SiGMA South Asia 2025 made its debut in Colombo from November 30 to December 2. The event brought around 2,500 executives from the gaming, technology, and affiliate marketing sectors to the Cinnamon Life – City of Dreams complex. Organizers said the gathering was an ambitious first step. They aim to turn the country into a leading platform for the iGaming ecosystem across South Asia.
The agenda started with a dedicated pre-event day focused on delegate reception and informal networking. Alongside pre-registration, the organizers offered an Explore Colombo by Jeep experience. It introduced attendees to the local culture and urban landscape. The day ended with a gala featuring cultural performances. The SiGMA South Asia Awards in the Cumulus Ballroom recognized companies such as Spribe, PG Soft, Softswiss, 1xBet, BetConstruct, and MelBet Affiliates, along with new inductees into the regional Hall of Game.
That same evening, the SiGMA Foundation hosted a charity auction. The event aimed to raise funds for communities affected by flooding from Cyclone Ditwa. The organizers designated all proceeds for emergency relief in the area. The initiative underlined the intention of the group to link its geographic expansion with tangible social-impact projects.
The first full day of conferences and the expo marked a regulatory milestone. Sri Lanka officially launched its Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA). The body started operating that very day with a mandate to centralize oversight of all gambling activities in the country. The opening ceremony featured a ribbon-cutting with Eman Pulis, founder of SiGMA, Reuben Gauci, High Commissioner of Malta, and Sri Lankan government officials. They emphasized the importance of strong regulatory frameworks to attract international investment.
The exhibition floor moved into full swing once the formalities concluded. Providers of technology, payment solutions, affiliate platforms, and cybersecurity services dominated the layout. Institutional delegations and executives from operators and casinos toured the stands. With a focus on markets like India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal, day-one sessions covered topics ranging from affiliate strategies and the use of artificial intelligence in iGaming to cybercrime prevention and digital security.
