BiS SiGMA South America 2026 kicked off on Monday night in Sao Paulo for a fourth year with an awards dinner for outstanding performers in the iGaming industry in the region and Brazil, the world’s fifth largest online betting market.
As usual, there was a veritable cornucopia of networking opportunities, amid the lux of elegant black ties and evening dresses, at an event aimed at bringing together leading industry figures, emerging talent and influencers for a night of celebration.
Although Brazil has successfully completed its first year of regulation, the excitement over digital betting market is still prescient; despite the slowing speed of growth, biting reality of rising taxes and tougher regulations sought by regulators and legislators — including a ban on advertising and sponsorships that is currently making its way through Congress.
Positive Vibes
“This event has become entertainment. The big guys are going elsewhere. Why spend a fortune on a stand at SiGMA,” commented a jaded veteran of two decades of gambling industry fairs.
But nothing could dampen the exuberance and positive vibes.
One highlight of the night was the SiGMA Foundation auction of art to raise money for a charity for disadvantaged children. And top bid was €15,000 for a large canvas by Russian artist Angela Nikolau, won by Fernando Saffores, CEO at Focus Gaming News, who was also one of the night’s award winners for Best iGaming Media.
Top 2026 industry performers of the night were 1xBet for Best Sportsbook Operator, NGX for Best Platform, Optimove for Best Customer Retention, Better Collective for Best Affiliate, BetBoom for Best Esports Operator, Altenar for Best Online Sportsbook Provider, Brazino777 for Best Casino Operator, Lucas Tylty for Best Influencer, Apostou for Rising Star in Brazil, Softswiss for Best Innovative Sportsbook, and bet365, which received the award for Responsible Gaming Leadership.
Game On
Carlos Cardama, the co-founder of the Brazilian iGaming Summit (BiS), dubbed the father of iGaming in Brazil, was honoured by induction into the so-called Hall of Game!
Eman Pulis, the Maltese entrepreneur who founded the SiGMA Group, a massive global events and media company specializing in iGaming, AI, and blockchain technology, bought Cardama’s company to form the new partnership BiS SiGMA.
The three-day conference will feature panel discussions on regulatory compliance, taxation, mergers and acquisitions, the role of physical casinos in the digital age, and the impact of major global events such as the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
