Exclusive Mr. Gamble Q&A: Eman Pulis on 10 Years of SiGMA's Global iGaming Success

In this exclusive Mr. Gamble interview, Paul Puolakka, CMO of Mr. Gamble, sits down with Eman Pulis, the visionary founder of SiGMA World, as the renowned global conference celebrates its 10th anniversary. Eman has been a driving force in shaping the iGaming landscape, turning SiGMA into one of the industry’s leading events, with conferences spanning Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

From his early days organizing events to building a global brand, Eman shares his remarkable journey, the challenges overcome, and the key milestones that have fueled SiGMA's success. Join us for an insightful conversation as Eman reflects on SiGMA’s decade of growth, the future of iGaming, and his dedication to philanthropy through the SiGMA Foundation.


1. Eman, thank you for joining us. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about your background and how you ended up in the iGaming industry in the first place?

First off, thank you for having me. You know, I often say I’m “just an events guy.” My journey into iGaming was anything but traditional. I started off organising events and concerts here in Malta. That’s where I cut my teeth and built a network. The gaming industry attracted me because it was an industry brimming with potential. It was a natural progression to get into something that was, at the time, still young and full of opportunities.

What excited me most was the scale of connecting people, pushing innovation, and, of course, the challenge of pulling off something big. SiGMA was born from that passion for bringing people together.

2. Malta has become synonymous with iGaming over the past decade. How have you seen iGaming shape the country, both economically and culturally, since you first entered the scene?

Malta is now undeniably a hub for iGaming, and I’ve had the privilege of watching that transformation happen firsthand. Economically, the impact has been massive—SiGMA alone contributes significantly to the local economy, boosting hotels, restaurants, transport services, and tourism during what used to be quieter months. But beyond that, the iGaming sector has really changed the cultural landscape here.

It’s brought a diverse group of professionals to the island, which has created this exciting melting pot of ideas, creativity, and innovation. What I’m most proud of is seeing how the industry has helped Malta punch well above its weight globally.

3. You founded SiGMA in 2014, which has grown into a massive global conference. Where did the idea come from, and what was your initial vision for SiGMA?

When I started SiGMA, I saw a gap in the market. There wasn’t an event in Malta that really brought the iGaming community together under one roof. My vision was simple—create a platform where innovators, leaders, and game-changers could meet, network, and do impactful business. I wanted to put Malta on the map as a serious player in the iGaming world, and SiGMA was the perfect vehicle for that. It was about giving Malta its own stage but also making sure we opened it up to the global conversation. Fast forward to today, and we’re active in regions like Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The vision has evolved, but the essence remains the same—connecting people and ideas.

4. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in the early days of launching SiGMA? Was there a moment when you thought it might not work out? The events industry was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. How did SiGMA navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic, and what lessons did you learn from that experience?

The early days were tough, no question. It was about convincing people that this little island could host a major iGaming event. There were moments when I wasn’t sure if we’d pull it off. One of the biggest challenges was just getting people to show up. But once they did, they saw the potential, and that gave us the momentum we needed. The COVID-19 pandemic was a massive hurdle as well—it forced us to adapt quickly.

We had to pivot swiftly, diversifying into digital events and launching new ventures like SiGMA Play, which opened up limitless potential through online platforms. The key lesson was resilience—learning to pivot when necessary and keep pushing forward.

5. Today, SiGMA is recognized as one of the leading events in the iGaming world. In your opinion, what has contributed most to its success and growth over the years?

At the heart of SiGMA’s success is the community we’ve built. It’s always been about fostering meaningful relationships, not just between businesses, but between people. I think the fact that we’ve stayed true to that—offering a space where ideas can flourish, where innovation is at the forefront—has made a big difference. We also listen to our attendees.

Every year we aim to improve the experience, whether that’s through better networking opportunities, more cutting-edge content, or just the logistics of the event itself. SiGMA’s growth is a testament to the collective effort of the entire team and the industry we serve.

6. SiGMA has now expanded globally, with events in Europe, Asia, Africa, Americas and beyond. How do you think SiGMA has managed to become such a powerful, global brand?

The secret has been staying adaptable while staying true to our core mission—connecting people. Every region we’ve expanded into has its own unique dynamics, and we’ve made sure to respect and embrace the local cultures as well as regulations. SiGMA has always been about being more than just a conference; it’s about building a brand that people trust while maintaining a high level of quality for exhibitors and attendees.

We invest in local communities and take the time to understand the markets we enter. That’s how we’ve grown—by making sure each event we hold resonates on a local level but also feeds into the larger, global conversation in the iGaming space.

7. A lot of our readers are curious—do you personally enjoy casino games? If so, do you have a favourite one?

No, I don't gamble at casinos myself. The excitement of building and running SiGMA, along with the fast-paced nature of the industry, is more than enough for me. Watching the industry evolve and being part of that growth is its own thrill!

8. What new and exciting things can we expect from SiGMA in the near future? Are there any upcoming projects or events you’re particularly excited about?

The future of SiGMA is all about pushing boundaries, and we’ve got some exciting developments coming up. I’m particularly excited about the SiGMA Poker Tour in 2025, which will unite not only players but also the Poker and gaming scope from around the world in a truly global competition. We’re also expanding into South Asia next year with a show in Sri Lanka, where there’s incredible potential, while continuing to integrate cutting-edge technology like AI and blockchain into our events. These projects reflect our commitment to keeping SiGMA dynamic and innovative.

9. With the global expansion of SiGMA, what has been the most rewarding part of seeing the conference grow internationally? Any standout moments from your journey?

Without a doubt, the most rewarding part has been watching the SiGMA community grow into this global family.Seeing the company expand with over 200 skilled employees and offices across six locations worldwide, all equipped to deliver excellence, has been incredibly fulfilling.

Another high point was surviving and thriving after the pandemic. It was a tough period for everyone, but it forced us to diversify and think outside the box. The success of our first virtual conferences during that time is something I’ll always remember.

10. Diversifying SiGMA into projects like the SiGMA Foundation and AIBC Summit has broadened its scope. How do you manage to balance such diverse ventures, and what drives your passion for these projects?

Our sub-brand AIBC has been helping us broaden our scope and expanding our ventures, connecting the gap between tech and iGaming. The SiGMA Foundation, however, is something I’m personally very proud of—it’s our way of giving back.Our charity auction at SiGMA events plays a key role, allowing stakeholders to connect and contribute directly to these projects. In 2023, we raised over 200k, supporting efforts like building schools in Ethiopia, housing in the Philippines, and upcoming initiatives such as Peru’s hospital extension and Brazil’s MMA sports centre.

Balancing all these ventures is possible because of the passionate team I work with and the belief that we’re not just running events—we’re empowering industries and uplifting communities.

11. Looking back on your journey with SiGMA, what milestones are you most proud of, and what challenges have been the toughest to overcome?

One milestone I’m especially proud of is SiGMA’s 10th anniversary of our global journey. We’ve launched a documentary to commemorate this journey, and we’re publishing a special hardcover edition to celebrate a decade of excellence. We’re also making a significant announcement at SiGMA Europe this year regarding the SiGMA Poker Tour set for 2025.

As for the toughest challenge, it was overcoming the impact of COVID-19, which forced us to rethink how we run our business. But it also sparked some of our best innovations, like SiGMA Play which has now become a pillar of our growth.

12. With SiGMA’s global reach, how do you ensure that the events stay connected to the local culture and community, no matter where they are hosted?

We’ve always made it a point to respect and integrate with the local culture wherever we go. Whether we’re hosting an event in Asia, Africa, the Americas, or Europe, we work closely with local partners, governments, and stakeholders to ensure that each event feels relevant to the local region. For example, we offer publications, social media content, and even conferences in several languages, making sure our events speak directly to their audiences. We also incorporate local speakers and culturally resonant topics into our networking events.

SiGMA isn’t a one-size-fits-all event—it’s about building bridges and creating meaningful connections that matter globally and locally.

13. Besides your business ventures, you’re deeply involved in philanthropy through the SiGMA Foundation. What role do social causes play in your vision for the future of the SiGMA Group?

The SiGMA Foundation is our way of giving back, whether it’s through educational programs, healthcare projects, or supporting underprivileged communities. I believe that business and social responsibility go hand in hand. We’re in a privileged position, and it’s our duty to help uplift those around us. Going forward, I see the Foundation playing an even bigger role as we expand globally bringing our vision of positive impact to every region we operate in.

14. Lastly, what advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to break into the iGaming industry?

My advice is simple: Don’t give up when things get tough. The iGaming industry is full of opportunities, but you need to be willing to step outside your comfort zone to seize them. Surround yourself with the right people, and never stop learning. It’s a fast-paced industry, and those who can adapt and innovate will thrive. Also, stay resilient. There will be challenges along the way, but those challenges are what shape you as an entrepreneur.

Most importantly, keep your focus on building relationships, particularly with your team. In iGaming, like any industry, your network is your biggest asset.