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SiGMA Group

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SiGMA Group
Company typePrivate
IndustryEvents, Media, Gambling
Founded2011
FounderEman Pulis
Headquarters
Limassol, Cyprus
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
Eman Pulis (founder), Clive Terribile (CFO), Emily Micallef (CEO), Marianna Tavella (CLO), Mex Emini (CTO), Lauranne Urban (CMO)
Number of employees
250+
Websitehttps://sigma.world/

SiGMA Group is a global events and media organization with over 250 employees, focusing on online and offline gambling, emerging technologies, and affiliate marketing. The organization operates through three main pillars: B2B (events, news, affiliate market, training, investment and brokerage), B2C (ADR, Poker Tour, affiliation) and B2G (Foundation, advisory). SiGMA supports a regulated, responsible industry while serving as a platform for education and innovation.[1][2][3]

It has a significant impact on Malta economy through the SiGMA Malta, SiGMA Europe events, it organizes in Malta.[4][5]

History

[edit]

SiGMA Group was established in 2011 by Eman Pulis initially as a private limited company named Viking PC Health Ltd.[6][7] The Group held its first event in Malta in 2014, an iGaming conference attended by 1,500 delegates.[8][9][10][11]

In 2020, the Group conducted virtual summits, including SiGMA Americas Digital and SiGMA Focus Asia Digital.[12][13][14][15][16] In 2021, SiGMA held its first international expo outside of Malta, SiGMA Eurasia, in Dubai.[17][18] The SiGMA Foundation, the Group’s charitable arm, was also launched in 2021. SiGMA now organizes seven international events focused on online and land-based gaming, as well as emerging technologies.[19][20][21]  

In February 2023, SiGMA Group announced the acquisition of the Brazil iGaming Summit (BiS), the largest conference dedicated to iGaming in Latin America, to expand its activities in the that market.[22][23][24]

In September 2023, SiGMA Group made a strategic investment in Affiliate World Conferences, a series of events focused on the affiliate marketing industry to expand its presence and influence within the affiliate marketing sector.[25]

In April 2024, SiGMA Group announced the acquisition of a majority stake in iGaming Academy, an organization dedicated to providing education and training for the iGaming industry, to address the growing demand for knowledge and skills development within the iGaming industry and to support talent development in the industry as well as contribute to the overall advancement of the iGaming ecosystem.[26]

In May 2024, SiGMA Group launched a tech and news hub in India, employing over 50 employees. This initiative is part of the group's strategy to enhance its technological capabilities and resources online news portal.[27]

In 2024, SiGMA hosted over 80,000 participants across five summits in various regions, with plans for new locations.[28]

In 2025, SiGMA Group launched new initiatives in ESG which seek to leverage its global reach and influence to promote responsible, sustainable, and ethical practices within the gaming and tech industries. It also introduced a Business-to-Government (B2G) program, a service designed to strengthen connections between industry businesses and the international governmental and diplomatic communities.[29]

Activities

[edit]
  • Events: SiGMA facilitates industry connections by bringing together suppliers, operators, startups, regulators, players, and affiliates. In 2026 it will host summits in 8 cities: Dubai (AIBC Eurasia), Malta (SiGMA Euro-Med), São Paulo (BiS SiGMA South America), Manila (SiGMA Asia), Cape Town (SiGMA Africa), Mexico City (SiGMA North America), Rome (SiGMA Central Europe) and Sri Lanka (SiGMA South Asia). It also holds 30 side events annually, including iGatherings, poker, and retreats. In 2024, 85,000 delegates attended SiGMA’s events.
  • ADR: SiGMA’s dispute resolution platform for players and operators through mediation.[30]
  • Investment: Ikigai Ventures funds and supports emerging gaming founders.[31]
  • Media: SiGMA provides multilingual industry news via magazines, podcasts, and online platforms.
  • Brokerage: Mergers and acquisitions service for the iGaming sector.[32]
  • Poker Tour: Live poker events uniting players and industry professionals at SiGMA summits.[33]
  • Affiliate Market: A marketplace connecting operators and affiliates, enhancing trust, compliance, and growth.

Sub-brands

[edit]
  • SiGMA Play: A platform that provides reviews and guides for users interested in online casinos and sportsbooks.
  • Affiliate World: A conference focused on affiliate marketing, bringing together professionals in affiliate and ecommerce marketing.[34][35]
  • MedTech World: An organization that hosts events and produces media related to healthcare technology, with activities in Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Asia.
  • Ikigai Ventures: A seed-stage venture fund of industry insiders investing in the most promising founders in gaming.

SiGMA Foundation

[edit]

Launched in 2021 and registered with the Commissioner for Voluntary Organizations in Malta, the SiGMA Foundation is the charity arm of the SiGMA Group.[36] The organisation carries out fundraising through sponsored treks, climbs, ticket sales, donations, and auctions to support education, healthcare and community projects:

Education: The construction of a 3-in-1 school for 1,000 kindergarten, primary and junior-secondary students in Jimma - Bonga, Ethiopia (2023), The Women Empowerment Project - a skill building centre for women in Ethiopia (2024), a sports school in Sao Paulo, Brazil (2025), and e-learning scholarships through the iGaming Academy.[37][38][39]

Healthcare: Projects include the G.L.O.W Campaign, which provided cleft palate surgeries for 120 children in Colombia (2024), an extension to the Saint Martin de Porres Hospital in Iquitos, Peru which will offer treatment to AIDS, cancer, and tuberculosis patients (2025), and an ophthalmology operating theatre in Puerto Barrios, Guatemala (2025).[40][41]

Community: Construction of a multi-sensory music hall in Bataan, Philippines (2024), the introduction of a recycling program, clean stoves and eco-filter water bucket to communities in Puerto Barrios, Guatemala (2025), opening a Batiawan Community Centre for the Aetas people and residents of Batiawan, Zambales, Philippines (2025).[42]

In addition to philanthropic projects carried out by the Foundation, SiGMA promotes responsible, sustainable, and ethical practices through its events, within the gambling and tech industries, and among its employees. Key actions include waste reduction and recycling, training programs, and ESG education. This includes documenting and reporting its ESG efforts and plans, and working alongside independent consultants.[43]

The iGaming Academy promotes transparency and compliance through e-learning and ADR services.[44]

Awards

[edit]
  • Eman Pulis of SiGMA Group was named National Worker of the Year 2024 in Best Entrepreneur nomination[45]  
  • Awarded the iGaming Idol for Outstanding Contribution to the Industry to Eman Pulis (Founder) in 2019[46][47] 
  • Eman Pulis received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Private Office of Sheikh Saqer Bin Mohamed Al Qasimi for his outstanding support in advancing the UAE’s success.[48]
  • In 2024, SiGMA Play was named Bonus Comparison Affiliate of the Year at the AffPapa Awards for its excellence in affiliate marketing.[49]

Influence on Malta economy

[edit]

SiGMA organized events, especially the annual SiGMA Europe conference, have significantly boosted Malta's economy,[50] reportedly contributing over €100 million to tourism revenue and supporting approximately 10000 jobs annually across various sectors.[51][52][53]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Palansky, Seth; Cox, Laura Mcallister; Lanza, Elizabeth; Groumoutis, Stewart (2021-11-01). "Responsible Gaming for online Gaming". Gaming Law Review. 25 (9): 405–411. doi:10.1089/glr2.2021.29044.sle. ISSN 2572-5300.
  2. ^ "The Philippine Tourism Promotion Board brings cultural performance to SiGMA Asia opening – ISA-GUIDE" (in German). 2024-05-24. Retrieved 2024-08-08.
  3. ^ "SiGMA Malta sustains equivalent of 950 jobs for one year according to recent study". MaltaToday.com.mt. Retrieved 2024-08-08.
  4. ^ Malta, Times of (2025-03-28). "Today's front pages – March 28, 2025". Times of Malta. Retrieved 2025-06-02.
  5. ^ "Quality tourists". The Malta Independent. 28 November 2024. Retrieved 2 June 2025.
  6. ^ "Viking Pc Health Ltd | Malta Companies Directory". www.996co.com. Retrieved 2024-08-08.
  7. ^ captaincharity (2021-05-08). "All About Sigma Malta Event". CaptainCharity.com. Retrieved 2024-08-08.
  8. ^ "SiGMA Issue 1 by SiGMA Group - Issuu". issuu.com. 2014-10-13. Retrieved 2024-08-08.
  9. ^ captaincharity (2021-05-08). "All About Sigma Malta Event". CaptainCharity.com. Retrieved 2024-08-08.
  10. ^ "SiGMA Group acquires majority stake in iGaming Academy". Times of Malta. 2024-04-23. Retrieved 2024-08-08.
  11. ^ Palansky, Seth; Cox, Laura Mcallister; Lanza, Elizabeth; Groumoutis, Stewart (2021-11-01). "Responsible Gaming for online Gaming". Gaming Law Review. 25 (9): 405–411. doi:10.1089/glr2.2021.29044.sle. ISSN 2572-5300.
  12. ^ Ana (2023-04-22). "Ikigai Ventures – New €20 Million Fund launched by Eman Pulis". Tekpon. Retrieved 2024-08-08.
  13. ^ "Redefining the gambling space". Times of Malta. 2023-11-12. Retrieved 2024-08-08.
  14. ^ "SiGMA Group reopens Manila offices – ISA-GUIDE" (in German). 2023-06-02. Retrieved 2024-08-08.
  15. ^ "Sigma Group reopens Manila offices in BGC". The Manila Times. 2023-06-24. Retrieved 2024-08-08.
  16. ^ "SiGMA Malta postponed by two months until April 2021, Manila show still set for May". IAG. 2020-12-04. Retrieved 2024-08-08.
  17. ^ D'Mello, Sandhya. "AIBC UAE summit gets overwhelming response in Dubai". Khaleej Times. Retrieved 2024-08-08.
  18. ^ Muscat, Cristian (2022-11-25). ""SiGMA Malta Week tiġġenera attività ekonomika biex jibqgħu għaddejjin mad-950 impjieg għal sena"". talk.mt. Retrieved 2024-08-08.
  19. ^ Palansky, Seth; Cox, Laura Mcallister; Lanza, Elizabeth; Groumoutis, Stewart (2021-11-01). "Responsible Gaming for online Gaming". Gaming Law Review. 25 (9): 405–411. doi:10.1089/glr2.2021.29044.sle. ISSN 2572-5300.
  20. ^ "Bigger, better, stronger than ever: Events lined up for SiGMA Group in 2023". Times of Malta. 2022-10-25. Retrieved 2024-08-08.
  21. ^ Keszthelyi, Christian (2019-05-20). "Malta's SiGMA expands operations into Middle East, Asia | The Malta Business Weekly". Retrieved 2024-08-08.
  22. ^ "SiGMA Group acquires BiS gaming summit in São Paulo". Times of Malta. 2023-02-07. Retrieved 2024-08-08.
  23. ^ "Redefining the gambling space". Times of Malta. 2023-11-12. Retrieved 2024-08-08.
  24. ^ "BiS SiGMA Americas opens its doors in Sao Paulo for region's largest gaming and betting event - Games Magazine Brasil". www.gamesbras.com (in Spanish). Retrieved 2024-08-08.
  25. ^ Evans, Jake (2023-09-18). "SiGMA to align shows with Affiliate World from 2024 amid strategic investment". NEXT.io. Retrieved 2024-10-23.
  26. ^ "SiGMA Group acquires majority stake in iGaming Academy". Times of Malta. 2024-04-23. Retrieved 2024-10-23.
  27. ^ "SiGMA Group launches Tech Hub in India!". iGaming AFRIKA. 2024-05-29. Retrieved 2024-10-23.
  28. ^ Africa, B. I. (2023-01-17). "SiGMA Group's ambitious plan to expand to Nairobi & 5 other global markets". Business Insider Africa. Retrieved 2024-08-08.
  29. ^ Yogonet. "SiGMA backing Sustainability Live Malta 2025 in support of ESG goals | Yogonet International". www.yogonet.com. Retrieved 2025-03-11.
  30. ^ "Approved Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) providers". Gambling Commission. 2021-05-17. Retrieved 2025-06-02.
  31. ^ Yogonet. "BetConstruct partners with Ikigai Ventures to back high-potential gaming startups | Yogonet International". www.yogonet.com. Retrieved 2025-06-02.
  32. ^ ravindu_wp (2024-04-22). "SiGMA Group Acquires A Majority Stake In iGaming Academy". iGaming Academy. Retrieved 2025-06-02.
  33. ^ "Ivonne Montealegre Builds a Legacy of Inclusion with SiGMA Poker Tour Debut". www.pokernews.com. 2025-04-15. Retrieved 2025-06-02.
  34. ^ Yogonet. "SiGMA teams up with Affiliate World to host exclusive party in Dubai on the last day of AIBC Eurasia | Yogonet International". www.yogonet.com. Retrieved 2025-06-02.
  35. ^ "1xBet participated in Affiliate World Asia". Focus Gaming News | Latest Gambling Industry News & Updates. 2024-12-09. Retrieved 2025-06-02.
  36. ^ Muscat, Cristian (2022-11-25). ""SiGMA Malta Week tiġġenera attività ekonomika biex jibqgħu għaddejjin mad-950 impjieg għal sena"". talk.mt. Retrieved 2025-06-02.
  37. ^ "Women in Gaming Africa, In Conjunction with SiGMA Africa Slated For International Women's Day | iGamingToday.com - News, insights and Slots review". 2025-06-02. Retrieved 2025-06-02.
  38. ^ Malta, Lovin (2025-04-08). "SiGMA Foundation Opens Sports School To Empower Youths In São Paulo". Lovin Malta. Retrieved 2025-06-02.
  39. ^ "SiGMA Group acquires iGaming Academy: a game-changing move". https://affpapa.com/. 2024-04-23. Retrieved 2025-06-02. {{cite web}}: External link in |website= (help)
  40. ^ "The Concept Stadium extends support to SiGMA Foundation's G.L.O.W Campaign". BusinessToday.com.mt. Retrieved 2025-06-02.
  41. ^ News, E. S. G. (2024-11-21). "Sigma Lithium Ships 22,000t of Quintuple Zero Green Lithium to Abu Dhabi's IRH". ESG News. Retrieved 2025-06-02. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  42. ^ "Grech questions if lack of resignations over ethics scandal is because ministers involved are male". The Malta Independent. 17 November 2024. Retrieved 2 June 2025.
  43. ^ "BiS SiGMA Americas champions sustainability with 'Sou Resíduo Zero' initiative - Games Magazine Brasil". www.gamesbras.com (in Spanish). Retrieved 2025-06-02.
  44. ^ Yogonet. "SiGMA Group acquires majority stake in iGaming Academy | Yogonet International". www.yogonet.com. Retrieved 2025-06-02.
  45. ^ Yogonet. "SiGMA founder Eman Pulis named Entrepreneur of the Year at Malta awards program | Yogonet International". www.yogonet.com. Retrieved 2025-06-02.
  46. ^ "Eman Pulis, SiGMA Group CEO, wins top iGaming Idol Award". Malta Business. 2019-11-18. Retrieved 2025-06-02.
  47. ^ "Eman Pulis, SiGMA Group CEO, wins top iGaming Idol Award". SoloAzar (in Spanish). Retrieved 2025-06-02.
  48. ^ Yogonet. "SiGMA founder Eman Pulis named Entrepreneur of the Year at Malta awards program | Yogonet International". www.yogonet.com. Retrieved 2025-06-02.
  49. ^ Afrika, iGaming (2024-05-29). "AffPapa iGaming Awards 2024 Winners Announced!". iGaming AFRIKA. Retrieved 2025-06-02.
  50. ^ "SiGMA Malta is round the corner – this is what to expect". The Malta Independent. 2 November 2022. Retrieved 2 June 2025.
  51. ^ "SiGMA Europe drives €100M boost to Malta's tourism economy in 2024 – ISA-GUIDE" (in German). 2024-11-12. Retrieved 2025-03-25.
  52. ^ Yogonet. "Malta Prime Minister Robert Abela attends SiGMA Europe, addresses exhibitors | Yogonet International". www.yogonet.com. Retrieved 2025-03-25.
  53. ^ Lisa (2024-11-12). "SiGMA Europe's Economic Boost to Malta". Malta-Media.com. Retrieved 2025-03-25.
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