It may seem like only yesterday, but it is now almost a quarter of a century since the establishment of the MGA (Malta Gaming Authority), the most visible starting point for a journey that has seen this small island nation become an international hub for the global iGaming industry.
This prominence is largely attributable the early establishment of the MGA which, in terms of timing, was a masterstroke, making Malta one of the first nations to offer legislation regulating the activity of iGaming companies.
Hollywood of iGaming
A favourable regulatory environment, combined with enticing tax incentives, EU membership and an attractive, sun-kissed location, led to global appeal and Malta soon became home to a plethora of iGaming operators, developers, marketing professionals and fintech experts.
In 2011, as Malta started to become the ‘Hollywood’ of iGaming, local event organiser Eman Pulis sensed opportunity, established what became SiGMA Europe and in 2014, its first iGaming conference was attended by just over 1,000 delegates.
The SiGMA Group now employs around 150 team members and has offices in Malta, Cyprus, Manila, São Paolo, India and Belgrade. In 2021 the Group launched its first event in Dubai, followed in 2022 by Toronto and Belgrade and then, in 2023, Kenya, Brazil, Manila and Cyprus.
Mother of all Conferences
This expansion into multiple continents has resulted in ever-increasing demand for what the company calls The Mother of all Conferences in Valletta and this year, celebrating its 10th anniversary, SiGMA Europe 2024 will welcome a record-breaking 27,000 delegates, 1,000 sponsors & exhibitors and 550 speakers, as well as hosting five chill-out lounges, five sporting networking events, four mega-yacht booths, two awards ceremonies, two cultural activities, two official parties and numerous dinners and other gatherings.
A packed agenda includes sessions on AI, blockchain, crypto and Web3, as well as influencers & affiliates, compliance, esports, ESG & CSR, payment solutions, social dynamics, player engagement and markets from Africa to Italy, Brazil and beyond.
Under the spotlights, a cast of industry superstars will be joined by Silvio Schembri, Malta’s Minister for the Economy, Enterprise & Strategic Projects; Robert Abela, Malta’s Prime Minister and Myriam Spiteri Debono, Malta’s President (pictured).
It would be fair to say that quite a lot has happened over these past 10 years…
