At the recently held SiGMA South America in São Paulo from April 6 to 9, Yogonet had the opportunity to interview Eman Pulis, the founder of SiGMA Group. Pulis emphasized the significance of this event in light of Brazil's evolving online betting regulations.
The discussion also covered vital topics such as the industry's social responsibility, concerns about excessive regulation, the introduction of a new SiGMA Group event in Mexico, and the ambition to integrate the gaming sector with technological advancements.
Pulis noted, “The event is crucial for Brazil, especially as we witness regulatory progress. SiGMA plays a pivotal role in uniting industry stakeholders and regulators to promote sustainable growth.” He added that the event aligns with SiGMA's global mission to advocate for regulated gaming.
SiGMA is committed to being present in emerging markets like Dubai, Sri Lanka, Manila, São Paulo, Cape Town, and soon, Mexico City. “These locations are essential for reinforcing the message that regulated gaming is the only sustainable path forward,” he stated.
As the business hub of iGaming in Latin America, São Paulo's significance was highlighted by Pulis, who expressed satisfaction at the participation of regulators and regional media, underscoring the event's importance.
The event underwent a rebranding from BiS SiGMA Americas to BiS SiGMA South America following the launch of SiGMA North America in Mexico. Pulis explained that the change was made to better serve the Brazilian audience, as the event needed to be conducted in Portuguese to address the local market effectively.
He also pointed out the growth of the Mexican gaming market and the demand from companies for a tailored event in Mexico City, which will cater to both Spanish-speaking Latin America and North America. “Traveling to Mexico is convenient from the U.S., and Mexican audiences are keen followers of American sports, making this a promising venture,” he added.
When asked about Brazil learning from Malta's gaming experience, Pulis suggested that the insights would be more relevant to regulators. He highlighted Malta's 25 years of regulatory experience, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to regulation to avoid pushing operators into illegal markets.
Pulis concluded by discussing prediction markets, raising the question of whether they fit within the iGaming sector, depending on whether they involve skill or chance.