BiS SiGMA 2026 Boosted iGaming in Brazil from São Paulo

Brazil.- April 10, 2026 www.zonadeazar.com BiS SiGMA South America 2026 opened in São Paulo with industry leaders and a focus on iGaming regulation in Brazil

The opening of BiS SiGMA South America 2026, held on April 7 at the Transamerica Expo Center in São Paulo, brought together prominent figures from sports, the iGaming industry, and the institutional sector in a ceremony that marked the official start of a new edition of the event. With former Formula 1 driver Rubens Barrichello in attendance, alongside international authorities and industry leaders, the opening ceremony highlighted the new regulatory landscape for iGaming in Brazil and the growth potential of the country’s digital ecosystem.

The event, held from April 7 to 9, once again established itself as one of the main gathering points for the iGaming industry in Latin America, in a context of particular relevance following the entry into force of online gambling regulations in Brazil in 2025.

An opening with a strong institutional presence and a forward-looking perspective

The ceremony began with a welcome message centered on the transformation of the Brazilian market, the expansion of iGaming, and the value of convergence between innovation, technology, business, and regulation. In this context, the role of the SiGMA Group as an international platform capable of connecting operators, suppliers, governments, regulators, and companies within a single environment was highlighted.

During the opening, various authorities and invited guests were introduced, including representatives from state lotteries, the judiciary, public agencies, the Ministry of Sports, and the diplomatic corps of Malta and Paraguay. The event’s main hosts were also invited to the stage: Alessandro Valente and Carlos Cardama, co-founders of BiS, alongside Eman Pulis, founder of SiGMA Group, as well as Rubens Barrichello, Malta’s ambassador to Brazil John Aquilina, and the president of the Superior Court of Sports Justice, Luiz Otavio Veríssimo Teixeira.

One of the most significant ceremonial moments was the performance of the Brazilian national anthem, followed by a series of institutional speeches that officially marked the start of the event.

Eman Pulis highlighted Brazil’s role in the new global iGaming landscape

In his speech, Eman Pulis gave special thanks to Alessandro Valente and Carlos Cardama for the partnership with SiGMA and for trusting the group to develop the project in Brazil. He also emphasized that the message SiGMA promotes globally is clear: regulated gaming is the only viable path for the sector’s sustainable growth.

Pulis explained that the group’s vision is not limited to organizing events, but aims to build a comprehensive ecosystem capable of connecting the B2B industry with governments, regulators, and players alike. In this regard, he stated that one of SiGMA’s goals by 2030 is to establish itself as a reliable source for guiding the public through reviews and references of regulated operators, while simultaneously serving as a barrier against unregulated operators.

He also highlighted that the decision to focus on São Paulo and South America was linked to the work BiS had already been doing in the Brazilian market, as well as the expectation that regulation would eventually reach the country. Based on this strategic vision, SiGMA decided to strengthen its presence in the region three years ago.

Economic Impact for São Paulo and Implications for the Entire Industry

Another key point in the opening speech was the economic impact that an event of this nature generates in the host city. Eman Pulis noted that a summit like SiGMA benefits not only the gaming industry but also sectors such as hospitality, gastronomy, retail, logistics, and services.

As he explained, the setup and execution of the event mobilize thousands of local workers, from carpenters to restaurants, bars, and hotels, generating economic activity that extends beyond the exhibition grounds. In this regard, he mentioned that assessments conducted at previous editions of the event showed impacts exceeding 100 million euros on local economies.

Furthermore, he emphasized that the sector’s growth in Brazil is occurring at a time when the country is transitioning from a fragmented landscape toward a regulated market capable of attracting global operators, investment, and new development opportunities.

Rubens Barrichello, a standout figure at the opening

Rubens Barrichello’s presence provided one of the most symbolic moments of the opening day. The former driver and historic figure in Brazilian motorsports was introduced as one of the event’s prominent personalities, reinforcing the connection between sports, entertainment, business, and international visibility that characterizes BiS SiGMA South America.

His participation added significant media impact to an opening that had already generated great anticipation due to the presence of sports icons and key players in the regulatory ecosystem.

Malta reaffirmed its support for the development of iGaming in Brazil

Another notable speech was delivered by Malta’s ambassador to Brazil, John Aquilina, who emphasized his support for SiGMA and the development of the iGaming sector. Aquilina acknowledged that his supportive stance often draws criticism, but maintained that this reinforces his conviction regarding the value the industry can bring, both in Malta and in Brazil and other international markets.

The diplomat praised Eman Pulis’s vision and highlighted the importance of institutional cooperation between countries, as well as Malta’s role in developing a regulated, professional industry aligned with international standards.

SiGMA Foundation: Social Impact Beyond Business

During the ceremony, the work of the SiGMA Foundation, the group’s social arm, was also presented. Eman Pulis explained that, over the years, his vision of success has shifted from being measured exclusively in economic terms to focusing on the positive impact the industry can generate in society.

Among the highlighted initiatives, he mentioned the opening of a sports school in a favela in São Paulo, which has already served over a thousand students, as well as projects in countries such as Ethiopia, Uganda, the Philippines, Peru, and Colombia. The foundation’s goal is to help lift one million people out of poverty by working together with companies and industry leaders.

Brazil, at the center of a new era for the iGaming industry

The opening of BiS SiGMA South America 2026 highlighted that Brazil currently occupies a central place on the global iGaming agenda. With regulations already in place, the country positions itself as one of the markets with the greatest potential to attract investment, strengthen the sector’s formalization, and develop an increasingly integrated ecosystem among operators, technology, and regulation.

The opening ceremony on April 7 served as a declaration of intent: to consolidate Brazil as one of the main hubs for iGaming expansion in Latin America and to position São Paulo as a strategic hub for business, innovation, and institutional debate.

Future Outlook

With the event in full swing and following an opening marked by prominent figures, institutional messages, and a long-term vision, BiS SiGMA South America 2026 reaffirmed its role as a key platform for tracking the evolution of the Brazilian market. The challenge ahead will be to sustain this momentum through clear rules, investment, public-private coordination, and an agenda that combines economic growth with responsibility and social development.

Edited by @pererarte   www.zonadeazar.com