Our CEO, COO, CMO & Sales director attended SiGMA Central Europe from November 4-6, 2025, marking the conference’s first edition in Rome. Held at the Fiera Roma, this inaugural Central European event brought together industry professionals from across the iGaming sector.
With approximately 30,000 delegates, 1,200 exhibitors, and 550 speakers across four conference stages, SiGMA’s expansion to Rome positioned the event in one of Europe’s fastest-growing gaming markets.
Reacheffect in the Eternal City
Being part of SiGMA Central Europe gave us a chance to observe Italy’s emerging position in the online gaming landscape. The conference reinforced our commitment to understanding regional market dynamics and building connections with partners operating across different European jurisdictions.
Rome provided an interesting backdrop, combining its historical setting with modern conference infrastructure accessible via Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, just eight minutes from the venue.
The Italian Market Opportunity
Italy’s gaming market was a central discussion point throughout the conference. The country generates €16 billion in annual gambling revenue, but only 25% currently comes from online platforms, leaving significant room for digital growth.
The online gambling sector is forecast to reach €3.78 billion by 2029, growing at an annual rate of 5.52%, making it a focus area for operators and affiliates exploring expansion opportunities.
Several sessions examined Italy’s regulatory framework, licensing requirements, and how international operators are adapting their strategies for the Italian market.
Pre-Event Networking
SiGMA organized pre-event activities to help delegates connect before the official opening. Multiple registration points at the airport and city locations made badge pickup efficient, while the Sanctuary Eco retreat near the Colosseum provided an early networking venue.
Premium and Platinum ticket holders attended vineyard tours with expert sommeliers and regional wine producers at La Carovana, an 18th-century farmhouse setting. These sessions explored Rome’s winemaking history while facilitating business conversations.
Opening Ceremonies and Awards
The SiGMA Central Europe B2B Awards took place at Cinecitta film studios, with 31 award categories recognizing industry contributions. Digitain’s founder Vardges Vardanyan received the Outstanding Contribution to iGaming 2025 award, while AVIATOR by Spribe was honored for marketing excellence.
The competition featured startups presenting innovations in AI integration, gamified engagement, and responsible gaming solutions. Konstantinos Antonopoulos from INTERAD AE won with his TOROTIPS platform.
The charity auction raised €120,000 for SiGMA Foundation initiatives supporting communities globally, including education projects in the Philippines and Brazil.
Conference Content and Themes
Regulatory Focus
Regulatory frameworks dominated the program, with panels comparing licensing regimes, enforcement priorities, and advertising rules across the EU, the Balkans, and Central/Eastern Europe.
Sessions addressed how regulatory changes affect operational strategies, compliance costs for smaller operators, and the ongoing debate around harmonizing standards across European jurisdictions.
Innovation and Evolution
A panel featuring representatives from SOFTSWISS, SiGMA Group, NEXT.io, and Popiplay discussed industry evolution. Speakers emphasized collaboration over competition, noting that Europe’s fragmented interests lack the unified industry voice seen in the US.
The discussion centered on balancing innovation with oversight, with warnings that excessive regulation risks limiting product development. The panel suggested new frameworks for offerings that don’t fit traditional gambling definitions.
Technology and AI Applications
Multiple sessions explored how technology continues to reshape iGaming operations. Topics included AI-powered personalization, automated compliance monitoring, and data analytics for player behavior prediction.
The focus was on practical implementation rather than theoretical possibilities, with speakers sharing real-world examples of technology integration and the challenges involved.
Exhibition Floor and Networking
The exhibition floor featured established gaming providers alongside emerging technology companies. The layout facilitated longer conversations between exhibitors and attendees, with dedicated networking zones throughout the venue.
Organized networking events included vertical-specific dinners, allowing professionals from particular segments to connect with relevant peers. These structured opportunities complemented the informal networking happening throughout the venue.
Side Events and Entertainment
A standing dinner for Platinum and Premium ticket holders took place at Obicà Parlamento, described as the world’s first Mozzarella Bar, located near Palazzo Montecitorio in Rome’s historic center.
The conference also included a private concert by tenor Plácido Domingo at the Auditorium della Conciliazione, along with various evening networking events at Rome venues.
Several affiliate-focused parties and industry gatherings took place throughout the week, providing additional opportunities for relationship building outside formal conference programming.
Market Access and Strategic Positioning
For companies like Reacheffect, the conference provided insight into Central and Southern European market dynamics. Italy’s position as an underdeveloped online market with strong regulatory infrastructure makes it an interesting case study for operators balancing compliance with growth ambitions.
The discussions around market entry strategies, partnership structures, and regulatory navigation were particularly relevant for affiliates considering expansion into new European jurisdictions.
Rome as Conference Host
Rome’s infrastructure supported the conference logistics effectively. The Fiera Roma venue offered sufficient space for the large delegate count, while the city’s transportation system and hotel capacity accommodated international attendees.
The historic setting provided an engaging backdrop, though the practical value came from the business connections and market insights rather than the location itself.
Key Takeaways
Our team returned with several observations:
Regional Market Knowledge: Understanding Italy’s market dynamics and regulatory environment provides insight into how other European markets might develop as they shift toward online platforms.
Regulatory Complexity: European gaming regulation remains fragmented, requiring market-specific approaches rather than one-size-fits-all strategies.
Technology Integration: Successful operators are finding practical applications for emerging technologies while maintaining focus on compliance and responsible gaming.
Partnership Opportunities: Events like SiGMA facilitate connections with potential partners across different market segments and geographic regions.
Looking Forward
SiGMA Central Europe’s Rome debut demonstrated strong interest in Southern European markets. The conference format balanced exhibition space, educational content, and networking opportunities effectively.
For affiliate marketing professionals, the event provided useful perspective on how gaming operators are approaching new markets, what partnerships they’re seeking, and how regulatory considerations influence business strategies.
The investment in attending provided our team with market intelligence and relationship-building opportunities that will inform our strategic planning as we evaluate opportunities across European markets.
