In this article, we hear from Annamaria Anastasi, our Sales & Commercial Director iGaming and proud Maltese native, as she shares her insights from SiGMA 2024.

As a Maltese native, SiGMA holds a special place for me. What began as a smaller event has evolved into a global powerhouse in the iGaming industry, drawing visionaries, innovators, and decision-makers from around the world. It’s more than just an event – it’s a hub where trends, technologies, and big ideas shaping the future of gaming come to life.

The 2024 edition didn’t disappoint, buzzing with energy and countless discussions about where our industry is headed. In this blog, I’m excited to share some key insights from this year’s SiGMA and what they mean for the future of iGaming.

Top 3 SiGMA insights: Unlocking the future of the iGaming industry.

Here are the key takeaways from SiGMA that, for me, really highlight the trends and innovations shaping the future of the iGaming industry:

1. Blending online and offline iGaming experiences.

The traditional divide between online gaming and brick-and-mortar casinos is rapidly diminishing. At SiGMA, industry experts discussed how online gaming is no longer perceived as a remote alternative but an extension of the physical casino floor.

Online platforms are no longer viewed merely as remote alternatives but as integral extensions of the physical casino experience. This shift is driven by advancements in technology, enabling hybrid experiences, such as live dealer games and online tournaments hosted by physical casinos, reshape how players interact with the gaming world.

The future casino seamlessly blends in-person and online experiences into a fully integrated hybrid model.

According to Forbes, the term “omnichannel” has become a buzzword as it enables operators to harness digital innovations like cashless payments and online rewards programs, integrating them effortlessly with traditional products and services for a cohesive and enhanced customer experience.

Challenges do however remain. Transitioning to this integrated model presents several hurdles.

The seamless integration of online and offline gaming hinges on robust infrastructure, including cloud computing and advanced streaming technologies, to deliver experiences comparable to physical machines.

These systems must match the simplicity and reliability of physical machines.

Moreover, while digital experiences promise scalability, they must replicate the social and sensory dynamics of in-person gaming to captivate players fully. Ensuring reliability and security in these digital environments is paramount to maintaining player trust and satisfaction. 

2. New markets and new challenges

The iGaming industry is expanding its horizons, with new markets emerging as key drivers of growth and innovation. From regions with untapped potential to those undergoing regulatory transformations, these markets offer opportunities for operators to engage fresh audiences and diversify their portfolios. Brazil is definitely a hot topic. 

The country’s iGaming market is projected to grow from $2.1 billion to $2.6 billion by 2026, driven by increasing internet penetration and a population exceeding 200 million. However, Brazil’s evolving regulatory landscape presents challenges for operators aiming to establish a foothold. The government’s recent enforcement actions, including the blocking of over 2,000 unauthorized gambling websites, underscore the importance of compliance and responsible gaming practices. 

Additionally, the event highlighted advancements in AI-driven personalization, blockchain integration, and enhanced responsible gaming measures, reflecting the industry’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.

3. Trends and predictions for 2025 and beyond.

Looking ahead, iGaming is poised to undergo transformative changes driven by emerging technologies and evolving player preferences. 

• Cross-border transactions.

Cross-border transactions are rapidly expanding, with global payments projected to reach approximately $290 trillion by 2030. Trends like borderless e-commerce, cross-border trade, and the digitization of payments across industries fuel this growth.

Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), play a crucial role in this evolution, seamlessly integrating into existing treasury infrastructures and interfaces to streamline global payment processes.

The rise of cross-border transactions and wallet-based solutions facilitate a more globalized iGaming environment. These innovations enable players to engage seamlessly across different jurisdictions, expanding the reach of iGaming platforms.

• AI-driven personalization

Artificial Intelligence is set to revolutionize player experiences.  AI empowers iGaming operators to enhance player experiences, boosting engagement and retention. By analyzing player data, AI systems can identify preferences, behaviors, and interests, enabling personalized recommendations for games, bonuses, and promotions.

• Virtual Reality enhanced experiences

Virtual Reality (VR) has revolutionized the gaming industry by creating an immersive experience that allows players to fully step into the game world. Virtual Reality technology promises to deliver immersive gaming environments, bridging the gap between online and offline experiences. Platforms such as VRChat and Meta’s Horizon Worlds are transforming social interaction, allowing users to connect, engage, and share experiences within virtual environments.

• Real-time betting integration

Traditionally, sports broadcasts have offered viewers a passive experience, focusing solely on visual engagement with the game. The advent of in-play betting has transformed this dynamic, turning spectators into active participants. By allowing bets to be placed during the live action of a sports event, in-play betting introduces immediate engagement, revolutionizing the way fans interact with sports. Incorporating real-time betting odds into sports broadcasts will enhance viewer engagement and create new avenues for interactive gaming.

• Multiplayer dimension

A growing trend in iGaming is the desire for social and shared experiences. Players increasingly seek games that foster connection, whether through cooperative gameplay, competitive tournaments, or shared environments like online casinos or poker rooms. The multiplayer dimension enhances engagement by allowing players to interact, compete, or collaborate in real-time, creating a community-driven gaming experience. This shift reflects a broader move towards integrating social dynamics into gaming, making the experience not just about winning but also about connecting and sharing the excitement with others.

Final thoughts.

Attending SiGMA always leaves me inspired by the incredible pace of growth and transformation in the iGaming industry. This year, it was clear that the convergence of technology, regulation, and creative marketing strategies is driving us into an exciting new era.

The insights shared at the event really reinforced how trends like blending online and offline experiences, advancing payment solutions, and adopting cutting-edge technologies are reshaping our industry. It’s not just about adapting – it’s about innovating and staying ahead.

At Zimpler, we’re proud to be part of this evolution. Our payment solutions are designed to make transactions seamless and enhance the overall player experience – a vital component as the industry becomes more competitive and player expectations rise.

What excites me the most is seeing how advancements in AI, VR, and real-time integrations are redefining what entertainment means in our space. iGaming is becoming more dynamic, more immersive, and ready to captivate a global, tech-savvy audience like never before.

The conversations at SiGMA left no doubt in my mind: the future of iGaming is about leadership, not just participation. By embracing these trends and tackling the challenges head-on, we can deliver exceptional experiences that truly resonate with players around the world.

The information contained in this post is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon for professional advice of any kind. Zimpler does not make any representation or warranty as to the completeness or accuracy of the information, and assumes no liability or responsibility that may result from reliance on such information.