A Decade of SiGMA: Eman Pulis on iGaming Innovation and Beyond

From Malta to the World

Founded by Eman Pulis, SiGMA began as a small project in 2014 and has since grown into a global powerhouse, hosting events across five continents and attracting thousands of delegates annually. From humble beginnings in Malta, SiGMA now organises major conferences in diverse regions such as Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

“The secret sauce is not just the conference,” Eman shares, “but also attending those many many side events. It’s where the magic happens, it’s where friendships are born, and it’s where business can flourish.”

In this insightful LinkedIn Live session, Faruk highlights the transformation SiGMA underwent during the COVID-19 pandemic, which not only reshaped the company’s strategies but also pushed it to expand internationally. They talk about the future of iGaming and SiGMA, embracing new technologies, and reaching emerging markets. View the entire conversation on Revpanda’s YouTube video for a more thorough understanding

The Journey Behind SiGMA’s Success

Faruk introduced Eman as a visionary leader in the iGaming industry. He recalled how the two first met at an event in Amsterdam in 2018, congratulating Eman on SiGMA’s 10-year anniversary. Faruk was impressed by the amazing journey SiGMA took, expanding from 1,500 delegates in 2014 to 27,000 in 2024. An event that was only held in Malta before the COVID-19 pandemic is now organised on five continents, and the upcoming conference is expected to contribute over 100 million euros to Malta’s tourism revenue.

According to Eman, “what started 10 years ago as a little bedroom project” has turned into a global business with six events this year and seven more events in 2024. This includes events in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

Sigmas’ Winning Culture and Core Values

When asked about SiGMA Group’s winning culture, Eman talked about his ambitions to go global, describing how the COVID-19 pandemic made the company rethink some of its priorities. Thinking globally and acting locally allowed the organisation to open local offices that “opened the horizons for more and more talent” in the South Asian market.

For Faruk, “Covid was like a jumping stone for SiGMA,” and Eman stated how the pandemic made him think about getting out of his comfort zone. Launching the first show abroad in Dubai gave him the confidence he needed to host shows outside of Malta. Today, there are many engaging events and the company has created the SiGMA Foundation.

Eman persuaded online casino software providers to work with SiGMA, a move that is expected to give SiGMA an added advantage in the next 10 years. With about 100,000 delegates on the B2B side, the organisation can reach about 5 to 10 million players looking for reliable online casino reviews, slot reviews, and casino game reviews. Eman’s long-term plan is to become a reputable B2B business that’s also trusted by players.

Key Industry Trends, Highlights, and Insights for iGaming

Faruk expressed his satisfaction after attending the first event in Dubai and asked Eman about the organisation’s future plans. “I think we’ll be able to cover the entire globe,” Eman said. SiGMA’s goal entails bringing companies to new territories. This was evidenced by the launch of a successful show in São Paulo.

Moreover, when they launched in Dubai, Eman was aware of the government’s interest in creating a regulatory body to licence land-based operators. With this in mind, he strongly believes that the Emirates will soon transform into a gaming hub. He wants the industry to join SiGMA Group in 2025 in South Asian countries such as India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan.

There are approximately two billion people in this region, representing a fourth of the world’s population. According to Mr. Pulis, hosting a conference in this region will address the needs of the market. Launching a show in Colombo, Sri Lanka, is a great idea because of easy accessibility with flights.

Faruk concurred with Eman and said that “we may see some dramatic changes over there in Emirates.” He mentioned how some of the brands the Revpanda Group works with are eager to operate there.

Regarding the latest trends in the iGaming sector, Eman said he expected more discussions about artificial intelligence (AI), regulations, and quantum computing. He’s curious to see how new regimes will start issuing gaming licences to attract certain operators in South Asia. Additionally, he expects “to see some interesting movements in South Asia,” which is why the organisation planned the show in Sri Lanka.

When asked about the greatest developments in the industry, Eman mentioned regulation in Brazil and the Emirates. He also talked about the evolving industry in the US, even though his organisation has generally been focusing on emerging markets.

What to Expect at SiGMA Europe 2024

Mr. Pulis was also thrilled to talk about SiGMA Europe 2024. “We’re expecting the biggest jump from the previous year,” he said. The event will attract about 27,000 people in addition to 1,000 sponsors and exhibitors. For Eman, the total number of attendees might exceed 30,000, forcing the organisers to build new facilities to accommodate everyone. He can’t wait to welcome famous celebrities like Ronaldinho and UFC champion, Alex Pereira. Ronaldinho’s arrival is one of the key highlights for Faruk.

Notable regulatory bodies in the iGaming industry such as the MGA and Curacao will also be present. Moreover, emerging regulators like Vanuatu will showcase their licensing regimes at SiGMA Europe 2024. The event will be more than just a conference. According to Eman, “attending those many many side events, it’s where the magic happens, it’s where friendships are born, and it’s where business can flourish.”

While the organisation seeks to host shows in different countries, the show in Malta seems to have a “unique festival vibe, which no other show can replicate,” Eman said. Interestingly, the show has been a major attraction despite limitations such as packed flights, fully-booked hotel rooms, and traffic.

The Future of iGaming: Innovations and Potential Challenges

The future of iGaming emerged as a major concern for Faruk. “I feel like it’s a great time to be alive. We are witnessing technologies like AI and blockchain,” he said. Mr. Pulis responded to Faruk’s question about how new innovations might influence iGaming by saying that “if you don’t embrace technology, you’re going to fail. It’s as simple as that.”

For Eman, conferences are a great way for tech luminaries to come closer to gaming. Launching the AIBC brand enabled people to see how safe and regulated the iGaming industry is. In this regard, SiGMA’s role is to “bring the tech community closer to the gaming community.”

Recommendations for iGaming Brands, Newcomers, and Seasoned Professionals in the Industry

Eman advised iGaming brands to “be bold and look into new markets.” There are numerous opportunities in regions like Africa, Latin America, and South East Asia. Affiliates need to understand the most important aspects, including gambling payment systems and sports betting in certain regions. Additionally, newcomers and seasoned professionals should attend conferences, collaborate with leaders in the industry, and work with experts with a proven track record while embracing new technologies.