SiGMA World 2026 will bring 65 regulators and representatives of regulatory authorities to Rome in November, with more than 30,000 delegates expected to attend the four-day summit focused on regulated gaming.
The event will take place from Nov. 2 to 5 at Fiera di Roma under the theme “Advancing Regulated Gaming.” Organizers expect more than 1,200 exhibitors and sponsors and more than 550 speakers, with about 85% of attendees expected to travel from abroad.
The summit will examine the relationship between market growth, regulation, technological innovation, transparency and responsibility, with regulators, operators, advisers and experts participating in panels, round tables and workshops.
Organizations involved in the regulatory programme include the Gaming Regulators Africa Forum (GRAF), International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL), International Association of Gaming Advisors (IAGA), International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) and CIBELAE.
“A strong industry is a well-regulated industry,” said Heathcliff Farrugia, Chief International Relations Officer at SiGMA Group.
The programme will cover integrity, compliance, artificial intelligence, digital finance, MiCA, sports integrity and regulatory systems across international markets.
SiGMA estimates the event could generate an economic impact of close to €100 million ($114.34 million) for the local area through accommodation, dining, transport, events and services.
The summit will feature five conference stages covering strategic and regulatory issues, affiliate marketing, artificial intelligence and blockchain, fintech and digital assets, and the Italian market.
The Italian stage and an Italian Pavilion will be introduced through a collaboration between SiGMA and SAPAR, with sessions covering Italy’s regulatory framework, responsible gaming and key sector issues.
Sergio D’Angelo, National President of SAPAR, said the industry needed to focus on how technological and regulatory changes could be managed. “We must not limit ourselves to observing change; we must understand how to govern it,” D’Angelo said.
“This experience teaches us that the future of the sector must start with the reality of the people and companies involved,” D’Angelo added. “When the regulated market is controlled, strong and organised, players are protected. Conversely, by placing barriers and restrictions on the regulated market, demand for gaming does not disappear; it turns to illegal activity.”
“Looking towards 2030, we are calling for regulatory stability. We need regulatory and tax clarity. Regulation must be clear, but above all, applicable.”
Ahead of the summit, Rome’s City Hall hosted Forbes Italia & SiGMA Talks – Vision 2030, bringing together institutions, trade associations, businesses, academics, media professionals and other stakeholders to discuss the future of Italy’s regulated gaming sector.
The discussion covered regulatory development, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, consumer protection, responsible gaming and efforts to combat illegal activity.
Mariano Angelucci, Rome City Councillor and President of the Permanent Commission on Tourism, Fashion and International Relations, said the event will support dialogue around innovation and the development of the sector.
“Rome is once again taking centre stage on the international scene,” Angelucci said. “With SiGMA World, the capital is welcoming thousands of operators, businesses and investors, confirming its position as a global leader in the sector while strengthening its commitment to conference tourism and business. Events of this scale create tangible opportunities for the area and open an important dialogue on innovation, development and the future of the sector.”
The day at City Hall also saw the presentation of the Forbes Italia Top 50 Regulated Gaming Italy project, produced in collaboration with SiGMA World. The editorial list features 50 profiles without rankings, with all selected individuals given equal standing, and focuses on regulation, technology, responsible gaming and thought leadership.
