Speakers

Jonathan Parke

Director

Sophro, Visiting Professor, Sheffield Hallam University

Professor. Dr. Mary Aiken

Chair of the Department of Cyberpsychology

Capitol Technology University, USA

Dr Maris Catania

Director of Player Sustainability

Leo Vegas

Adam Kirstein Reuterswärd

Chief Executive Officer

Spelfriheten

Agenda – Collaboration for Impact: Safer Gambling in a Changing World

09:00

Registration and coffee

10:00

Welcome to SGC 2025

10:05

Opening comments by Stéphane Pallez, Chairwoman and CEO at FDJ UNITED

10:15
Professor. Dr. Mary Aiken

Keynote speaker: Professor Mary Aiken, Capitol Technology University

Look forward to an inspirational speech on the cyber psychology of technology and its impact on individuals, communities, industry and society in general from one of the world’s leading experts.

10:45
Adam Kirstein Reuterswärd
Dr Maris Catania

Panel discussion: Lived experience

The way we consume gaming and gambling products is changing as technology and availability evolves. How is this shift impacting players who should not gamble? And how can we make use of this shift to further enhance a safe gambling experience? A growing concern has especially emerged regarding the impact of these trends on young adults which will be the key focus for this discussion moderated by Dr Maris Catania.

11:30

Coffee break & networking

11:55
Jonathan Parke

Presentation: Research findings by Dr Jonathan Parke, Sophro Ltd

A presentation of a recent study on gambling product risks among young adults aged 18–25. The session will examine which products and features attract this age group, how these preferences connect to gambling harm, and opportunities for targeted harm reduction. The findings are intended to contribute to safer gambling practices.

12:20

Panel discussion: Gambling product risks and how to protect young adults

Reflections on Dr Parke’s research findings and a discussion on how to address safe and fun games from both a regulatory and business perspective.

12:45

Lunch & networking

13:45

Presentation: The rise of the black market by Frontier Economics

Frontier Economics was commissioned by the Betting and Gaming Council in 2024 to undertake research exposing the alarming growth of illegal gambling in the UK. The study reveals that around 1.5 million people are betting up to £4.3 billion each year on unregulated platforms, with young adults among the most at risk. The findings highlight the threat this poses to consumer protection, public safety, and tax revenues, and the authors will outline how smarter regulation and balanced taxation can help safeguard players and strengthen the regulated sector.

14:10

Panel discussion: How to tackle the black market and its key challenges?

The unlicensed market continues to grow across Europe with operators from outside of Europe becoming increasingly creative at attracting new customers. Often those who are in most need of shielding themselves from gambling products. How can licensed operators become a more positive force and how can regulations support?

14:35

Panel discussion: How do we outcompete black market operators by offering the most attractive, yet safe, customer journeys?

Will imposing further restrictions and regulations on the licensed operators keep vulnerable players safe when the unlicensed market is around the corner? And what is needed to provide a more attractive offer that will encourage players to stay within the licensed system? These are two questions that are often raised but rarely discussed openly across all relevant stakeholders.

15:00

Coffee break & networking

15:30

Panel discussion: AI and innovation to enhance the customer journey

How do we make use of AI and innovation to build strong customer experience and engagement? What are the main opportunities for the gambling industry, and are there any dark clouds we must prepare for?

16:00

Roundtable discussion: Implementing AI in the gambling industry

16:30

Closing remark by Nils Andén, Chief Online Betting and Gaming Officer at FDJ UNITED

16:40

Refreshments & networking

Register Your Interest

Want to be among the first to receive updates on the 2025 conference?
Register your interest today to get early access to tickets, speaker announcements, and the event agenda. Once you’ve signed up, we’ll be in touch with regular updates and exclusive insights as the conference approaches. Whether you’re a returning delegate or joining us for the first time, registering your interest is the best way to stay informed.

Who Should Attend?

The Sustainable Gambling Conference is designed for anyone committed to building a safer and more responsible gambling ecosystem. Ideal for:

  • Gambling operators and suppliers seeking to embed sustainability into their business models
  • Regulators and policymakers focused on protecting consumers and improving standards
  • Researchers and academics working on gambling harm and public health
  • Charities and treatment providers supporting individuals and communities
  • Technology and data experts driving innovation in responsible gambling tools
  • Media and industry commentators looking for the latest insights and developments

If your work intersects with gambling, responsibility, or sustainability – SGC 2025 is for you.

Media Contact

For press enquiries, interview requests, or media accreditation, please contact:
media@fdjunited.com

We welcome media coverage and are happy to support journalists with background information, high-resolution imagery, or access to expert speakers.

About the Sustainable Gambling Conference

The Sustainable Gambling Conference (SGC) is a leading annual event that brings together stakeholders from across the gambling ecosystem – including operators, regulators, researchers, treatment providers, and individuals with lived gambling addiction experience – to foster collaboration and drive innovation in safer gambling practices. Established by FDJ UNITED, the SGC serves as a platform for open dialogue, knowledge sharing, and the development of sustainable strategies aimed at minimising gambling-related harm and promoting a safe experience.

Each year, the conference explores a central theme that reflects the evolving challenges and opportunities within the industry. Previous themes have included “Building Relevance” (2019), focusing on increasing the industry’s societal relevance; “Collaborate to Innovate” (2020), emphasising technological advancements for sustainability; and “Safer Gambling: A Look into the Future” (2024), which addressed topics like artificial intelligence, regulatory adaptation, and ethical considerations in the digital age.

The SGC has been hosted in various cities across Europe, underscoring its international reach and commitment to diverse perspectives. Notable locations include Copenhagen (2019), Amsterdam (2022), and London (2024). In 2025, the conference will convene in Brussels under the theme “Collaboration for Impact: Safer Gambling in a Changing World,” aiming to unite global experts to address emerging trends and reinforce collective efforts toward a more responsible gambling environment.

Through its inclusive and forward-thinking approach, the Sustainable Gambling Conference continues to be a catalyst for meaningful change, driving the industry toward greater transparency, accountability, and social responsibility.

Blog

Reflections on the 2024 Sustainable Gambling Conference: A Sector Ready to Move Forward – Nils Anden, CEO, FDJ UNITED Online Betting & Gaming

Why People Are Coming Back to the Sustainable Gambling Conference in 2025

Practical information

Location
Maison de la Poste

Picardstraat, 5-7 1000 Brussels

Email
welcome@maisondelaposte.brussels

Website
More information on: https://booking.tour-taxis.com/nl_BE/booking/meeting

Phone
+32 2 882 15 10