The Betting & Gaming Council (BGC) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the American Gaming Association (AGA) and the European Casino Association (ECA) for collaboration on global gaming industry issues.
Key priorities of the three parties in the partnership include illegal gambling, responsible gaming, innovation and security, as the MOU aims to create a platform for joint research projects and shared expertise amongst each organisation’s staff and members.
“This partnership marks a new chapter in our shared vision to build a world-class, trusted and sustainable betting and gaming industry,” commented Grainne Hurst, CEO of the Betting & Gaming Council.
“BGC members are rightly proud of their reputation as global leaders, and they know the power of collaboration. Working together with the AGA and ECA, I am confident our shared knowledge and expertise will be vital to bolstering safer gambling standards while tackling the threat of the growing and unsafe unregulated gambling black market in the UK.”
Scheduled for next January, the collaboration’s first initiative will be a law enforcement roundtable focused on combating illegal gambling, bringing together industry leaders, law enforcement officials and regulators.
Stakeholders at this roundtable will discuss illegal gambling’s impact on legal operators, consumer safety and the global financial system, in addition to examining strategies for improving cross-jurisdictional communication and developing actionable solutions to address these challenges.
“The European Casino Association stands united with the AGA and BGC in its commitment to addressing the key issues facing all gaming industry stakeholders”, stated Erwin van Lambaart, Chair of the European Casino Association.
“The ECA fully backs this initiative and supports the ongoing efforts to rigorously combat illegality within our industry, continuously strengthen player protections and security, and ensure the creation of an environment that fosters innovation and growth within the gaming community.
“On behalf of the ECA, I look forward to participating in the forthcoming law enforcement roundtable and to sharing the benefits of these learnings with our members.”
Bill Miller, CEO and President of the American Gaming Association, added: “This new partnership is a significant step forward in our collective efforts to advance the legal gaming industry and protect consumers around the globe.
“By sharing our unique resources, we will expand our fight against illegal gambling to new fronts, work together to strengthen responsible gaming, and innovate around business best practices.
“By fostering dialogue and cooperation across borders, the AGA, ECA, and BGC are taking a proactive approach to safeguarding the integrity of the legal gaming industry and ensuring its continued growth and success.”
SBC is raising the bar with Brazilian DJ megastar Alok headlining the unmissable INFINITY Rio party on 27 February at SBC Summit Rio 2025.
Building on the incredible success of the first INFINITY edition in Lisbon, Alok’s world-class talent, global fame and electrifying sets will ensure yet another unforgettable night of high-energy music, creating an extraordinary closing experience as the industry’s biggest party, INFINITY, makes its Brazilian debut in Rio.
Rasmus Sojmark, CEO & Founder of SBC, stated: “Having Alok, one of the most listened-to Brazilian artists and one of the most followed electronic stars, headlining INFINITY Rio demonstrates the size and scale of SBC Summit Rio. Our delegates are in for a true Tomorrowland experience, blending business networking with genuine world-class entertainment.”
The Riocentro Super Stage, a fresh addition to SBC Summit Rio, will shed its conference atmosphere to host the party, with Alok setting the tone for the Rio de Janeiro Carnival, starting the next day on the 28 February.
“We’ve timed SBC Summit Rio 2025 perfectly so attendees can dive into business and then roll straight into the Carnival. And with Alok’s performance, there’s no better way to kick off the party,” Sojmark added.
Alok has roots in a family of musical pioneers – his parents, Ekanta and Swarup, are psytrance legends – which has helped him become a global name through the combination of Brazilian rhythms with innovative electronic dance music (EDM). His breakout single ‘Hear Me Now’, created alongside Bruno Martini and Zeeba, has racked up nearly 800 million streams on Spotify alone.
Recognised as a leading force in the Brazilian Bass genre, Alok’s powerful basslines and infectious beats have earned him consistent recognition as one of the world’s top DJs. Ranked 4th in DJ Mag’s Top 100 for three consecutive years (2021-2023), he remains a major force in the EDM world.
The DJ’s success goes beyond just his chart-topping music. With nearly 30 million monthly listeners on Spotify and 30 million Instagram followers, he has become a worldwide phenomenon. He has headlined some of the biggest festivals, including Tomorrowland, Ultra Music Festival, and Lollapalooza, and has collaborated with renowned artists such as Dua Lipa, Jason Derulo and Ed Sheeran.
In addition to his music, Alok has left his mark on popular culture by becoming a character in the popular battle royale game, Garena Free Fire. His impact on the industry has earned him spots on several prestigious charts, including Billboard’s Dance 100, Forbes Brazil’s 30 Most Influential Brazilians, and Spotify’s Top 100 Global.
Aside from his career, Alok is deeply committed to philanthropy. He founded the Alok Institute, which focuses on supporting education, environmental conservation and social causes in Brazil. As Alok himself said: “Giving is the very purpose of life, and what makes me the happiest.” His efforts to give back extend to the music industry as well—he founded Controversia Records, a sub-label of Spinnin’ Records, and UP Club Records to promote emerging talent.
Sojmark believes that Alok is the perfect act to headline SBC’s second INFINITY: “The INFINITY brand was born in Lisbon, where we hosted our very first EDM-style festival concert featuring big names like Don Diablo, Miss Monique and Darude and the energy that night proved we had created something special. That success confirmed we’re on track, and now INFINITY Rio is taking it to the next level, with star talent like Alok leading the charge and setting a new standard for industry events.”
SBC Summit Rio has quickly established itself as the must-attend event for Brazil and has moved to Riocentro, one of Latin America’s largest convention centres, for its 2025 edition. February’s event is projected to attract more than 15,000 attendees.
Alongside this growth, the introduction of the Super Stage will elevate the attendee experience, while the Affiliate Leaders Summit and Payment Expert Summit brands—both of which debuted in Lisbon—are set to make their Rio debut.
Curious about Brazil’s biggest betting and igaming event? Visit the official website for more details. Want to join us at the event and INFINITY Rio? Early Bird tickets are available now at R$2000 (~$550 USD). Operators and affiliates can apply for complimentary tickets.
