Ein Artikel von Ben Fricke

A look at the entrance to SiGMA Europe Malta 2025 – “Discover the Future of Gaming Together” set the tone.

Overview and atmosphere of the Gaming Expo

SiGMA Malta 2025 (also known as SiGMA Euro-Med 2025) took place in early September in Valletta and felt much more manageable this year compared to the past. With around 12,000 participants, the expo was still well attended but fell far short of the “big player” numbers of previous years. For comparison: in 2024, nearly 27,000 delegates flocked to the Mediterranean island.

This time, the vibe was much more relaxed – almost family-like. Where you once had to squeeze through packed aisles, there was now room to pause, chat, and enjoy proper conversations at the stands. Some industry veterans joked it felt like a class reunion: familiar faces everywhere, fewer crowds, and a friendlier pace. Far from being a disadvantage, it gave the show a certain charm. SiGMA Europe Malta 2025 positioned itself as a smaller but more refined event, putting the spotlight back on networking and personal exchange.

The venue remained the same: for the third year in a row, the Mediterranean Maritime Hub (MMH) in Marsa hosted the exhibition. Industry heavyweights still showed up despite the reduced buzz – Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela strolled through the halls on opening day, greeting global names like BetConstruct, 1xBet, SoftGamings, and others. His presence underlined that Malta iGaming remains a priority for the government, even if the center stage has shifted. Overall, the mood was relaxed: about 400 exhibitors had more time for each visitor, and a mix of English, Italian, German, and countless other languages filled the halls – proof that delegates still came from all corners of the world. In short: SiGMA Malta 2025 proved that sometimes less really is more.

Criticism: The end of the “big SiGMA Malta” era?

Of course, there was some criticism too. “The days of the big SiGMA Malta are over” – a phrase heard more than once, tinged with either nostalgia or relief. The reality is that SiGMA Europe Malta 2025 was much smaller than before, for several reasons.

First, this year Malta was no longer the flagship host but only the Euro-Med edition. The real blockbuster – expected to draw 30,000 visitors – is set for November in Italy as SiGMA Rome 2025. Unsurprisingly, many major companies shifted their focus there. Second, the massive scale of past years had caused serious headaches: last year’s mega-event with nearly 27,000 attendees pushed Malta to the brink of traffic chaos. So quite a few industry players actually welcomed the move to “decompress” and refocus on quality rather than quantity.

Still, restricted attendance became a talking point. Some regulars and exhibitors stayed away, either due to budgets or because they were saving resources for Rome. This left certain areas of the expo floor looking thinner, with empty spaces that would once have been fiercely contested. Even the stages had more open seats than usual – 400 speakers were announced, but the audiences were more selective. The content covered all the expected hot topics: AI, Web3, compliance, privacy, payments, cybersecurity. But the big headline announcements were noticeably missing. The clear impression: SiGMA Malta is no longer where the industry breaks its biggest news – that’s Rome’s role now.

A touch of irony hung in the air when one moderator cheerfully welcomed “so many” attendees – though insiders knew the crowd was half the size it used to be. Still, many seasoned participants embraced this slower pace. “Better quality attendees than a mass crowd,” a Maltese provider quipped over coffee. And that’s perhaps the best way to frame it: the expo returned to its roots – networking at its core.

Exclusive side events: Island Cruise, Awards & Poker Nights

Networking, but with a twist: an exclusive Island Cruise for SiGMA delegates turned into a floating party on the Mediterranean.

If the expo itself was smaller, the side events were all the more impressive – and here, SiGMA Malta 2025 really delivered. Already on Monday before the official opening, a yacht set sail from Hilton Malta with premium guests on board for a cruise around the island. Under blazing late-summer sun, sailing past bastions and turquoise waters with a cocktail in hand, networking rarely felt this good. Reserved for Premium and Platinum ticket holders, the cruise set the tone: Welcome to Malta – let’s mix business with a bit of holiday flair. The vibe was casual and fun. Forget sweating in a suit on the expo floor; this was all about polo shirts, sunglasses, and conversations on the deck. Guests loved it – a perfect example of the added quality time this year’s edition provided.

That evening, the Welcome Reception at the Quarterdeck Bar & Lounge in Portomaso Marina kept the energy high. Nautical-themed décor, cool drinks, and marina views gave it the feel of a summer after-work party. Then came the SiGMA Awards Gala, hosted at Hilton’s Grandmaster Suite. Guests in black tie gathered to honor the best in the business – categories like “Best Game Studio 2025”, “Innovative Gamification Feature” or “Excellence in Gaming Leadership” showed the industry’s achievements in style. Award winners included Betsson COO Jasper Svensson and GamingMalta CEO Ivan Filletti, recognized as “Industry Guardian of the Year.” A highlight was the launch of the Hall of Game, celebrating Maltese gaming pioneers and visionaries – a goosebump moment reminding everyone how far Malta has come as the heart of iGaming.

And the nights didn’t stop there. From exclusive iGathering dinners at Malta’s top restaurants to the closing party at Toy Room Beach Club, where DJ Be Svendsen kept the dance floor alive, delegates had endless chances to connect. Sports fans joined the C-Level Golf Tournament, while poker enthusiasts tested their luck at the SiGMA Poker Tour, with €150,000 guaranteed at Portomaso Casino. As one veteran put it: “The best deals still happen over dinner or on a boat, not at a booth.” In this sense, SiGMA Europe Malta 2025 nailed it – a perfect blend of business and lifestyle.

Local perspective: Malta breathes a sigh of relief

For locals, the downsized expo was a relief on multiple levels. Fewer international visitors meant less traffic chaos on the already strained roads around Marsa. Previous mega-SiGMAs had pushed Malta into gridlock, leaving commuters frustrated. This time, thanks to fewer attendees and improved traffic management (extra staff and taxi geo-fencing), things ran smoothly.

And many Maltese are secretly glad the event is no longer in October. Traditionally, SiGMA landed in late autumn, colliding with school schedules and post-summer congestion. October is already hectic on the island – heavy rains, busy roads, seasonal transitions. Adding a mega-event on top often felt overwhelming. By moving the show to early September, the pressure lifted: fewer crowds, less stress, and more breathing space for the city. Even Prime Minister Abela acknowledged earlier that the MMH venue isn’t ideal long-term and hinted at exploring alternatives.

So while Malta may no longer host the flagship event, the smaller SiGMA Europe edition was welcomed by many with a heartfelt “Grazzi!” – thank you.

Outlook: Rome is calling – anticipation for SiGMA Central Europe 2025

After Malta comes Rome, and the iGaming world is already buzzing. In November, the first-ever SiGMA Central Europe 2025 takes over the Eternal City – with over 30,000 delegates and 1,000 exhibitors expected, potentially surpassing Malta’s glory days.

Rome is set to become the new capital of European gaming expos, and the choice makes sense: Italy is a sleeping giant in iGaming. While Malta has long been a pioneer, the Italian market remains relatively untapped, despite generating around €16 billion annually, with only about 25% online. That mix of experienced Maltese operators and curious Italian newcomers promises excitement and opportunity.

SiGMA is marketing the move as a “La Dolce Vita” fresh start. Earlier this summer, an exclusive pre-event called La Dolce Vita Night gave partners a taste of what’s to come: aperitivo, rooftop views, and Italian flair. Industry voices are optimistic: “Rome is an excellent choice – accessible and a true business hub,” said Nino Turashvili of SmartSoft. The anticipation is real: SiGMA Europe Rome 2025 promises to be a show at double the speed and scale of Malta’s edition.

For Malta, this means saying goodbye to its status as sole host of the big show. But relief can be a blessing too. And the Euro-Med edition is set to return to Malta in March 2026 – maybe bigger again, maybe not. Either way, the industry thrives on change. If SiGMA Malta 2025 taught us anything, it’s that sometimes a change of scenery is just what the sector needs.

Conclusion

SiGMA Malta 2025 may not have been the biggest expo ever, but it had heart, humor, and sunshine. From the relaxed island cruise to the glamorous awards night, it struck the perfect balance between business and fun. Yes, it was smaller – but that’s exactly what made it special: more space for conversations, less stress, and more memorable experiences. Malta showed that even in a smaller format, it can still captivate the global iGaming community.

Now all eyes are on Rome. The next SiGMA era is about to begin – and we’ll keep you posted.