Environmental, Social and Governance

Driving Change Through Action

Eman Pulis, Founder of SiGMA Group, announces a significant initiative to position SiGMA as a global leader in sustainable and ethical gaming and events.

“SiGMA Group is not just another player in the gaming and events industries. We leverage our global reach and influence to inspire responsibility, sustainability, and ethical practices. Our unique approach, which prioritises waste management, responsible gaming, and impactful philanthropy, sets a new benchmark for sustainability. We are proving that businesses in the gaming sector can thrive while driving meaningful social impact.”

His announcement coincides with concrete actions to strengthen SiGMA’s position as a sustainable and ethical gaming leader. These actions include formalising and documenting its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) efforts and plans. SiGMA has already contracted Impact Consultants (Malta) to prepare an overview report on sustainability summarising its current corporate responsibility, CSR, sustainability, and ESG efforts. The report highlights the SiGMA Foundation’s and the SiGMA Group’s valuable work regarding diversity, inclusion, and employee engagement.

SiGMA Group CEO Emily Micallef highlights key opportunities.

“SiGMA Group is not just talking about sustainability; we are committed to it. We are positioned to become a leader in ESG efforts and responsible gaming practices, setting new standards for the gambling and events industries. Our commitment to reducing waste, implementing carbon footprint measurement, and aligning operations with environmental goals is unwavering. The Foundation’s work already has a substantial social impact, and we see significant opportunities through our events to provide education and inspiration for sustainable and ethical gaming.”

The report summarises SiGMA’s current ESG efforts and lays out the scheme to develop a complete ESG strategy and implementation plan.

Company Overview

Founded by Eman Pulis in 2014, the SiGMA Group is an events and media organisation focused on gaming, emerging tech, digital health, and affiliate marketing. The company employs over 200 people and has offices in Malta, Cyprus, Manila, São Paolo, India, and Belgrade. It is supported by four pillars: SiGMA Events, SiGMA Play, Venture Capital, and the SiGMA Foundation.

Media and News

SiGMA has a globally recognised brand presence, translating in-house news articles, opinion pieces, and analysis reviews into ten languages and catering to readers from SiGMA’s broad portfolio of international events. With digital products growing exponentially, the website also features a series of podcasts, studio interviews, and an interactive magazine library. SiGMA news covers the latest news and topics, articulating diverse voices, ranging from investigative news to interviews with the industry elite and expert-led thought leadership. The website segment offers high-end content on diverse topics written by authorities in their field. Highlights from events are saved and available free of charge for educational purposes. SiGMA Magazine feature interviews, industry insights, and curated analysis.

SiGMA Foundation

The SiGMA Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the SiGMA Group, reflecting the company’s commitment to supporting those in need worldwide through fund-raising activities, education, and the generation of crucial skills to enable self-confidence and personal empowerment. The organisation was founded to shift philanthropy’s focus from passive giving to active participation. Part of SiGMA Group’s ESG leadership, the Foundation uses the proceeds raised from activities it organises and tickets sold for its summits to fund many projects that support communities in need. Beyond financial aid, several projects focus on providing those in need with the opportunity and resources to learn crucial skills. Projects include the inauguration of several South America, Asia and Africa schools and clinics.

Events

Since its inception in 2014, SiGMA has rapidly evolved from a single event to a global powerhouse in the gaming and technology sectors. Today we host over 1,200 exhibitors and 80,000 industry delegates across 7 summits internationally, including over 30 side events annually. Central to each event is SiGMA’s unwavering dedication to fostering collaboration and innovation, drawing stakeholders from diverse verticals ever closer. From the smallest startup to top tier experts, the enduring presence of many early clients highlights the trust SiGMA has cultivated over the years through its consistent delivery of value. By nurturing the right long-term networking environment, SiGMA has successfully connected countless operators, suppliers, and affiliates, forming a vibrant community built on a collaborative atmosphere.

SiGMA Play

In 2020, the SiGMA Group branched into affiliation, generating valuable traffic for iGaming operators and offering a one-stop-shop solution for the gaming sector through the launch of SiGMA Play. This internationally renowned site for online casinos and sportsbooks features online reviews, bonuses, and guides for players navigating the casino game industry. The site offers quality content, where operators are represented, and customers can find the best casinos catering to their needs.

Venture Capital

Ikigai Ventures is a UK-based, seed-stage venture capital firm committed to supporting bright ideas worldwide, investing in the next generation of founders, and incubating great ideas from the ground up. The Fund assists in identifying promising new businesses and provides funding, technical skills, and mentorship to help create and scale transformative companies. Currently, the company focuses on investments in verticals such as esports, blockchain, fintech, AI, and other frontier tech.

iGaming Academy

The iGaming Academy helps operators and suppliers meet regulatory requirements in every primary jurisdiction, minimise risks, and keep their businesses, staff, and customers safe. It provides interactive compliance training for gaming businesses to train staff and minimise compliance risks effectively.

SiGMA has announced its intention to articulate a clear vision for ESG and further develop an ESG framework and strategy, a baseline ESG report, and an ESG implementation plan over the next three months. Across the SiGMA Group, the company plans to make ESG part of its DNA and become a leader in sustainable and ethical events and the gaming industry.

We want to create transformative event experiences prioritising Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, fostering sustainable practices, promoting social equity, and driving meaningful impact in every community we serve. We aim to lead the gaming and  events industry toward a greener and more inclusive future through innovation, collaboration, and accountability.

Emily Micallef, SiGMA Group CEO

This will include concrete, long-term plans to address environmental issues such as waste management, carbon footprint, sustainable sourcing, resource efficiency, and sustainability. On the social side, it will build on the excellent work of the Foundation to expand and impact it even more.

ESG Progress

SiGMA’s commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles reflects the intention to drive meaningful change in the gaming industry. SiGMA’s efforts to date include integrating sustainability measures into event management, supporting charitable initiatives that uplift communities, and promoting diversity and inclusion across the gaming sector. However, there is still much to be done. As the challenges and expectations around ESG evolve, so must SiGMA’s efforts. SiGMA is committed to building on this foundation and strengthening its position as a leader in sustainable and ethical gaming. This section summarizes SiGMA’s key ESG efforts to date.

Environment

SiGMA has already commenced ESG efforts across its operation, including energy efficiency. In SiGMA offices energy-saving light bulbs have been installed and lights and air conditioners are turned off in areas not currently in use. In the longer term the company is exploring solar panels and long-term replacement of equipment with energy-efficient models, and exploring solar energy installations for Malta and Cyprus offices.

Initial steps have been taken for events to reduce the environmental impact, although more is needed. For example, increased use of sustainable materials, such as FSC-certified paper and locally printed materials to reduce transportation-related emissions and digital menus at events to decrease paper waste. The distribution of magazines has been improved by using display racks, and reducing excess waste. Remote work has been encouraged for employees to lower commuting-related emissions.

Social – SiGMA Foundation

It’s time to embrace a new purpose —to give back. Through the SiGMA Foundation, we have the perfect platform to make this happen.

Eman Pulis, Founder SiGMA Group

SiGMA has demonstrated a strong commitment to addressing the social pillar of ESG through the impactful work of the SiGMA Foundation. SiGMA Group has played a pivotal role in supporting the Foundation’s mission, leveraging its global reach and industry influence to drive change. Over the years the impact and support SiGMA Group has given the Foundation has allowed it to do better, scale, and have real life-changing impact.

The SiGMA Foundation focuses on:

Empowerment

Supporting underserved communities with resources and opportunities

Education

Promoting learning through infrastructure development and skills training

Sustainability

Integrating eco-conscious practices into projects and operations

The SiGMA Foundation embodies the core values of the SiGMA Group by channeling resources and influence into transformative social impact projects around the world. Through its dedication to uplifting communities, promoting education, and fostering inclusivity, the Foundation has achieved remarkable milestones:

Key Highlights of the Foundation’s Work

  • Women’s Empowerment Center (Ethiopia): Over 500 women gain access annually to education and skills training for economic independence
  • Multi-Sensory Hall (Philippines): A creative haven fostering artistic and personal growth for youth
  • Cleft Lip and Palate Surgeries (Colombia): Life-changing surgeries for 60 children, enhancing their health and confidence
  • School Construction (Ethiopia): Delivering education to over 1,000 children by building schools in underserved areas

Amplifying Impact Through the SiGMA Group

The SiGMA Group supports the Foundation’s mission through targeted initiatives and resources:

  • Fundrasing: Over €200,000 was raised in 2024 through charity auctions and events, including auctions at prestigious awards nights, offering contributors visibility and industry connections
  • Sponsorships: Collaborating with companies to leverage their CSR budgets for impactful social projects
  • Operational Support: Salaries for the Foundation’s Operations Manager and Director, as well as marketing, design, video production, and event management resources, ensure the success of initiatives

Expanding Initiatives in 2024 and Beyond

SiGMA Foundation has launched innovative programs to further its mission:

  • Volunteering Program: Staff receive €500 subsidies (with matched donations), four days of paid leave for volunteering, and reimbursement of up to €500 for expenses. 
  • Community Employment: Maltese inmates are offered opportunities to work at events, assisting with stage setup and dismantling. 
  • Scholarships: Providing underprivileged individuals with access to a universal iGaming diploma. 
  • Charity Contributions: 2% of ticket sales are allocated to charity, alongside a €10,000 donation to the Malta Community Chest Fund and local sports organizations. 

A Model for the Gaming Industry

By aligning the SiGMA Foundation’s initiatives with its ESG strategy, SiGMA Group demonstrates how strategic philanthropy can create meaningful change. These efforts not only uplift communities but also inspire the broader gaming industry to embrace sustainability, ethics, and social responsibility as foundational values.

Governance

The iGaming Academy plays a pivotal role in fostering a culture of responsibility and ethical conduct within the gaming industry. Through its comprehensive training programs on responsible gaming and ethical practices, the Academy aims to raise awareness and improve accountability across the sector, reducing harm and promoting sustainable practices.

Governance and Content Standards

The News Team at SiGMA operates under rigorous ethical guidelines to ensure transparency, accuracy, and balance in reporting. Fact-checking is an integral part of their process, enhancing the credibility of their updates on addiction issues, regulatory changes, and responsible gaming initiatives. The team regularly collaborates with governance experts and participates in professional development workshops. These include SEO training led by SiGMA’s Head of SEO and specialized link-building sessions with in-house specialists. Such initiatives strengthen their capacity to report on industry developments responsibly and effectively.

Employee Development and Compliance

The iGaming Academy prioritizes continuous professional development for industry employees. Through regular workshops and access to an extensive training portfolio, participants are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to meet compliance standards and adapt to evolving industry dynamics. These efforts reinforce the commitment to ethical practices and responsible gaming within the sector.

Dispute Resolution Services

To promote greater accountability in the iGaming sector, the Academy offers Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) services. These services provide a structured framework for resolving disputes fairly, ensuring both operators and customers are held to high ethical standards.

Future ESG Roadmap

The SiGMA ESG Roadmap outlines our strategic vision for advancing sustainability, ethics, and social responsibility across the gaming and events sectors. It serves as a comprehensive framework to guide our actions, with clear priorities focused on enhancing environmental stewardship, fostering social impact, and strengthening governance practices. By addressing critical areas such as governance, waste management, diversity and inclusion, community engagement, and transparency, the roadmap reinforces SiGMA’s commitment to meaningful progress. This plan is not just about meeting current expectations but also about setting new standards for sustainable and ethical leadership in the global gaming industry.

SiGMA Group

Short Term 2025

Set The Vision for ESG

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Short Term 2025

Develop a Greener Workplace

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Short Term 2025

Develop an ESG Policy Statement

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Short Term 2025

Establish Vendor Guidelines

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Short Term 2025

Strengthen Stakeholder Communication on ESG

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Short Term 2025

Create an ESG Task Force 3

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Short Term 2025

Use SiGMA’s platforms, publications, and events to highlight ESG

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Events

Short Term 2025

Proactively Manage Waste

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Short Term 2025

Reduce Single-Use Plastics

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Short Term 2025

Use Digital Alternatives

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Short Term 2025

Source Sustainable Products

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Short Term 2025

Optimize Energy Use

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Short Term 2025

Sustainable Transportation

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Longer Term 2026-2030

Use Events as Platforms for ESG Education

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Longer Term 2026-2030

Showcase Sustainability Solutions at Events

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Longer Term 2026-2030

Recognize and Reward ESG Excellence

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Longer Term 2026-2030

Engage Stakeholders in the ESG Mission

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Longer Term 2026-2030

Build Awareness Through Communication

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Longer Term 2026-2030

Inspire Change Across the Industry

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Longer Term 2026-2030

Carbon Offsetting

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Longer Term 2026-2030

Green Certifications

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Longer Term 2026-2030

Measure and Track Metrics

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Longer Term 2026-2030

Conduct a Value Chain Analysis

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SiGMA Play

Short Term 2025

Responsible Gaming

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Short Term 2025

Regulation and Collaboration

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Long Term 2026-2030

Developing more programs to educate stakeholders

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Long Term 2026-2030

Tracking and reporting outcomes

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Long Term 2026-2030

Positioning SiGMA as the authority in promoting responsible gaming

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Long Term 2026-2030

Establish a Responsible Gaming Taskforce

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Long Term 2026-2030

Thought Leadership Building

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Long Term 2026-2030

Position SiGMA as the leading authority on ESG

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SiGMA Foundation

Short Term 2025

Ensure Diverse Representation

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Short Term 2025

Offer Accessible Facilities and Services

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Short Term 2025

Support Local Communities

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Short Term 2025

Employee and Vendor Engagement

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Short Term 2025

Enhance Health and Well-Being

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Short Term 2025

Engage Attendees in ESG

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Long Term 2026-2030

Thought Leadership Building

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Long Term 2026-2030

Position SiGMA as the leading authority on ESG

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iGaming Academy

Short Term 2025

Supplier Training

Conclusion

SiGMA has made significant strides in advancing its ESG agenda, integrating sustainability, ethics, and social responsibility across its gaming and events ecosystem. From impactful initiatives led by the SiGMA Foundation, to employee-focused policies like mental health support, flexible work arrangements, and leadership opportunities for women, SiGMA has demonstrated its commitment to positive change. Recognizing that there is more to achieve, SiGMA is committed to developing and implementing concrete steps to enhance its ESG practices further. This includes improving governance frameworks to ensure greater transparency and accountability in ESG initiatives and adopting innovative waste management solutions to minimize the environmental footprint of its events. These efforts will strengthen SiGMA’s role as a sustainable and ethical leader in the gaming and events industry.

By measuring impact, engaging stakeholders, and promoting accountability, SiGMA is not just committing to sustainability but inspiring an entire industry to follow suit. Through collaboration, innovation, and dedication, SiGMA is paving the way for a more responsible and sustainable gaming sector.

Eman Pulis, Founder SiGMA Group