Sri Lanka to host first edition of SiGMA South Asia in 2025

It was only a matter of time before South Asia, home to over 25% of the world’s population, will have its inaugural big gaming summit: SiGMA will launch a new event for the South Asian markets in Sri Lanka. The summit is set to take place between the 30th of November and 2nd of December, 2025, in Colombo.

A billion dollar market driving huge growth potential. With South Asia representing a quarter of the world’s population, Sri Lanka is set to redefine gaming for the region. Sri Lanka’s tourism sector already contributes $4.4 billion to its GDP. By the financial year 2023, India’s gaming market had surged to an impressive 3.1 billion U.S. dollars, marking it as one of the fastest-growing segments within the Indian media and entertainment sector. 

Digital Gaming on the rise in South Asia. With a robust CAGR of 20 percent, industry reports forecast that this market could exceed 7.5 billion U.S. dollars by the financial year 2028. Coupled with the projected growth in the Mobile Games segment, where India is expected to lead with 239.63 million users by 2027, the future of gaming in India looks exceptionally promising, showcasing its rapid expansion and market dominance in the region. With internet penetration in India now at approximately 50% and online gaming on the rise across the region, the opportunities are endless.

Pakistan also continues to navigate an increased appetite for gambling, with the industry expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.4% during 2020-2026, and reach USD 0.51 billion by 2026. Increased internet penetration, a young population of 64%, rising income, and the fast adoption of mobile payment systems all point to new growth to come from this upcoming market. As of 2023, Pakistan had 257 game development companies and 300 gaming studios – a PwC report indicates the country´s video and mobile gaming market could see an expansion of 21.9%.

South Asia´s first integrated resort to launch 2025. In 2025, the nation will open its first integrated resort, marking a historic milestone that positions Sri Lanka – and the entire region – on the global gaming map. And with groundbreaking draft legislation to establish a regulatory body, Sri Lanka is leading the charge for a well-regulated, vibrant gaming market. 

SiGMA South Asia to welcome 5000 delegates. An estimated 5000 delegates are expected to turn up to SiGMA South Asia´s 2025 event, with an expert-led speaker lineup featuring over 150 industry authorities, including government officials, regulators, and representatives from South Asia’s leading gaming and land-based companies.

The event will see additional participation from 800+ affiliates and an expo floor boosted by tier one companies from the region’s top 10 companies, promising an unmatched experience for networking and business. 

From Colombo to Bangkok. The dates for the SiGMA South Asia and the Affiliate World events are perfectly aligned, allowing delegates to maximise their experience in South Asia. Starting with SiGMA in Colombo on Monday, December 1st and Tuesday, December 2nd, operators or studios seeking traffic can then easily and quickly fly to Bangkok on Wednesday, December 3rd, just in time for the first day of Affiliate World on Thursday, December 4th. This schedule offers a unique opportunity to attend both leading industry events in one streamlined trip.

Networking opportunities are abundant, with a prestigious gala awards ceremony opening the event, as well a charitable auction in support of the Foundation – SiGMA´s charitable arm overseeing a number of global projects and fundraising activities, such as a skill building centre for women in Ethiopia, and a multi-sensory hall for children in Bataan, Philippines. Delegates will also have a chance to strengthen new relationships through a number of no-expense-spared dinners catering to a C-Level crowd. Things come to a close with an official party.

Why Colombo? Situated on the west coast of the island, just south of the Kelani River, Colombo´s thriving financial hub makes it a prime business destination. Connected through multiple flight routes, Sri Lanka offers a gateway to top ranked local and global companies and leading talent. With a total investment value of $500 million, the Colombo International Financial Centre (CIFC) is the flagship development project of the Colombo Port City Special Economic Zone and an extension of Sri Lanka´s Central Business District. Popularly known as the garden city of the West, state-of-the-art infrastructure meets a diverse and lush cultural landscape.

Join us at the forefront of this transformation and witness an experience that will set new standards in the industry and put the country firmly on the map as a premier gaming destination. Register your interest as a delegate, sponsor, or exhibitor through our website.

SiGMA South Asia 2025 in Colombo—Strength in Numbers. Save the dates!

Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Tourism pledges ´fullest support´ for SiGMA South Asia 

The Sri Lankan Ministry of Tourism (SLCB) has officially endorsed the SiGMA South Asia event. In a formal letter, Thisum Jayasuriya, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, conveyed the Ministry’s full support for SiGMA South Asia’s inaugural event, set to take place in Colombo, Sri Lanka next year.

He further commented that the “SLCB is in the view that SiGMA South Asia 2025, would be an extremely important event to Sri Lanka. The Sri Lanka Convention Bureau endorses the proposal to host the SiGMA South Asia Summit 2025 in Sri Lanka and pledge our fullest support to SiGMA South Asia to host the conferences in Sri Lanka.”

SiGMA Asia’s land-based retreat kicks off in Incheon, South Korea
SiGMA Asia´s exclusive retreat for the land-based sector brought together 50 VIPs from leading land-based brands, including suppliers, and casino managers, for a three-day immersive experience at the newly inaugurated Inspire Entertainment Resort in Incheon, South Korea. 
The event, which runs from August 22 to August 24, 2024, is designed to strengthen ties within the land-based gaming community while providing a luxurious and engaging environment for networking, entertainment, and strategic discussions.

Day 1: Getting into the competitive spirit
The land-based retreat began on August 22, with delegates arriving throughout the day at the Inspire Entertainment Resort, a brand new state-of-the-art venue that combines luxury with cutting-edge entertainment facilities. The day’s activities included a Baccarat Tournament held in the resort’s casino area. With 25 participants, the tournament brought out the competitive spirit of the VIP attendees, with Kevin Lei, VP of Gaming Strategy and Optimization at MGM Macau announced as winner during the official dinner held later that evening at Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse.

Day 2: Insights and Innovation
On August 23, the day began with a leisurely breakfast at the Garden Farm Cafe before diving into the day’s agenda. The morning featured a Focus Group Discussion with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) in the private room of the MJ23 Sports Bar. This session provided a platform for in-depth discussions on the future of the land-based gaming industry, exploring trends, challenges, and opportunities.
“I would like to thank SiGMA for bridging the gap and connecting the land-based and online stakeholders,” commented Ma. Vina Claudette Oca, AVP for the Gaming Licensing and Development Department at PAGCOR. 

After a relaxed lunch, the VIPs participated in a special activity at Le Space, an interactive media art exhibition that blends technology and creativity. This unique experience was designed to inspire and engage the attendees, offering a break from the traditional conference format.
The day concluded with a VIP dinner at Brasserie 1783, followed by an iSlot Tournament, adding a touch of excitement to the evening’s events.

Looking Ahead – SiGMA Asia 2025
SiGMA 2024 was a resounding success, and the enthusiasm from the land-based community for next year’s event is palpable. Why the excitement? The Philippines stands as an undisputed heavyweight in the resort industry, making it the perfect location for a dedicated summit where key players in the land-based sector can come together.
We’re also dedicating half of the ground floor at the SMX Convention Centre to land-based clients. Major brands like EGT and ZITRO have already confirmed their commitment, ensuring a stellar lineup of exhibitors and participants. Register your interest for next year´s event by visiting our website.