SiGMA Group, an international exhibition organizer led by founder Eman Pulis, has been marking major strides in the global gaming industry. In an exclusive interview with Games Magazine Brazil, shared with Yogonet, Pulis discussed the company’s plans for 2024, its recent successes, and the rapidly evolving gaming landscape in Brazil. The year ahead promises a focus on emerging markets, and Brazil stands at the forefront of this shift, as its gaming industry prepares for significant regulation changes.
This year, SiGMA has expanded its footprint across the globe, launching new events in South Africa and Budapest, along with the debut of SiGMA South Asia and the SiGMA Poker Tour. These expansions highlight the company’s keen eye on emerging markets and its ability to adapt to regional trends. The rapid growth of these events has strengthened SiGMA’s reputation as a leading global player in the gaming and iGaming sectors. Looking forward, Brazil, with its recent regulatory developments, is seen as a key market for SiGMA’s upcoming events.
A Look Back at SiGMA’s Successes in 2023
SiGMA’s 2023 event calendar was filled with noteworthy moments. The company saw its flagship event, SiGMA Europe, in Malta reach new heights, becoming the largest edition in the event’s history. The gathering brought together thousands of attendees, exhibitors, and speakers, solidifying SiGMA’s role in shaping the future of European gaming.
Additionally, SiGMA’s expansion into new markets such as South Africa and South Asia has demonstrated its ability to tap into diverse regions, ensuring its events cater to an ever-growing global audience. Notable successes include a surge in attendance and engagement, particularly in emerging markets like South Africa, where local interest in gaming is rapidly rising.
Key to SiGMA’s growth this year has been its ability to adapt to market demands. By focusing on trends such as responsible gaming, regulatory challenges, and technology innovations, SiGMA’s events have offered platforms for key stakeholders to discuss critical issues shaping the future of the industry.
The Growing Influence of Brazil’s Betting Market
One of the most exciting developments in SiGMA’s 2024 plans is its focus on Brazil. As the country undergoes significant regulation changes, the Brazilian gaming market is poised to become one of the largest and most structured in the world. The government’s move to regulate sports betting and virtual gaming is reshaping the landscape, and SiGMA is positioning itself to play a crucial role in this transformation.
Pulis shared that Brazil is no longer just an emerging market but is fast becoming one of the world’s most important hubs for gaming and betting. As regulations tighten, Brazil’s betting market will be structured more transparently, and this will open doors for operators looking to tap into its vast potential.
The Brazilian government’s push for regulation, set to take full effect in 2025, requires operators to meet certain licensing and compliance standards to operate legally. This shift has piqued the interest of international operators and investors, many of whom are keen to enter early and establish a presence in what is expected to be a booming market.
The Road to SiGMA 2025: Expanding to Meet Demand
As Brazil’s gaming market evolves, so too will SiGMA’s presence in the region. The company is already gearing up for BiS SiGMA 2025, which will take place at the Transamerica Expo Centre in São Paulo from April 7th to 10th, 2025. The event has rapidly become one of SiGMA’s largest gatherings, drawing thousands of delegates, operators, affiliates, and industry experts from around the globe.
With 2024 marking another year of impressive growth, SiGMA is expecting a significant increase in the number of attendees, with forecasts of around 18,000 delegates—up from 14,000 the year prior. To accommodate this surge, the event will expand its footprint by over 11,000 square meters, adding two new exhibition halls. This move is expected to attract an even larger pool of exhibitors and attendees, further cementing BiS SiGMA Americas as one of the leading gaming events in the world.
Pulis emphasized that the event’s expansion is a direct response to the growing demand for spaces to showcase gaming innovations, discuss regulatory trends, and explore new investment opportunities. The increased focus on Brazil’s new regulatory environment will be a key theme at the event, with experts providing insights into how operators can successfully navigate the regulatory shifts and capitalize on Brazil’s gaming market potential.
SiGMA’s Vision for Brazil in 2025 and Beyond
Looking ahead, SiGMA’s future in Brazil is bright, with plans to enhance its events to reflect the country’s changing regulatory landscape. Pulis noted that the company’s events are designed to mirror the latest market developments, ensuring that attendees are always up-to-date on emerging trends. As Brazil moves toward full regulation in 2025, SiGMA will continue to work closely with regulators, industry leaders, and operators to ensure that its events reflect the latest legal and technological advancements in the market.
The company also plans to host more targeted sessions and workshops to address specific challenges faced by Brazilian operators, particularly regarding licensing, responsible gaming, and advertising regulations. Pulis highlighted that SiGMA’s role is to offer a platform where industry experts can come together to share insights, build networks, and help each other adapt to the changing business environment.
