Eman Pulis SiGMA Forbes: Why Rome could become the centre of Italy’s new iGaming economy

Rome is moving beyond its traditional role as a host of international events, developing into a major infrastructure hub for Italy’s iGaming sector. Eman Pulis, founder of SiGMA Group, outlined this strategy in a recent interview with Forbes, emphasising the goal of establishing Rome as a core hub for the country’s growing iGaming market.

This approach has already been implemented in several international markets, integrating events, technology, regulatory structures, and skilled professionals. The result is measurable economic impact for host cities and concrete benefits across the wider iGaming value chain.

The SiGMA effect: when a city shifts gear

Major industry events can rapidly increase operational activity in host cities. During these periods, hotels operate at full capacity, restaurants experience sustained demand, and local services face increased utilisation. These are clear indicators of the economic impact generated by large-scale iGaming conferences.

SiGMA World’s inaugural event in Rome in November 2025 generated an estimated €100 million in economic activity. Projections indicate this figure could rise to between €134 million and €168 million annually by 2030. These estimates reflect direct financial flows into sectors such as hospitality, transport, logistics, and local services.

The entrepreneurial vision of Eman Pulis

Eman Pulis has developed SiGMA Group into a global platform over the past decade, expanding into multiple markets while continuing operational consistency. The initiative began at a time when the events sector was considered saturated, based on a strategic assessment of market opportunities.

“When I started, many believed there was no room for new formats,” Pulis explains. The market was dominated by established events across the United States, Asia and London. Yet the aim was not to fit into an existing calendar, but to redefine the very concept of an event.

A model that unites the industry

A key development was recognising the fragmentation within the iGaming sector, where affiliates, operators, and suppliers operated independently. Consolidating these groups within a single event was a tactical move to enhance industry integration and collaboration.

“An affiliate can become an operator; a supplier needs affiliates to distribute products. Keeping them separate did not mirror the market,” Pulis notes. From this insight emerged the SiGMA philosophy: prioritising human relationships, leveraging networking, and building community as an economic infrastructure.

From format to global “geoclone”

The SiGMA model has become a replicable framework, described by Pulis as a ‘geoclone’, applying proven event structures to new markets while conforming to local regulatory and business environments.

Following the pandemic, SiGMA expanded its global presence to include Dubai, Cape Town, São Paulo, Manila, Mexico City, Rome, and Bangkok, with events scheduled through 2026.

Glocalisation and emerging markets

The growth plan targets markets where technological innovation, regulated gaming, and digital finance intersect. Pulis refers to this approach as ‘glocalisation’, combining global standards with local market customisation.

Italy is positioned as a key market within this strategy. As the second largest iGaming market in Europe, Italy continues to offer solid growth potential, especially in the online gaming segment.

Rome as a strategic iGaming hub

Estimates indicate that Rome hosted approximately 30,000 delegates for SiGMA World in 2025, with projections reaching up to 50,000 by 2030. These numbers underscore Rome’s potential as an international iGaming platform.

“When SiGMA arrives, the city changes,” says Pulis. The effect reaches beyond major operators, engaging the entire local ecosystem, from technical labour to suppliers. The result is a broad economic effect with tangible value.

Trust and cultural alignment

Alongside economic measures, a less visible but equally essential factor emerges: trust. “Malta and Italy share a natural affinity,” Pulis emphasises. In an industry where informal relationships are as important as formal agreements, cultural context becomes a strategic asset.

Regulation and market balance

Regulation is a key issue. For Pulis, regulated gaming is the only sustainable path forward. Excessive restrictions or taxation risk pushing activity towards offshore operators, reducing oversight and consumer protection.

“If the legal market shrinks, the illegal one grows,” he observes. This sensitive balance involves policymakers, institutions and industry stakeholders alike. There is also the risk that the sector will be used as a political tool, with negative consequences across the board.

Technology and innovation in the sector

In this context, SiGMA World positions itself as a platform for dialogue between operators, regulators and innovators. The AIBC initiative introduces technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain and big data into the conversation.

“The technology to identify problem gambling already exists,” Pulis states. The challenge lies in applying it effectively, building a system where innovation and regulation complement rather than oppose each other.

The philanthropic dimension

The SiGMA model incorporates a social responsibility component through the SiGMA Foundation, which aims to deliver measurable positive impact at scale.

“Being a millionaire is not just about wealth, but about the impact you create,” Pulis argues. This approach also contributes to reshaping the public perception of the industry.

The turning point

The pandemic marked a critical moment. With in-person events suspended, the model appeared to lose relevance. “I thought the business was over,” Pulis recalls.

Yet from that crisis emerged a phase of transformation. Expansion into Dubai, the launch of a venture capital fund and the development of the foundation redefined the project. “Covid was the biggest positive turning point,” he states.

An evolving model

The operational philosophy remains rooted in incremental progress. “Focus on small wins,” Pulis explains, an approach that reflects the adaptive nature of the project.

SiGMA now functions as a platform for analysing market development, focusing on the interplay between regulation, technology, and industry relationships.

Rome as a global testing ground

Rome serves as a strategic testing ground due to its economic scale and its capacity to connect industry stakeholders, institutions, and the broader public.

The future of the iGaming economy will not depend on a single event, but on the ability to build a shared economic language. “The absence of dialogue harms everyone,” Pulis concludes.

The future of the iGaming ecosystem will be shaped by the balance between market forces, regulatory frameworks, local and global dynamics, and the integration of profit with social responsibility. This transformation extends beyond individual events, positioning platforms like SiGMA as central connectors for capital, innovation, and emerging markets.

All roads lead to the mother of all conferences in Rome from 02 to 05 November 2026. SiGMA World takes over Fiera Roma, bringing together 30,000 delegates, 1,000+ exhibitors, and 550+ expert speakers. This is where the right room can change your roadmap.