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SBC Establishes Global Regulatory Advisory Board

SBC Establishes Regulatory Advisory Board – New Panel Targets Closer Dialogue Between iGaming Operators and Global Regulators

Key Takeaways

• SBC has created a new Regulatory Advisory Board chaired by Andrew Gellatly, former Executive Director of the AGCC.
• The panel includes representatives from major industry operators like Entain, Playtech, and Kaizen Gaming, alongside former regulatory officials.
• A European regulatory forum is scheduled for Amsterdam on 19 April 2027, expecting 350 senior decision-makers.
• A North American edition will take place in Toronto, bringing together 250 regulatory and industry leaders from the United States and Canada.

SBC assembles veteran regulators and industry executives

The newly established Regulatory Advisory Board brings together a mix of experienced regulatory affairs leaders, former regulators, and industry experts. The primary objective is to strengthen engagement across international gaming markets. The board aims to connect gaming regulators, licensed operators, lotteries, policymakers, and industry associations in a structured environment.

Andrew Gellatly, the former Executive Director of the Alderney Gambling Control Commission, serves as the chairman of the new panel. He will provide strategic guidance on the regulatory initiatives developed by SBC. His role involves shaping high-level discussions and identifying emerging regulatory challenges in various jurisdictions.

The board features a diverse roster of industry compliance experts and government relations leaders. Members include David Foster, Group Director of International Regulatory Affairs at Entain, and Yannis Xirotiris, Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs at Kaizen Gaming. Jon Polanec, VP of Global Risk and Market Integrity at Super, and Francesco Rodano, Head of Responsible Gaming at Allwyn, also join the panel.

Major technology providers are represented by Charmaine Hogan, Global Head of Government Relations at Playtech, and Jessica Feil, SVP and General Counsel at OpenBet. Former regulators Morten Ronde from Nordic Legal and public affairs consultant Eleonore Para bring direct public sector experience to the group. The board is completed by SBC CEO Rasmus Sojmark and Managing Director Andrew McCarron, with Head of Legal Eve Hartley serving as secretary.

Board priorities target complex jurisdictional challenges

The initiative represents a broader commitment by SBC to facilitate knowledge exchange among key stakeholders. Regulators, policymakers, and industry leaders face an increasingly complex landscape across Europe, North America, and other international markets. Common challenges include taxation, licensing frameworks, player protection protocols, the persistent issue of illegal gambling, and the overall sustainability of regulated markets.

Sojmark emphasized that regulation remains one of the most critical factors shaping the future of the iGaming sector. The focus is on creating an environment that supports open and constructive conversations about the issues that matter most. The group of assembled experts understands regulation from multiple distinct perspectives.

Gellatly noted that gaming regulation is becoming increasingly complex as different jurisdictions face many of the same challenges. Areas like player protection, market integrity, and sustainable growth require continuous attention. The board provides a formal opportunity to identify these emerging challenges early and encourage direct dialogue between regulators and licensed operators.

The collective experience of the board members will help develop initiatives that make a meaningful contribution to the international gambling industry. The focus remains squarely on supporting the long-term development of competitive and sustainable regulated gaming markets.

New forums planned for Amsterdam and Toronto in 2027

A central priority for the new advisory board involves supporting the development of the SBC Leaders Regulatory Forums. The inaugural European event is set to launch in Amsterdam on 19 April 2027. This gathering expects to host 350 senior decision-makers from across the regulated gaming industry in Europe.

SBC is developing a parallel North American edition to be held in Toronto. This specific forum will bring together 250 senior regulatory and industry leaders from the United States and Canada. These regional events aim to translate the board’s strategic guidance into actionable industry discussions and collaborative problem-solving sessions.

This new initiative builds upon existing partnerships SBC holds within the regulatory compliance and legal space. The company maintains active relationships with the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) and the International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL). These partnerships reinforce a broader commitment to regulatory education, collaboration, and knowledge exchange.

The overarching goal of the Advisory Board and its wider initiatives is to establish a prominent international platform. By connecting regulators directly with licensed gaming industry leaders, the organization supports continuous dialogue on crucial market regulations.

Our Assessment

The formation of the Regulatory Advisory Board by SBC signals a formalized push to bridge the gap between iGaming operators and regulatory bodies. By appointing former regulators alongside current compliance executives from major gambling brands, the board balances public and private sector perspectives. The scheduled regulatory forums in Amsterdam and Toronto indicate a clear timeline for moving these discussions from a conceptual board level to large-scale industry events. This structured approach to knowledge exchange highlights the growing necessity for cross-jurisdictional cooperation in addressing licensing, taxation, and player protection globally.