With SiGMA Euro-Med 2025 fast approaching from 01-03 September at the Mediterranean Maritime Hub (MMH) in Malta, anticipation is building for one of the most influential gatherings in the gaming and tech calendar. This year’s line-up brings together voices from government, business, technology and academia, each bringing their own expertise and perspectives to the stage. With names such as Alexandre Tomic, Founder of Alea, Philip Fenech, Deputy President of The Malta Chamber of SMEs and Dmitry Starostenko, CEO of EvenBet Gaming, this year’s agenda promises conversations that deliver insights you won’t find anywhere else. Don’t miss the chance to hear from the rest of the industry’s leading speakers and take part in panels that are shaping the future of iGaming. Stay ahead of the busy week by exploring the full agenda on SiGMA Match, where you can access every session, speaker profile and everything you need to plan your time at the event, making the most of every conversation.
Here are a few highlights from the upcoming agenda:
SiGMA Stage: Industry evolution and market forces
- Malta Vision 2050: Policy, Innovation, and the Next Era of Gaming
This panel, taking place on the SiGMA Stage on 02 September from 12:35 to 13:05, will bring together influential voices including Dr Jonathan Spiteri, Philip Fenech, Hon. Jerome Caruana Cilia, George Gregory, Hon. Cressida Galea, and Ivan Filletti. Supported by Xanda Investments, the discussion will explore Malta’s ambitious transformation from an iGaming powerhouse into a broader innovation hub. Attendees can expect a deep dive into the policies, infrastructure initiatives and emerging sectors, such as esports, game development and immersive technologies, that are shaping the country’s next chapter, while hearing firsthand from the leaders driving this evolution.
- No Suits, No Filters: The Real Talk from the Top
Taking place on the SiGMA Stage on 02 September from 13:05 to 13:25, this panel will feature industry leaders Oliver De Bono, Dmitry Starostenkov, Alexandre Tomic, and Simon Westbury. This discussion promises a candid exploration of leadership in the fast-paced iGaming world. Panelists will share personal experiences of failure, risk-taking and resilience, offering rare insight into the challenges they face behind the boardroom doors. Attendees will also experience a window into the motivations and inspirations driving some of the sector’s most influential figures.
Alexandre Tomic, founder of Alea, on stage at last year’s SiGMA event in Malta to share his perspective on the future of online casinos. His presence at Euro-Med 2025 signals another opportunity to hear from one of the industry’s most forward-looking entrepreneurs with fresh insights on scaling in a fast-changing market.
- From Total Ban to Policy Reversal: A Post-Mortem on Advertising Restrictions
This panel will take place on the SiGMA Stage on 02 September from 14:05 to 14:30. Featuring Quirino Mancini, Dario Evangelista, Alla Serebrianskaia, and Fabio Angeli Bufalini, the discussion will dissect the unintended consequences of sweeping advertising bans in markets such as Italy and Spain. Instead of reducing problem gambling, these measures pushed players toward unregulated operators, strengthening the black market while leaving consumer protections behind. This panel will unpack the critical lessons regulators and operators must take forward, exploring smarter strategies for balancing responsible advertising with effective market oversight.
Quirino Mancini, Partner of WH Partners Italy, on stage at last year’s SiGMA event in Malta to unpack the shifting regulatory landscape across Europe. Returning for Euro-Med 2025, his presence brings invaluable legal expertise to reshape the global iGaming market.
- Responsible Gambling Beyond Buzzwords: Tools, Messaging & Cross-Border Frameworks
Held on the SiGMA Stage on 02 September from 14:35 to 15:00, this panel brings together Wojciech Trzaska, Claudia Farrugia, Demos Katsis, Kevin O’Neill, and Tal Itzhak Ron. The session will move the conversation beyond corporate slogans to examine how safer gambling principles can be meaningfully integrated into player experiences. The speakers will explore practical tools, campaign strategies and cross-border frameworks that balance compliance with engagement, highlighting how operators can build trust while maintaining commercial success.
- Behind the Win: Mental Health, Burnout & the Hidden Cost of iGaming Leadership
Taking place on the SiGMA Stage on 03 September from 10:25 to 10:55, featuring Luke Todd, Marvin Cuschieri, Tatiana Bogolyubskaya, Anneli Nilsson, and Jaime Debono, this candid discussion pulls back the curtain on the hidden pressures of industry leadership. Panellists will explore the personal and organisational toll of burnout, while highlighting strategies to foster genuine resilience and a healthier workplace culture across the iGaming sector.
Luke Todd, CEO of MadeYou, joined the discussion at last year’s SiGMA event in Malta, where he shared candid insights on leadership and the operational challenges of scaling gaming businesses. His return for Euro-Med 2025 underscores the importance of resilient leadership and forward-thinking strategy.
Highlights from the AIBC Stage: Tech, AI and the digital economy
- CBDCs, Stablecoins and Cryptocurrencies: Who Wins?
This panel will take place on the AIBC Stage on 02 September from 12:00 to 12:40. Bringing together Jean Michel Azzopardi, Francisco Javier Fernandez de la Fuente, Anton Golub, Cal Evans, Dave Pulis, and Elton Dimech, this lively session will pit central bank digital currencies, stablecoins and crypto-native tokens against one another in a battle for the future of money. Panellists will challenge assumptions around adoption, stability and trust while asking the crucial question: which digital asset class is best positioned to survive and thrive in the years ahead?
- Use Cases: AI Applications for iGaming
This panel takes place on the AIBC Stage on 02 September from 13:20 to 13:50. Featuring Dr Gege Gatt, Mark Flores Martin and Staffan Engström, this discussion will explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the gaming landscape. From predictive analytics to neuroscience-driven tools, the session highlights how AI can drive efficiency, enhance player experience and strengthen responsible gambling practices, making it clear that the future of gaming belongs to those who harness smart technology.
Dr. Gege Gatt, CEO of EBO, captivated audiences at last year’s SiGMA event in Malta with his deep dive into the transformative power of AI. Returning for Euro-Med 2025, his presence highlights the growing role of artificial intelligence in shaping compliance across the iGaming sector.
- Fireside Chat with MFSA and the Malta Chamber of Commerce
This fireside chat will be held on the AIBC Stage on 02 September from 14:30 to 15:00. In this rare exchange, Joseph F Borg and Camille Pepos bring together the perspectives of business and regulation to examine Malta’s role in the digital economy. The conversation will tackle fintech supervision, compliance challenges and the evolving frameworks that aim to balance innovation with stability, offering delegates an inside view of how Malta is shaping its financial future.
Camille Pepos, Head of FinTech Supervision at MFSA, joined last year’s SiGMA event in Malta to shed light on the MFSA’s evolving approach to fintech supervision, stressing the balance between innovation and regulatory safeguards. His return for Euro-Med 2025 signals the critical role of regulators in guiding Malta’s digital economy.
- Data Privacy in an AI-Driven World: Balancing Innovation and User Security
Taking place on the AIBC Stage on 03 September from 10:50 to 11:25, this session features Jean Michel Azzopardi, Isaac Zarb, John Ellul, Chris Farrugia, and Aaditya Uthappa, and will explore the critical intersection of artificial intelligence and data privacy. Panellists will discuss best practices such as anonymisation techniques, decentralised storage solutions and ethical data handling, while highlighting how companies can innovate responsibly and build user trust in an AI-driven landscape.
Isaac Zarb, CTO of Simply Staking at last year’s SiGMA event in Malta, unpacking the challenges of safeguarding personal data. His presence at Euro-Med 2025 underscores how critical data governance and trust have become as gaming and tech industries push the boundaries of digital innovation.
- Why You DON’T Need a Token
This panel will take place on the AIBC Stage on 03 September from 11:25 to 11:55. Featuring Mark Grech, Matthew Felice Pace, Sabine Roiss and Fabio Zammit, this session examines the lessons learned from token projects that promised to revolutionise gaming and finance but ultimately fell short. Panellists will unpack why many token-based initiatives failed and offer practical insights for future innovators on how to build sustainable, value-driven products without relying solely on token economies.
Unlock the full agenda
These panels are just the beginning. From marketing insights to blockchain breakthroughs, SiGMA Euro-Med 2025 delivers a packed agenda of conversations shaping the future of gaming and tech. Don’t forget to check out the SiGMA Startup Pitch taking place 02 September, 15:25 on the SiGMA Stage as well as the AIBC Startup Pitch the following day at 14:25 on the AIBC Stage, as we champion up-and-coming startups giving them a chance to connect with investors and VC’s.
Don’t miss out exploring the full conference schedule and connecting directly with speakers and attendees through SiGMA Match, the official event app. All panel details, agenda highlights and networking tools are waiting at your fingertips.
Your gateway to the future of the iGaming industry
With such a diverse roster of speakers, SiGMA Euro-Med 2025 is set to deliver unmatched insight into the forces shaping iGaming, technology and policy in the Mediterranean and across the globe.
Don’t miss your chance to connect with global leaders in gaming, emerging tech and digital innovation at Malta’s premier industry event.
