Article by Ben Fricke

Pre-Event “La Dolce Vita Night”: Networking with a View

An exclusive pre-event in Rome offered an exciting preview of the upcoming SiGMA Central Europe 2025 expo. Under the motto “La Dolce Vita Night,” top decision-makers from the iGaming industry gathered on July 29, 2025, for an evening of networking in a spectacular setting. The venue, the historic Casa dei Cavalieri di Rodi in the heart of Rome, impressed with its unique atmosphere and breathtaking panoramic views of the Eternal City. In a relaxed setting over drinks, industry peers forged valuable connections and exchanged insights on the latest industry developments.

A key topic of the evening was regulation: the Italian Ministry of Finance (MEF) is introducing new nine-year licenses for online gaming at a fee of €7 million plus a 3% annual levy. This “Dolce Vita” evening clearly demonstrated how networking and knowledge-sharing go hand in hand.

SiGMA Central Europe 2025 in Rome: Where the Industry Meets

The main SiGMA Central Europe 2025 event will take place from November 3-6, 2025 in Rome. After successful years in Malta, SiGMA is taking the bold step to Italy and all roads now lead to Rome, the new hub of the industry. The location is a strategic choice: Italy is Europe’s largest untapped iGaming market, generating around €16 billion in total gaming revenue, of which only about 25% currently comes from online operations. By hosting the expo in Rome, SiGMA is entering a market with tremendous growth potential.

The event will be held at the state-of-the-art Fiera Roma, one of Europe’s largest exhibition centers, featuring 10 halls and a total of 100,000 m². Already, 75,000 m² of exhibition space has been booked. More than 30,000 visitors from around the globe are expected to gather in the Italian capital for this flagship industry event.

Key Highlights and Event Planning

The Fiera Roma offers cutting-edge facilities, making it the perfect venue for this high-profile industry event.

Key facts at a glance:

• 1,000+ exhibitors and sponsors: From global industry leaders to innovative startups showcasing their latest products and services.

• 30,000 delegates and visitors: Including 7,500 operators, affiliates, and key service providers from across the sector.

• Four stages with 550+ speakers: Expert-led sessions on iGaming, sports betting, technology, and regulation.

• Awards, pitches, and networking: Two major awards shows, charity auctions, startup pitch competitions, VIP lounges, networking zones, and chill-out areas for informal exchanges.

The SiGMA team is working tirelessly to ensure a seamless event experience. The floor plan is already published, allowing exhibitors to strategically position their booths while visitors can use the official app to bookmark exhibitors and schedule meetings in advance. Badge pre-registration is also available, ensuring smooth entry without long queues.

Industry professionals are already praising SiGMA’s move to Rome:

“An excellent choice – Rome is accessible and a true business hub. We’re thrilled and will definitely attend!” says Nino Turashvili from SmartSoft.

“The best decision SiGMA could have made. We can’t wait to support this event at its new location,” adds Dennis De La Rosa of Online IPS.

This enthusiastic feedback highlights the industry’s confidence in SiGMA’s meticulous planning and Rome’s potential as a new global iGaming hub.

Regulation and Future-Focused Topics

For professionals in regulation and compliance, SiGMA Central Europe 2025 promises a wealth of insights. For the first time, the event will feature a dedicated “Regulatory Briefing” stage where experts will discuss the latest global regulatory trends.

Topics include:

• Combating illegal gambling: “Whack-a-Mole” – are regulators catching up or falling behind?
• Italy’s new license model: A €7M nine-year license fee plus a 3% levy – implications for market participants.
• Brazil’s fresh federal gambling regulation: How to balance growth and compliance.
• Mexico – “Latin America’s Las Vegas”: Managing rapid growth under strict oversight.
• South Africa’s fragmented regulatory landscape and innovative approaches.
• The UAE’s emerging gambling market: The potential of the new General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA).
• Malta’s evolving role under EU scrutiny – adapting to safeguard its leadership position.

Additional sessions will also cover player protection, responsible gaming, AI-driven innovation, and the future of marketing in highly regulated markets. For regulators, legal experts, and compliance officers, SiGMA Central Europe 2025 will be a must-attend event offering direct dialogue with industry leaders and policymakers to shape best practices and future EU regulatory frameworks.

Conclusion: The Countdown to Rome

The pre-event in Rome has only heightened anticipation for the main event. The perfect combination of networking, stunning views, and knowledge-sharing offered a taste of what’s to come. SiGMA Central Europe 2025 is set to be the industry highlight of the year, where “La Dolce Vita” meets regulation and technology.

Thanks to SiGMA’s meticulous planning, this promises to be a world-class event that sets new standards. If you missed the pre-event, don’t make the same mistake twice. See you in Rome this November!