complicated markets that can be intimidating for newcomers.”

Botts suggested that this simplicity could shape how operators create future betting products. “The repercussions for the industry could be monumental. We’ll likely see online casinos and sportsbooks making their offerings more intuitive and streamlined,” he explained.

Despite the promising rise of prediction markets, concerns about consumer safety were raised. Kevin Mullally, CEO of IAGR and The Mullally Group, highlighted the absence of protective measures as compared to conventional regulated gambling sectors.

“It astounds me that individuals who recognize their struggles, stating, ‘I have an issue with this product and I’m seeking help,’ are brushed aside by their federal government, which says, ‘Even though you’ve opted out, we will disregard your efforts to stop,'” Mullally expressed.

Later in the day, the dialogue shifted to the panel titled The Current State of Prediction Markets in the US, highlighted by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s proposed regulatory guidelines for prediction markets.

DraftKings Predictions Senior Vice President Jeanine Hightower-Sellitto, along with Sporttrade Founder Alex Kane, Optimove US Lead Jeff Laniado, and Sidley Austin Partner Ian McGinley, explored whether sports event contracts enhance or compete against regulated sportsbooks.

Kane disclosed that he had approached the Massachusetts Gaming Commission for approval to allow sportsbook operators to simultaneously offer prediction market products, promoting that such a strategy could expand user involvement and elevate tax revenues.

Consumer Safety Concerns Emerge

Outside of prediction markets, responsible gambling was a pivotal focus on the first day.

Former U.S. Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy delivered a compelling session during the panel Building a Public Health Response to Gambling Harm. As a long-time advocate for mental health and addiction issues, he shared personal experiences while stressing the need to address gambling-related harm as a public health concern.

“I have battled addiction,” Kennedy openly stated. “I’ve faced major sanctions and life-altering decisions. I recognized my addiction, yet I was powerless to act on it.“

Kennedy contended that society is grappling with larger addiction and mental health challenges, particularly with younger generations increasingly exposed to various digital experiences.

Conversations about player protection persisted throughout dedicated symposiums, focusing on innovative approaches to responsible gambling. Industry specialists underscored how operators are shifting from traditional compliance frameworks to tailored interventions driven by behavioral insights and real-time engagement mechanisms.

The Necessity of AI in the Industry

Artificial intelligence also emerged as a significant theme on Day 1, with speakers acknowledging that AI has transitioned from a novel concept to an operational prerequisite.

During the panel Land-Based Leaders: Navigating Shifting Demand in a Changing Gaming Landscape, Sun Gaming and Hospitality CEO Bobby Soper highlighted the need to harness data effectively through AI-driven solutions.

“AI is now a necessity,” Soper asserted. “Staying ahead means you must optimize your data.”

This sentiment echoed a broader industry perspective that AI is playing an increasing role in areas such as customer interaction, marketing strategies, fraud prevention, and efficiency in operations.

Key Topics from Day 1

Sports integrity remained a crucial topic as participants tackled issues like match-fixing, insider information, and the easy availability of betting options.

In the session Lines, Limits, and Loopholes: Protecting the Future of Sports Wagering, NCAA Managing Director of Enforcement Mark Hicks raised alarms about some prediction market platforms allowing participants as young as 18 years old.

Meanwhile, Legacy Consulting Group CEO Tony Amormino remarked that while insider information has always been part of sports, the rise of technology and social media is amplifying access to such insights.

Tribal gaming authorities also commented on shifting priorities within Native American gaming operations. Discussions concerning representation and sovereignty highlighted concerns that the growing competitive landscape in digital gaming might detract from efforts to safeguard tribal rights in favor of market dominance.

Commercial prospects associated with major sporting events, such as the FIFA World Cup 2026, were also explored. Industry leaders shared tactics for transforming tournament-driven customer acquisition into lasting engagement, with retention recognized as an essential objective beyond the event.

Looking Ahead to Day 2

As the first day wrapped up, participants geared up for the SBC Awards Americas, with an eye toward another full agenda on Thursday. Winners can be reviewed here.

On the second day of SBC Summit Americas, discussions will persist on crucial topics such as innovative payment methods, regulations in Latin America, affiliate marketing tactics, along with further dialogues on prediction markets. Attendees can also catch the opening FIFA World Cup match between Mexico and South Africa at designated viewing areas around the exhibition floor.

10:15 AM – 10:35 AM
iGaming Daily (Podcast & Interview Stage)
A recap of Day 1’s most significant stories and a preview of SBC Summit Americas’ concluding day.

10:40 AM – 11:00 AM
Harnessing AI for Growth (Stage 1 – Leaders)
Exploring how gaming firms can utilize AI to drive business expansion.

11:00 AM – 11:40 AM Sessions

• Insights from the Veteran Sportsbook Operator & Author of ‘The Bookie’ – Frontline Narratives: Art Manteris on Growth, Risk, and Sports Integrity (Stage 1)
• The M&A Playbook: Turning Your Brand into a Target for Acquisition (Stage 2)
• Tech Innovations: How Leaders Are Utilizing AI to Engage Customers and Transform Operations (Stage 3)
• Affiliate Leaders 2026: Strategies for the Next Growth Surge (Stage 4)
• The LatAm Betting Surge: Technology and User Experience (Stage 5)
• Understanding Prediction Markets 101 (Breakout Stage)
• Fundraising Fundamentals: Navigating Your First Round (Masterclass, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM)

11:20 AM – 12:00 PM
IAGR Leaders Discuss Key Regulatory Concerns (Stage 1 – Leaders)
Global regulators weigh in on illegal markets, prediction markets, and future regulatory trends.

11:40 AM – 12:20 PM Sessions

• Rising Regulators: How Oversight Shapes North American Gaming (Stage 2)
• Emerging Payment Solutions: Biometrics, BNPL, Open Banking & More (Stage 3)
• X Gaming: Real-Time Engagement & the Future Growth Engine for LatAm Betting & iGaming (Stage 4)
• Prospective Landscape of Sports Betting in Latin America (Stage 5)
• Prediction Markets: Sportsbooks Entering the Realm of Event Contracts (Breakout Stage)

12:00 PM – 12:20 PM Sessions

• Winning Without Risk: Building a Win-Win Future for Prediction Platforms (Stage 1)
• Operators and Affiliates: Bet on LatAm – Succeed with Google Ads (Stage 4)

12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Crafting a World Cup Tournament Model: From Ratings to Outrights (Masterclass)
An interactive workshop on developing betting models tailored for significant football tournaments.

12:15 PM – 12:40 PM
Stories from the Bookmaker (Podcast & Interview Stage)
Experienced bookmaker Art Manteris reflects on his four-decade career.

1:20 PM – 2:00 PM Sessions

• Evolving Gaming Frameworks in Latin America (Stage 1)
• Innovation vs. Regulation: Striking Balance in Prediction Markets and New Formats (Stage 2)
• Crypto Compliance: A Discussion on Regulated Stablecoins (Stage 3)
• Identifying Channels That Are Capturing Your Players (Stage 4)
• Cross-Platform and Channel Innovation: Envisioning the Future of National Lotteries in South America (Stage 5)
• Prediction Markets: Compliance and Integrity Challenges (Breakout Stage)

2:00 PM – 2:40 PM Sessions

• Regulator Rumble: Future Trends in LatAm (Stage 1)
• Crackdown on Unregulated Gaming: Where States Set Boundaries (Stage 2)
• Payout Research: Implications of Every Withdrawal on Future Bets – New Insights from SBC and Stats Perform (Stage 3)
• The Crucial Operator/Affiliate Partnership: Transitioning from Volume to Value (Stage 4)
• Prediction Markets: The Direction of Futures Market Trends (Breakout Stage)
• Exploring Cross-Border & Outbound Sweepstakes Opportunities (Masterclass, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM)

2:20 PM – 3:00 PM
The Future of Personalized Payments: Empowering Players in Payment Choices (Stage 3)
Assessing the balance between convenience, personalization, and responsible gambling.

2:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Regulator Insights: Oversight’s Role in North American Gaming (Podcast & Interview Stage)

2:40 PM – 3:20 PM
First Pitch (Stage 1 – Leaders)
Startups showcase their ideas in SBC’s investment-focused pitch competition.

3:30 PM – 4:00 PM
First Pitch Winner Interview (Podcast & Interview Stage)
The winning startup elaborates on their vision and future plans.