GMB - With Brazil undergoing regulation, will there be many changes to next year’s fair as a result? Are there enough new developments for a future exclusive interview?
Eman Pulis - SiGMA´s events, particularly our conference, always strive to reflect new market developments, changing regulations, and upcoming trends. The latest move to allow operators to offer fixed-odds betting on sports and virtual online gaming events, as well as new regulations that address responsible gaming and advertising, for example, will certainly be something our panelists will be keen to discuss.
We´re currently working alongside a number of experts and advisors to devise an agenda designed to wow. Brazil remains a very interesting market and we have a lot of new developments in mind for the future.
What changes do you think will occur in Brazil from January 2025, with the Brazilian government requiring companies to be regulated in order to operate?
Many forward-looking eyes are set on promising emerging markets right now, including Brazil, where a wave of regulation is beginning to reshape the online gaming industry. As these markets open, a strategy of entering early through acquisitions will place operators in a prime position to capitalise on the growth potential.
The move will reshape Brazil’s business landscape, fostering a more structured, transparent, and compliant economy, though, as with all change, it may also introduce challenges for smaller and emerging businesses as they adapt to new conditions. SiGMA plays a vital role here, offering the benefits of a strong, connected network that can provide valuable support and advice when navigating change.
What new features or updates will be brought to BiS SiGMA 2025 in light of all the changes taking place in the country? Is BiS SiGMA Americas now the largest event of all SiGMA events worldwide?
Since launching in 2023, the event has been extremely well received, receiving terrific feedback from attendees and is one of our 3 largest events globally.
The third edition takes place from 7th to 10th April 2025 at Sao Paulo´s Transamerica Expo Centre, and is expected to welcome 18,000 delegates - a significant increase on this year´s numbers (14,000), over 3,000 operators, more than 2,000 affiliates and an expert-led line up of 300 speakers.
In light of this we´ve significantly expanded the footprint of our floorplan for next year's event, adding over 11,000sqm of extra space through the addition of 2 new halls. This will provide ample room for us to cater to increased demand from the gaming community - providing plenty of space to accommodate an influx of top tier exhibitors seeking a spot on the expo floor.
SiGMA Foundation, in partnership with Centurion FC, has recently announced plans for an ambitious project aimed at making a lasting impact on underprivileged communities within Sao Paulo. Together, they are creating a training center – the Faculdade da Luta – in the heart of Sao Paulo´s favelas, where young people will have access to world-class MMA training, alongside vital English classes and career development programs.
Centurion FC MMA fights are also back at SiGMA next year, bringing a highly anticipated fight night to the gaming and tech event, which is being held for the third time in Sao Paulo, Brazil, next April. In lieu of an entrance fee attendees will be asked to make a donation that will go directly to the local community being served by the new training center.
With Brazil establishing itself as one of the leading betting markets, what specific themes and trends will be covered at the next BiS SiGMA Americas to ensure that attendees make the most of this moment of growth?
We´re working closely with industry experts to craft an agenda that brings some of the industry's most pressing issues to light. Delegates can expect a line-up of top tier operators, affiliates, and suppliers from across the LatAm gaming sector, bringing valuable expertise and knowhow to a series of workshops, panels and keynotes.
Topics focused on regulatory change will certainly be on the discussion table, including challenges to the sports betting scene as the government contemplates stricter regulations when it comes to licensing and the domestic sports landscape. Follow our website agenda for fresh updates as we move closer to next year's highly anticipated event.
Did you ever imagine this instance where Brazil would reach this level when you started with the SiGMA Group?
Brazil has always been a market bursting with potential and opportunity, so we are excited to watch it evolve. We hope to continue to provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss, explore, and make the most of what this exciting market has to offer.
What changes do you see coming to Brazil from January 2025, with the Brazilian government requiring companies to be regulated in order to operate?
A lot of eyes are on promising emerging markets, including Brazil, where a wave of regulation is beginning to reshape the online gaming industry. As these markets open up, an early entry strategy through acquisitions will put operators in a prime position to capitalise on the growth potential.
The change will reshape Brazil’s business landscape, fostering a more structured, transparent and compliant economy. However, as with all change, it can also present challenges for smaller and growing companies as they adapt to the new conditions. SiGMA plays a vital role here, offering the benefits of a strong and connected network that can provide valuable support and advice as they navigate the change.
SiGMA recently launched an event in South Asia, specifically in Sri Lanka, scheduled for December next year. What are the main objectives and expectations for this new event in the region? Why did you choose this location?
SiGMA South Asia has already gained official endorsement from the Sri Lankan Ministry of Tourism for the inaugural event, set to take place in Colombo at the Cinnamon Life City of Dreams from November 30 to December 2, 2025.
Anticipating over 5,000 delegates, SiGMA South Asia 2025 promises a powerful speaker lineup featuring more than 150 industry experts, including government officials, regulators, and leaders from South Asia’s top gaming and land-based companies, including Pakistan, India, Nepal and Bangladesh.
The event will also attract over 800 affiliates and showcase top-tier exhibitors from the region's top 10 companies, offering unparalleled networking and business opportunities. A unique advantage for delegates is the perfect alignment of dates with the Affiliate World event in Bangkok. Following SiGMA South Asia in Colombo on Monday, December 1st, and Tuesday, December 2nd, attendees can easily catch a flight to Bangkok for the Affiliate World conference, which kicks off on Thursday, December 4th. This seamless scheduling provides a rare opportunity to maximise business and networking across both major industry events.
SiGMA South Asia represents a historic moment for the region, which makes up over 25% of the global population, as it hosts its first large-scale gaming summit. The event aims to position Sri Lanka as a key player in South Asia’s fast-growing gaming and tech market, unlocking the country's potential in event tourism and gaming entertainment.
Sri Lanka’s ambition to become a regional gaming hub is further bolstered by the launch of its first integrated resort, Cinnamon Life City of Dreams, aligning perfectly with the December 2025 summit. Additionally, new legislation to establish a dedicated regulatory body for gaming signals the country’s commitment to fostering a well-regulated and thriving gaming industry.
Can you tell us more about the launch of the SiGMA Poker Tour? What are the main highlights and how does it differentiate itself from other existing poker tournaments? What was the idea behind entering the poker world?
SiGMA is set to introduce its latest venture, the SiGMA Poker Tour (SPT), a groundbreaking series of live poker events designed to elevate the global poker scene while fostering stronger connections between the poker community and the iGaming industry. The SPT will offer a unique blend of high-stakes poker action, premium networking opportunities, great prize pools,and philanthropic activities.
The inaugural SPT events will be strategically aligned with SiGMA’s flagship summits in Asia and Europe, starting in 2025. This new initiative is part of SiGMA Group’s broader vision to transform its summits into comprehensive events that bring together key players from across the gaming ecosystem.
The SPT is also supporting the SiGMA Foundation. A portion of the buy-ins from designated side events will be donated to local projects through the Foundation. This initiative underscores our commitment to responsible gaming and ensures that every event leaves a positive impact on the communities we visit.
An official press conference to reveal more details about the SiGMA Poker Tour was held on November 11, 2024, at the Phoenicia Hotel Ballroom in Valletta. The event was also feature a panel discussion with prominent industry leaders, offering insights into the tour's impact on the global gaming landscape.
SiGMA has added iGaming Academy courses to its website. What topics do these courses cover, and how do they contribute to the growth and development of professionals in the iGaming industry?
Our diverse selection of over 100 courses covers a wide range of topics, from gaming compliance—addressing critical areas like anti-fraud, payment handling, responsible gaming, and UK and Swedish regulatory and advertising guidelines—to essential workplace and job skills. These include customer relationship management, codes of conduct, equal employment opportunities, and cyber security awareness.
Each course is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate both industry-specific regulations and key workplace practices.
What are the key initiatives of the SiGMA Foundation for 2025, and how do they aim to positively impact the community and the iGaming industry? In Brazil, what actions will take place on the part of the foundation?
Extending a hospital in the Peruvian Amazon jungle to improve healthcare access. The new annex will include patient rooms, a conference room, storage facilities, and a green area, significantly enhancing the hospital's capacity to serve impoverished communities.
In collaboration with Centurion FC, the opening of a mixed martial arts (MMA) training and education in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This facility will serve as a hub for young adults from underprivileged backgrounds, providing them with the skills and support needed to pursue professional careers in MMA and beyond.
The Batiawan Community Centre will benefit the Aetas people and residents of Batiawan, Zambales, Philippines. This centre will serve as a hub for various educational, cultural, and social purposes, aiming to uplift and empower the local community by providing essential services and fostering a sense of unity and progress.
Can you share some of the most significant success stories from SiGMA this year? How do these successes reflect the growth and evolution of the brand?
Global Expansion: SiGMA has, this year, expanded its presence to new regions, most notably through new events in South Africa and Budapest, and with the launch of SiGMA South Asia and the SiGMA Poker Tour. These events showcase the global gaming industry’s increasing interest in emerging markets, highlighting SiGMA’s ability to adapt to different regions and tap into new opportunities, reinforcing its position as a truly global brand.
In 2024, events in other regions, such as Sao Paulo and Manila grew significantly, with a notable increase in attendance from industry leaders, regulators, and investors.
SiGMA Europe’s largest event to date: SiGMA Europe, held in Malta, has reached new heights, becoming the largest edition to date in terms of attendees, exhibitors and featured speakers. This event underscores SiGMA’s role as a leading force in Europe’s gaming and iGaming sectors, attracting key stakeholders and providing a platform for cutting-edge discussions on regulation, technology and market trends.
Which country or region do you enjoy working with the most due to its logistics, culture, and networking opportunities?
We thrive on the opportunity to work with diverse regions, as each location brings its own unique blend of logistics, culture, and networking possibilities. It’s always exciting to explore new markets, as every destination offers distinct advantages and opportunities for growth and collaboration.
SiGMA, the Summit for iGaming in Malta, began in 2014 and quickly grew over the next five years to become a leading event for the global land-based and online gaming industry. The AIBC Summit held its first show in Malta, November 2018. It has since held numerous expos, the most recent taking place alongside the AGS in Dubai, May, 2021.
Source: Exclusive GMB
