SiGMA Asia 2026 gets underway with poker, philanthropy and powerful partnerships
Back in Manila for its fourth edition since launching, SiGMA Asia opens its doors this morning for day one of the conference. The event is off to a good start following a full day of networking yesterday, including the Nexus Elite Golf Tournament, and the SiGMA Asia Awards and Auction.
Boasting some great prizes, including a Rolex watch, guests got into the swing of things – literally – with a little friendly competition. Held at Club Intramuros, a lush green oasis hidden in the heart of the city, the event offered the perfect opportunity to gently ease into summit mode and network naturally. With both breakfast and lunch served, as well as irresistible champagne stops along the course, this 18-hole course was the perfect warm-up for two busy conference days.
Delegates looking for something a little more relaxed to start their week headed to Manila Bay, where a luxury yacht took them out for a fun two-hour cruise. A glass of crisp white hit the spot as they headed out to find the sea breeze.
And for those looking for a bit of a thrill, the SiGMA Poker Tour opened to a crowd that saw pros and enthusiasts alike jostle for a seat at the table. The SiGMA Bounty and Cubeia Platinum freeroll brought energy to the floor, hands that emerged against the odds, and touching personal stories.
Early badge collection events also mean that this morning, delegates will sail through and skip queues.
As is tradition, the event also celebrated its first day with an elegant Awards ceremony and auction. Raising 17,000 through bids, the auction will support SiGMA Foundation projects happening this year, many of which will have a strong focus on improving healthcare and education globally. The awards themselves saw strong emphasis on Asian companies reshaping the gaming landscape, with the Philippines a strong central force. Indeed, one of the most significant awards of the evening – the Outstanding Contribution to Gaming Award saw PAGCOR CEO Alejandro Tengco recognised for his efforts.
All that said, here’s what’s on the agenda at the SMX Convention Centre today. For a full overview, visit the SiGMA website or download our handy event guide.
Networking Events
15:00 – 18:00: Networking Drinks
Venue: Platinum VIP Lounge – SMX Convention Centre
This event is open to Platinum ticket holders only.
Conference Highlights
SiGMA Stage
10:35 Stream. Spin. Synchronise: Mastering the Omnichannel Casino Continuum
11:35 Positioning for Growth: Aligning Policy, Capital & Vision in Integrated Resorts (B2G Session)
12:35 High Rollers, High Risk: Where VIP Strategy Meets Compliance
13:25 After POGOs: Rebuilding the Philippine Gaming Equation
15:25 The SiGMA Quiz Challenge
AIBC Stage
12:10 – 12:40 / Panel – Philippines Blockchain Ecosystem Map
13:15 – 13:45 / Panel – The Inflation Hedge: Stablecoins in the Modern Economy
14:00 – 14:15 / Keynote – Securing Agentic Commerce & Digital Assets: Identity, Privacy, and Governance
14:45 – 15:20 / Panel – Unified Payments in a Multi-Rail World: The Asian Equation
15:20 – 15:55 / Panel – Betting on Truth: The Rise of Decentralized Prediction Markets
The summit takes place over the next two days at the SMX Convention Centre in Manila.
