Former Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino will lead the keynote panel at the 2024 SBC Summit North America.
The summit, an annual trade show on iGaming and online sports betting, takes place at Meadowlands Exposition Center in New Jersey this year. The three-day summit starts tomorrow, running May 7-9.
Marino will talk about his Hall-of-Fame career and charity work during a moderated Q&A panel on the conference’s second day.
The summit comes at a time of uncertainty for both Florida sports betting and Florida online casinos.
Marino will share ‘behind-the-scenes’ experience at the summit
According to organizers, the goal of the annual online betting conference is to “exchange ideas about emerging opportunities and how to handle the inevitable growing pains that will accompany the industry’s expansion.”
Marino’s entire 17-year NFL career was with the Dolphins. He was the first quarterback to amass 50,000 passing yards. The Dolphins retired his No. 13 in 2000.
With his wife, Claire, Marino created the Dan Marino Foundation after their son, Michael, was diagnosed with autism in 1992. To date, the charity has raised more than $80 million on the mission to “empower individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities.”
Marino said he is excited to speak at this year’s summit.
“I am honored to be a keynote at the upcoming SBC Summit North America. During my time playing in the ’80s and ’90s, social media was nonexistent, and media publications very rarely provided personal accounts of playing in such a league.
“This will be a fantastic opportunity to shed light on some of the behind-the-scenes action, as well as the necessary mindset required to compete in such a competitive league.”
In 2023, Marino partnered with SBC to raise money for his charity. Rasmus Sojmark, founder and CEO of the summit, said Marino brings a unique perspective to the online betting industry.
“During the 2023 edition of SBC Summit Latinoamérica, we had the privilege of partnering up with the Dan Marino Foundation to host a fundraising raffle. It is amazing to be able to continue this relationship, welcoming Dan as a keynote speaker for SBC Summit North America.
“Dan is a hugely influential figure, both in the sporting world and with his charitable organization. The keynote address will no doubt provide delegates with a unique and exciting opportunity to hear personal accounts from one of the sporting greatest.”
High Court could take up Florida sports betting case in 2024
The compact between the state of Florida and the Seminole Tribe, which allows the tribe to exclusively offer sports betting in the state, could be scrutinized by the US Supreme Court in 2024. The owner of gaming properties in Florida, West Flagler Associates, has challenged the compact.
It’s unknown if the court will decide to hear the case.
It seems unlikely that West Flager will emerge victorious. In fact, Nova Southeastern University law professor Bob Jarvis told PlayFL that he believes the Court will not even hear the case.
“The case presents no issue of interest to the Court. There is no national need for a ruling by the Court. And the Court, if it were to take this case, would simply affirm the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals.”
