Regulating the Game unveils draft program for 2026 Sydney conference
Regulating the Game has published the draft program for its 2026 Sydney conference, setting out an agenda focused on the regulatory, policy and operational challenges shaping the global gambling sector.
The sixth edition of the conference will take place from March 9–11, 2026, at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, bringing together regulators, policymakers, industry executives and advisers for cross-jurisdictional discussion on gambling regulation, sector performance and reform delivery.
According to the draft program, each day of the conference will be anchored by keynote and featured addresses designed to frame the broader schedule of panels, talks and expert-led masterclasses. The speakers will draw on senior executive leadership, policy and advisory experience, and subject-matter expertise to contextualise the evolving regulatory and operating environment.
The three-day agenda includes sessions examining the future direction of gambling regulation and policy, shifts in enforcement and sanctioning approaches following major inquiries, and government and market responses to ongoing black-market and grey-market activity.
Moderated panel discussions will focus on the effectiveness of regulatory reforms in practice, covering topics such as harm minimisation in data-driven environments, the consequences of intensified regulation, and the relationship between market design, consumer behaviour and regulatory intent.
The program also features expert masterclasses aimed at practical capability uplift. These include a session led by Jay Robinson on embedding the Responsible Gambling Officer role with authority and operational impact, as well as a masterclass convened by the International Masters of Gaming Law, with its final scope to be confirmed.
New for 2026, Industry Spotlight sessions will offer short presentations from incumbent organisations outlining strategic direction, investment priorities and innovation pathways amid evolving regulatory expectations, technology adoption and market structures.
Collectively, the agenda addresses issues including regulatory enforcement frameworks, anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing reform, safer gambling governance, black-market dynamics, the use of technology and artificial intelligence in compliance systems, and leadership accountability in reform implementation.
Paul Newson, Principal at Vanguard Overwatch and Founder of Regulating the Game, described the structure of the draft program as intentional. “The program is designed to open up the problem space, not to close it down. Early sessions are intended to frame the environment honestly and rigorously, so that the discussions that follow can interrogate options, trade-offs and solutions with clarity and discipline,” he said.
“Regulating the Game is deliberately structured to move from context to analysis to application. The draft program makes that progression clear and intentional,” he added.
The conference will be supported by flagship events including Pitch!, the RTG Global Awards Gala Dinner and an expanded Exhibition Showcase, aimed at complementing the formal agenda and encouraging cross-sector engagement.
Final speaker confirmations and minor program refinements are expected to be completed in the coming week. The full draft program is available here.
For details on Pitch!, sponsorship and exhibition opportunities at Regulating the Game 2026 Sydney, visit www.regulatingthegame.com
