Watch: A global mandate for the iGathering

Rami Gabriel January 29, 2025
Watch: A global mandate for the iGathering

The recent SiGMA iGathering in Barcelona brought together top industry leaders, visionaries, and innovators for an exclusive evening of networking at the iconic Pipa Club. Set in a hidden gem of the city, the event fostered meaningful discussions on the gaming industry’s future, with attendees sharing insights on market opportunities, regulation, and cutting-edge technology. With a carefully curated guest list, the gathering embodied SiGMA’s commitment to facilitating high-value connections, ensuring that stakeholders could engage in conversations that shape the future of gaming.

A special thanks goes to BetStarters, DreamPlay, Testa, and Contemporanea Eventi, whose partnership contributed to the evening’s success.

Industry leaders weigh in on the future of gaming

Eman Pulis, Founder of SiGMA Group, expressed his excitement: “I’m extremely happy that ICE has moved to the city of Barcelona. It’s one of my favourite cities in the world. Now, being able to come every year and network with the best in the industry is truly a blessing.” Pulis also emphasised SiGMA’s role in the gaming landscape, stating, “Gaming is a global phenomenon, and so are our iGatherings. We do a dozen of these a year, spanning Latin America, North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia, ensuring that we are always at the heart of industry developments.”​

For DreamPlay, an emerging game provider delivering engaging content across multiple global markets, the evening was an opportunity to solidify industry ties. Margo Koversun, Head of Business Development at DreamPlay, described the iGathering as “an amazing opportunity to meet peers in the gaming world and build strong connections that reinforce our global iGaming community.” Her colleague, Tetiana Varushycheva, Account Manager at DreamPlay, echoed this sentiment, adding that as a growing Ukrainian provider, visibility in international markets is crucial, making SiGMA’s networking events instrumental in their expansion.

A key topic of the evening was the expansion of gaming across different regions. Kyle Wiltshire, CEO at Testa, whose company provides quality assurance and testing solutions specifically for the iGaming sector, highlighted the demand across various global markets, stating, “Sweeps in the US are seeing strong demand, while  Latin America, Africa, and Asia continue to be exciting territories to watch. There’s just so much happening, and keeping up with these developments is key for businesses looking to grow internationally.” Testa has been instrumental in helping iGaming operators enhance their software reliability and compliance, ensuring market success.

From a technology standpoint, Luca Fagioli, Director of Technology at Panga Games, emphasised the increasing importance of cybersecurity in gaming operations. Panga Games, a provider of high-performance gaming infrastructure solutions, focuses on delivering reliable and scalable platforms. Fagioli expressed that “analysing the laws surrounding cyberattacks is crucial. Understanding regulatory frameworks allows us to refine security protocols and enhance operational efficiency in iGaming.”​

The role of data and investment in gaming

Investment in gaming was another central theme. Andrea Mauro, a Gaming Investment Advisor, underlined the power of data-driven decision-making: “Data is fundamental in this business. The more we collect from players, the more we can refine our marketing strategies and optimise profitability.” His expertise in investment strategies has enabled businesses to develop scalable gaming operations and optimise financial growth.

Similarly, Joe Borg, Head of Gaming Investor Advisory at WH Partners, a leading law firm specialising in gaming, fintech, and emerging tech, highlighted Dubai’s growing role as a gaming hub, stating, “Dubai is an interesting jurisdiction now. Regulation is ramping up, and we’re seeing the first national gaming licences being granted, including for the lottery sector.” WH Partners continues to guide gaming firms on regulatory compliance, licensing, and strategic expansion​.

Strengthening industry relationships

Glenn Debattista, COO at BetStarters, a B2B iGaming solutions provider offering sportsbook and casino platforms, praised the value of SiGMA’s networking events in fostering business relationships. “We always enjoy attending SiGMA’s iGatherings. They provide a fantastic environment for networking, and this one, with its black mask theme, was particularly memorable. As sponsors, it was a great success for us.” BetStarters remains committed to delivering customisable gaming solutions that empower operators to scale their businesses efficiently​.

Inés Canals Pou, Director at Contemporanea Eventi, an event management company specialising in creating impactful experiences for gaming expos and conferences, also highlighted the importance of these gatherings: “We love iGatherings because they allow us to work closely with our clients in a relaxed setting, strengthening relationships and planning for future collaborations.” Contemporanea Eventi has been a trusted partner in designing and executing some of the industry’s most immersive networking events​.

Upcoming iGatherings

The next iGathering event will take place on 6th February in Limassol, Cyprus, followed by several others scheduled throughout 2025, offering diverse networking opportunities in key destinations across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

Upcoming summits and exclusive offer

As SiGMA continues its global networking initiatives, stakeholders can look forward to upcoming events that bring together the brightest minds in gaming. Are you a C-level operator? Reach out to us to become a speaker and share your insights on the main stage. C-level operators are entitled to full concierge VIP service. This limited-time offer expires on the 10th of February.

The next major summit will take place at AIBC Eurasia in Dubai from 22–25 February, offering unparalleled networking and insight into the region’s tech advancements. Stay connected with SiGMA’s global roadshow, ensuring you are always part of the conversation shaping the gaming industry’s future.

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