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Summit of iGaming Malta 2014 Preview

21st Aug, 2018

John Wright

1. Malta is no doubt the capital of the online gaming industry. What took so long for someone to organize a conference where iGaming lives?

You couldn’t have asked a better warm up question! A question that the entire gaming community in Malta has been asking for at least five years. Not only is Malta considered as the ‘silicon valley’ of the igaming industry, but this Mediterranean island has all it takes to host a summit like SiGMA: excellent hotels and flight connections, an ideal climate and weather conditions, proximity is also an important ingredient. The only transport delegates will need to use is a simple 15€ taxi from the airport to the hotel. Otherwise, all the SiGMA events as well as a lot of the igaming companies are situated in the heart of St. Julian’s.

2. Based on feedback so far, how many delegates are you expecting including affiliates?

Judging by the number of people skilfully employed in igaming in Malta alone, a figure which stands at 9,000, the number of exhibitors and delegates enrolling from abroad, the excellent coverage by our media partners as well as the low participation fee, we’re estimating a healthy turnout of 2500 delegates: c-level executives, affiliates and industry representatives..

3. Tell us about some of the speakers signed up so far, what are some of the interesting seminars so far?

We have two intensive conference lined up.

CONFERENCE 1

The topics at one of the conferences will be focusing on remote gaming global regulation, the legal landscape as well as best practices in operation; hence this letter. Some of the world’s best speakers will gather to discuss topics such as: Optimal iGaming Taxation, Creating Inter-State iGaming compacts in Europe, Facts of Payment, Geo-location, Player ID, Age Verification and Technological Compliance, Fraud prevention and detection, Data Sovereignty and others.

Stars speakers in this category include the likes of Joseph Cuschieri (LGA Executive Chairman), Dr. Simon Planzr, Mr. Nick Nocton, Dr. Olga Finkel (WH Partners), Mr. Simon Hammon (NetEnt), Mr. Johan Styren (LeoVegas), Georg Westin (Casino Saga), Ulrik Bengtsson (Betsson).

CONFERENCE 2

The second track is focused on remote gaming acquisition and will feature SEO professionals, latest e-marketing techniques, industry trends, affiliate, social media marketing tactics and more.

Stars speakers in this category include the likes of Ory Weihs (XL Media), Rickard Vikstrom (Internet Vikings), Ralph ‘Fantomaster’ Tegtmeier (logobotixX Enterprises), Ebbe Groes (EveryMatrix) and Joakim Stockman (Thrills & SuperLenny).

4. What are some of the venues and official hotels?

We have a networking poker tourney at the Hilton, the conference sessions at the InterContinental, a closing party at the Westin. All these hotels are situated in the heart of St. Julian’s. The InterContinental Bay Arena is currently being refurbished to the tune of 2 million euros and will be hosting the exhibition.

intercontinental malta

5. Are there any parties and social events planned during the conference?

What’s an igaming summit without some leisure? You bet we do. We want Malta to live to its reputation too! We have an ice breaking poker tournament so delegates can start getting to know each other before the actual summit starts on Friday 31st. We have networking drinks every day on the house, a closing party as well as networking drinks on the beach on Sunday 2nd November. Then we have a lot of private functions by various operators – power boat trips around the island, champagne dos by night, the list is endless.

6. For those that haven't been to Malta yet, what are they missing out on besides the conference itself and networking opportunities since most of the industry lives here?

Malta is the silicon valley of the igaming industry. It is an excellent platform for networking and, hopefully, SiGMA will strengthen an already healthy networking environment. We chose October/November for a reason too. Accommodation prices are relatively cheap, plus the weather is really, really pleasant at this time of the year.

7. What are some must see or must do items that people should consider when visiting Malta?

We have a jam packed program of events lined up for all the affiliates and c-level executives heading to Malta for SiGMA. There is so much one can do outside summit hours, from boat trips to scuba diving. We’re happy to facilitate with any requests!

8. What can both operators and affiliates expect from the SiGMA conference and why should they attend?

Operators can expect some of the best affiliates worldwide to attend SiGMA. We know who the best affiliates, responsible for most traffic, are, and we’re personally inviting some thirty super affiliates, covering flights, accommodation and leisure program. Like this we make sure that exhibitors are provided with a healthy networking ambience.

A lot of operators are actually taking this opportunity to invite their own affiliates to Malta, take them on an office tour, meet the company team members at a number of planned, private leisure events.