Sigma Europe, Micallef: 'Regulation and compliance are central topics'

The gaming industry comes together in Malta with the new edition of Sigma Europe. Starting today, therefore, Monday 11th November until the 14th of the same month, the appointment is at the Mediterranean Maritime Hub for four days in which we will talk about the industry at 360 degrees with topics ranging from regulation, new technologies, payment and emerging markets. This year too, the fair will host content entirely dedicated to the Italian market with the Italian Market Workshop, a panel organized by Gioco News at the Grand Hotel Excelsior in Valletta which will take place starting from 3pm. For further information on all the topics related to this edition from Sigma Europe we interview Emily Micallef, Ceo of Sigma group.

What will be the main topics and the differences of this year, compared to the past edition?

“The conference kicks off with a diverse range of topics, from regulation and compliance to cutting-edge tech innovations, digital assets, blockchain, and the evolving digital economy. We’ll also explore the intersection of sports, tech, and Web3 gaming, with a special focus on the Brazilian market. Day two shifts focus to the casino industry, influencer and affiliate marketing, and leveraging Ai to drive business success. We'll take a deep dive into emerging markets, such as the Uae and Southeast Asia, and engage in discussions on responsible gaming. A highlight of the day will be a keynote speech by the President of the Republic of Malta, Myriam Spiteri Debono.

On day three, the agenda turns to esports, sportsbook, payment solutions, investment opportunities, and the future of the iGaming workforce. We’ll also have a keynote from Robert Abela, Prime Minister of Malta. This year, we’re elevating the experience with more interactive elements, including hands-on workshops, live demos, and two live pitch events showcasing some of the most exciting startups in the industry. Regulation and compliance are some of the most important topics of the conference.”

How will you address these topics during Sigma Europe 2024?

“At Sigma Europe 2024, we’ll have dedicated panels discussing the latest regulations across various regions, especially in emerging markets. Experts will break down compliance frameworks and discuss how operators can stay ahead of evolving standards. Panels discussing Malta's role as a B2B hub, taxation challenges, shifts in mature Eu markets, and emerging opportunities in the Americas, Africa, and the Middle East. Keynotes by industry leaders address player protection, dispute resolution, and Malta's future-ready gaming sector.”

You will also talk about physical and online casinos at Sigma Malta, through topics such as cashless, player involvement, and security. How you will address this topics?

“The Casino Worlds section brings together a stellar lineup of speakers, including Maria Sayapina, Director of Casino at GameLounge; Vitali Matsukevich, Coo of Softswiss; Andreas Constantinou, Founder & Ceo of Pokerload; Joe Pisano, Founder & Ceo of Jade Entertainment and Gaming Technologies; Miruna Pandele, Head of Affiliates at Satoshi Gaming Group; and Ulrik Bengtsson, Chair of Hostelworld. The session kicks off with a fireside chat on how to successfully launch a slot studio, followed by dynamic panels that explore blending online and offline gaming experiences, innovations in cashless transactions and biometric security, and the role of niche games in emerging markets. Additionally, we’ll dive into selecting secure crypto casinos, along with an in-depth look at the evolving ethics and innovations in poker, including the use of bots.

In the Payment Solutions segment, we'll delve into cutting-edge advancements and challenges surrounding cryptocurrency, fraud prevention, and regulatory frameworks. Panels will focus on safeguarding transactions and user data, with a keynote dedicated to actionable strategies for mitigating fraud risks and strengthening resilience. Further discussions will cover the implications of Mica regulations for the gaming industry and explore global trends in anti-money laundering (Aml), data privacy, and cross-border payments. Industry experts will share insights on secure data sharing and its monetization potential, highlighting how these strategies can drive business growth.”

What prompted you to create a focus on Brazil and Africa emergin markets?

“Africa and Brazil are booming with potential, and recent regulatory shifts in these regions make them prime markets for exploration. Sigma is committed to being a catalyst for growth in emerging markets, connecting stakeholders, fostering innovation, and shaping the future of iGaming in these dynamic regions. In the “Focus on Brazil” conference segment we explore hot topics such as Brazil’s crackdown on unlicensed betting operators, its impact on the industry, challenges in enforcement, and future prospects. These discussions emphasize compliance, consumer protection, and the potential growth of sports betting in Brazil, highlighting the country’s regulatory shifts alongside developments in Peru.

Since launching Sigma Americas in 2023, the event has been incredibly well received, with outstanding feedback. It has quickly grown to become one of our three largest global events. The third edition, scheduled for April 7–10, 2025, at São Paulo’s Transamerica Expo Centre, is set to welcome 18.000 delegates, a significant jump from this year's 14.000 attendees. We’re also expecting over 3.000 operators, 2.000 affiliates, and a lineup of 300 expert speakers.

In response to this growth, we’ve significantly expanded the floorplan for next year’s event, adding over 11.000 square meters of space across two new halls. This will allow us to meet the increased demand from the gaming community and accommodate a surge of top-tier exhibitors vying for a spot on the expo floor. We will also return to South Africa following a highly successful event in 2024, and after the positive reception of our inaugural launch in Kenya in 2023.”

Artificial intelligence today is one of the crucial topics. From what perspective will you analyze this new technology?

“Ai will be discussed from multiple angles: player personalization, fraud detection, and operational efficiency. We’re bringing in thought leaders who will explore how Ai is reshaping everything from marketing strategies to responsible gaming practices, ensuring operators stay ahead in this tech-driven era.

The Ai & Business conference features engaging sessions focused on the integration of artificial intelligence across various sectors. Highlights include Dr. Claudia Borg discussing Ai for Maltese digital tools, panels on Ai and quantum computing, and the future of Ai in education. Keynotes by Angelo Dalli and Alexiei Dingli explore innovative Ai solutions and revolutionizing industries, while discussions on data as a valuable resource and Ai's impact on gambling promise to provide valuable insights. Following this Alexei Dingli and Annalise Seguna lead a debate on the regulation of Ai.”

What will be the main innovative technologies that will be discussed during the conference?

“In addition to Ai, we'll dive into blockchain, Web3, and virtual reality, technologies that are transforming the iGaming landscape by enhancing security, offering innovative player engagement methods, and promoting transparency. Keynotes will focus on comparing user and business data perspectives in Web3 gaming, providing insights into the European mobile gaming industry, and covering cutting-edge topics such as GameFi, GambleFi, and various earning strategies. We’ll also address the challenges within the play-to-earn space, including the growing shift towards hybrid gaming models that merge Web2 and Web3. Additionally, we'll explore strategies for community building in Web3 gaming, with a special focus on the role of gaming guilds in fostering player engagement. The event concludes with a panel discussing the sustainability of Telegram-based clicker games like Notcoin and Hamster Kombat, rounding out a comprehensive exploration of the future of the market.”

The program of the first day includes the Sigma Poker Tour. Can you explain to us what it is?

“The Sigma Poker Tour is officially launching in 2025, but attendees at Sigma Europe will get an exciting sneak peek this year: an official press conference unveiling more details will take place on November 11, 2024, from 10:30 am to 11:30 am at the Phoenicia Hotel Ballroom in Valletta. The Sigma Poker Tour (Spt) is a carefully curated series of live poker events, combining high-level poker action with premium networking opportunities. It's designed to connect poker professionals from around the world and foster closer ties between the poker community and the broader iGaming industry. As part of Sigma Group's broader vision to make its summits more inclusive for all gaming stakeholders, the Sigma Poker Tour will strategically coincide with key Sigma events in 2025, further strengthening the connection between poker and the iGaming sector.”