By Leticia Navarro, journalist at G&M News.
As founder of the SiGMA Group, you have witnessed the evolution of your company, from organizing a small event in Malta in 2014 to a current global protagonist of the industry. Besides, you have incorporated different units to the brand. What can you share about this phenomenal growth?
Our mandate for the next decade is clear. We want to become an authority for gaming in the sector: a trusted and secure platform where players, operators and regulators converge. Our unified platform blends education, regulation, innovation, and entertainment, empowering businesses for sustainable growth to flourish. In addition to the introduction of SiGMA Play under our B2C brand, we’ve also secured affiliate licenses in over 10 U.S. states, with additional expansions in the pipeline consolidating our presence in the gaming landscape. A cornerstone of our growth strategy encompasses the SiGMA Foundation and Ikigai Ventures, our 20 million VC fund. The Foundation’s philanthropic pursuits for 2024 encompass the GLOW Campaign in Northern Colombia. This initiative aims to support children born with cleft lip and cleft palate deformities. Simultaneously, the Foundation is actively involved in a Women Empowerment Project in Ethiopia. These projects are also supported through auctions held during our gala awards evenings.
What’s the significance of having acquired an event in Latin America, such as the Brazilian iGaming Summit (BiS)? What projection do you see for this show, considering the great attractive of a Brazilian gaming market in an advanced process of regulation?
Our first event was held last year in São Paulo and received terrific feedback from delegates; so much so that we are holding a second event this April which plans to welcome 10,000 delegates, a substantial increase from an estimated 7,000 attendees in 2023. Through this partnership, we’re focusing heavily on strengthening the product we’re providing to the industry. BiS has tremendous insight when it comes to the Brazilian market, with an established presence and years of experience and knowledge contributing to the smooth running and success of our inaugural debut. It is also worth noting that the launch of BiS SiGMA Americas 2023 was swiftly followed by Brazil’s long-awaited regulation on sports betting and online casinos. Following the roll out of a global roadmap, SiGMA has become a catalyst for change. An energetic platform for networking and knowledge exchange, these gatherings are powerhouses of positive change and have played a pivotal role in influencing the evolution of the gaming and emerging tech ecosystems in the regions we touch. By bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and experts, our events create a dynamic space where ideas are exchanged, challenges addressed, and solutions proposed. This influence extends beyond the event itself, as the connections forged, and discussions initiated often pave the way for collaborative efforts that lead to meaningful regulatory advancements. Our events have evolved into more than just industry meet-ups; shaping regulatory landscapes in the continents we are present.
What are your expectations for this new edition of the fair in Brazil? Which activities this event will offer to attendees?
It’s a very exciting time for the country. Following the introduction of milestone legislation last December, all eyes have been on Brazil. Our conference agenda will focus on answering some of the most pressing questions faced by Brazil-based companies seeking to navigate the new regulation, and by newcomers considering the untapped potential this gaming hub could wield within the Latin markets. From payments to policy and from tax to tech, we’ve invited some of the best minds in the business to head a series of panels and keynotes dedicated to gaming throughout the LatAm region. We’re also looking at the impact trending tech, such as AI and Blockchain, can have on the gaming industry, giving our 2-day conference plenty for delegates to chew over. There’s plenty of familiar faces to be found: social media star Negrete, super affiliate Ronald Lopes, Malta’s ambassador to Brazil and Chile, the President of the ANJL, among others. Moreover, MMA female champion Gabi Garcia will be taking part in a press conference and meet and greet session. Additionally, we’ve upped our game when it comes to networking with several side events bringing top notch entertainment opportunities for delegates to mingle: an MMA fight night, gala awards evenings, VIP dinners, an exciting closing night party that brings cabaret and casino together; attendees can expect an experience like none other.
How would you sum up your outlook on the potential of the Brazilian market?
There is huge potential to be found in this currently untapped market. With everyone eager to be the first to get a foot in the door, clarity and guidance to navigate the new legislature and local market will be crucial over the next few months. Brazil is the doorway to LatAm, and I believe it has the potential to become the next big gaming hub.
Regarding SiGMA events, what other markets do you consider attractive at the present and in the future?
There are several exciting markets -both emerging and established- that we hope to explore in 2024 and beyond. This year, we’re following inaugural success in Africa, Brazil and Manila, with second events, while also launching SiGMA East Europe in Budapest this September. Our global calendar of events has grown year-on-year, with SiGMA now present across 5 continents. We’re looking forward to celebrating this growth as we head towards our milestone 10-year anniversary at the end of the year. Each market has its own unique style and potential. This is one of the reasons SiGMA has opted for events in Africa, Americas, Asia, East Europe, Eurasia & Europe, because each one shines in a different way and offers something our clients can’t find anywhere else.