Brazil has always been a promising market for SiGMA, and we are excited about its evolution.

Games Magazine Brazil - With Brazil undergoing its regulation, will there be many changes at next year's fair? Are there enough new features for a future exclusive interview?
Eman Pulis
- SiGMA events, particularly our conference, always aim to reflect new market developments, changing regulations, and future trends. The latest change allowing operators to offer fixed bets on sports events and online virtual games, as well as new regulations addressing responsible gaming and advertising, will certainly be topics our panelists are eager to discuss.

We are currently working with various experts and consultants to draft an agenda that impresses. Brazil continues to be a very interesting market and we have many new features in mind for the future.

 

What new features or updates will be brought to BiS SiGMA 2025 in light of all the changes happening in the country? Is BiS SiGMA Americas now the largest event of all SiGMA globally?
Since its launch in 2023, the event has been extremely well received, receiving excellent feedback from participants and is one of our three largest events worldwide.

The third edition will take place from April 7 to 10, 2025 at the Transamerica Expo Center, in São Paulo, and is expected to receive 18,000 delegates - a significant increase from this year's numbers (14,000), more than 3,000 operators, over 2,000 affiliates, and a leading group of 300 speakers.

In light of this, we have significantly expanded the area of our floor plan for next year's event, adding more than 11,000 m² of extra space through the addition of 2 new halls. This will provide ample space to meet the increased demand from the gaming community - providing plenty of room to accommodate a stream of top-tier exhibitors seeking a place in the exhibition hall.

 

The SiGMA Foundation, in partnership with Centurion FC, recently announced plans for an ambitious project aimed at making a lasting impact on underprivileged communities in São Paulo. Together, they are creating a training center – the Fight College – in the heart of São Paulo's favelas, where young people will have access to world-class MMA training, as well as vital English classes and career development programs.

Centurion FC's MMA fights are also returning to SiGMA next year, bringing a much-anticipated night of fights to the gaming and technology event, which will be held for the third time in São Paulo, Brazil, next April. Instead of an entrance fee, participants will be asked to make a donation that will go directly to the local community served by the new training center.

 

With Brazil consolidating as one of the main betting markets, what specific themes and trends will be addressed at the next BiS SiGMA Americas to ensure that participants make the most of this growth moment?
We are working closely with industry experts to draft an agenda that brings to light some of the most pressing issues in the industry. Delegates can expect a lineup of top-tier operators, affiliates, and suppliers from across the Latin American gaming industry, bringing valuable insights and knowledge to a series of workshops, panels, and lectures.

Topics focused on regulatory changes will certainly be on the discussion table, including challenges for the sports betting landscape as the government contemplates more stringent regulations when it comes to licensing and the national sports scene. Follow our website's agenda for new updates as we approach the highly anticipated event next year.

 

Is BiS SiGMA America today the largest event of SiGMA worldwide. Did you envision this instance of Brazil reaching this level when you started with the SiGMA Group?
Brazil has always been a market full of potential and opportunities, so we are excited to see it evolve. We look forward to continuing 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 believe will occur in Brazil from January 2025, with the Brazilian government requiring companies to be regulated to operate?
Many eyes are turned to 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 place operators in a privileged position to capitalize on growth potential.

The change will reshape the business landscape of Brazil, promoting a more structured, transparent, and compliant economy. However, as with any change, this can also present challenges for smaller and growing companies as they adapt to 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 you navigate the change.
 

SiGMA recently launched an event in South Asia, specifically in Sri Lanka, scheduled for December next year. What are the main goals and expectations for this new event in the region? Why did you choose this location?
SiGMA South Asia has already received official support from the Ministry of Tourism of Sri Lanka for the inaugural event, which will take place in Colombo, at the Cinnamon Life City of Dreams, from November 30 to December 2, 2025.

We expect more than 5,000 delegates, and SiGMA South Asia 2025 promises a powerful lineup with more than 150 industry experts, including government officials, regulators, and leaders from the top gaming and physical gaming companies in South Asia, such as Pakistan, India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.

The event will also attract more than 800 affiliates and high-level exhibitors from the top 10 companies in the region, offering unparalleled networking and business opportunities.

A unique advantage for delegates is the perfect synchronization of dates with the Affiliate World event in Bangkok. After SiGMA South Asia in Colombo on December 1 and 2, participants can easily catch a flight to Bangkok for the Affiliate World conference, which starts on Thursday, December 4. This continuous schedule offers a rare opportunity to maximize business and networking between the two major industry events.

SiGMA South Asia represents a historic moment for the region, which accounts for more than 25% of the global population, by hosting its first major gaming summit. The event aims to position Sri Lanka as a key player in the rapidly growing gaming and technology market in South Asia, unlocking the country's potential in event tourism and gaming entertainment.

Sri Lanka's ambition to become a regional gaming hub is further reinforced by the launch of its first integrated resort, the Cinnamon Life City of Dreams, which aligns 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 differ from other existing poker tournaments? What was the idea behind entering the world of poker?
SiGMA is about to introduce its latest initiative, the SiGMA Poker Tour (SPT), an innovative series of live poker events designed to elevate the global poker scene, while strengthening connections between the poker community and the iGaming industry. The SPT will offer a unique mix of high-stakes poker action, premium networking opportunities, big prizes, and philanthropic activities.

The inaugural events of the SPT will be strategically aligned with major SiGMA gatherings in Asia and Europe, starting in 2025. This new initiative is part of the broader vision of the SiGMA Group to transform its gatherings into comprehensive events that bring together key players from across the gaming ecosystem.

The SPT will also support the SiGMA Foundation. A portion of the registration fees from designated side events will be donated to local projects through the Foundation. This initiative underscores our commitment to responsible gaming and ensures that each event has 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 Hall in Valletta. The event also featured a panel discussion with prominent industry leaders, offering insights into the impact of the tour on the global gaming landscape.

 

SiGMA has added courses from the iGaming Academy 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 such as fraud prevention, payment handling, responsible gaming, and regulatory and advertising guidelines from the UK and Sweden—to essential workplace and employment skills.

This includes customer relationship management, codes of conduct, equal employment opportunities, and cybersecurity awareness.

Each course is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate both industry-specific regulations and essential workplace practices.

What are the main initiatives of the SiGMA Foundation for 2025, and how do they intend to positively impact the community and the iGaming industry? In Brazil, what actions will be taken by the foundation?
The expansion of a hospital in the Peruvian Amazon jungle to improve access to healthcare. The new annex will include patient rooms, a conference room, storage facilities, and a green area, significantly increasing the hospital's capacity to serve underprivileged communities.

In collaboration with Centurion FC, the opening of a mixed martial arts (MMA) training and education facility in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This facility will serve as a center for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, providing them with the skills and support needed to pursue professional careers in MMA and beyond.

The Batiawan Community Center will benefit the Aeta people and residents of Batiawan, Zambales, Philippines. This center will serve as a hub for various educational, cultural, and social purposes, aiming to uplift and empower the local community, providing essential services and promoting a sense of unity and progress.

 

Can you share some of the most significant success stories of SiGMA this year? How do these successes reflect the growth and evolution of the brand?
SiGMA expanded its presence this year to new regions, 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 growing interest in emerging markets, highlighting SiGMA's ability to adapt to different regions and explore new opportunities, reinforcing its position as a truly global brand.

In 2024, events in other regions, such as São Paulo and Manila, grew significantly, with a notable increase in participation from industry leaders, regulators, and investors.
 The largest SiGMA Europe event to date: SiGMA Europe, which took place in Malta, reached new heights, becoming the largest edition to date in terms of participants, exhibitors, and featured speakers. This event underscores SiGMA's role as a leading force in the European gaming and iGaming sectors, attracting key stakeholders and providing a platform for innovative discussions on regulation, technology, and market trends.

What country or region do you most enjoy working with due to logistics, culture, and networking opportunities?
We thrive on the opportunity to work with diverse regions, as each location brings its own unique mix of logistics, culture, and networking possibilities. It's always exciting to explore new markets, as each destination offers distinct advantages and opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Source: Exclusive GMB