All these people speak different languages but regularly exchange experiences to keep the wheels of online gambling turning. This is why iGaming events are as relevant as ever and are back to square one amidst COVID-19 restrictions.
Here is our line-up of the best iGaming conferences, exhibitions, and trade shows that you ought to attend along with tips on how to prepare for them.
Types of iGaming Events
Casino and sports betting conferences serve as a vital link for networking among the land-based and online betting worlds. While the main purpose of iGaming events is networking, understanding the specifics of each type – conference, summit, and exhibition – can greatly enhance the value attendees gain from them.
Event Scale: International and Regional
International events, like ICE and SiGMA, often draw large audiences and significant media attention, providing broad networking and knowledge-sharing opportunities.
Regional events, on the other hand, tend to focus more on local gambling markets, offering forums for regulatory discussions and insights into specific country operations.
For example, the SPiCE Series, with events across India, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, and the UAE, focuses on the nuances of emerging regional markets across the globe.
Event Format: Conferences, Summits, and Exhibitions
iGaming events typically include conferences, summits, and exhibitions, with each one catering to specific aspects of the industry.
- Conferences: These events, like iGB Live!, primarily focus on knowledge-sharing and networking within the iGaming community. They bring together brands from both B2B and B2C sectors, featuring a mix of speeches, presentations, and opportunities for professional interaction. Conferences are ideal for staying up-to-date with industry trends and developments.
- Summits: Summits, such as those organised by SBC or SiGMA, are generally high-level gatherings where industry leaders and decision-makers gather to discuss strategic issues and forge important partnerships. They are typically more exclusive and focus on shaping the future direction of the industry.
- Exhibitions: Exhibitions, in contrast, are more commercially focused, offering a platform for companies to display their products and solutions. A prime example of this is the International Casino Exhibition – or ICE as it’s more commonly known – where businesses have the opportunity to stand out, demonstrate their offerings, and engage directly with potential clients and partners. Exhibitions often feature unique stands, entertainment areas, and activation zones, underscoring their promotional and interactive nature.
While there is some overlap in these iGaming events, each one has its own unique focus. By understanding these differences, attendees can choose the events that best match their professional goals, ensuring a more focused and rewarding event experience.
Event Focus: Regulatory Issues, Operations, Affiliate Marketing, Payment Processing, Etc.
The focus of iGaming events can vary greatly, covering everything from regulatory issues to operations, affiliate marketing, and payment processing. Each event is tailored to meet the evolving needs of the market and the iGaming industry at large. With the rise of digital currencies, cryptocurrencies have become a crucial part of online gambling, increasing the number of gambling options available to players.
As a pioneer in online crypto gambling, SOFTSWISS continues to stay on top of the state of crypto in iGaming. That’s why the team will participate in several events in 2024 related to digital currencies, including regulatory, operations, affiliate marketing, and payments-related iGaming events that zoom in on a particular topic or vertical.
These events offer deep insights into specific areas of iGaming, and are tailored for those looking to delve into a topic on a more granular level.
Top 15 iGaming Events in 2024
Here’s a curated list of some of the most popular iGaming events offering value to both exhibitors and attendees alike.
ICE London 2024
Location: UK, London
Date: 6-8 February
Event type: Exhibition
Format: Offline
Organiser: Clarion Gaming
Since its inception, ICE has been considered one of the premier iGaming events worldwide. Every year, Clarion Gaming brings together newcomers and industry titans for networking opportunities.
This year, the event will be even bigger: SOFTSWISS is among the 35,000+ attendees from 650+ brands registered to join. Professionals from the following fields will attend ICE London this year:
- Betting
- Bingo
- Casino
- Lottery
- Mobile
- Online
- Payments
- Social
- Esports
- Sports betting
- Street
Furthermore, experts and conference organisers are emphasising the importance of this year’s conference in reviving the land-based gaming industry, which has been suffering since the COVID-19 crisis erupted. This time, the ICE show may give the entire offline sector a new lease of life as many offline operators and suppliers plan to attend in 2024.
IGB Affiliate 2024
Location: UK, London
Date: 6-9 February
Event type: Exhibition
Format: Offline
Organiser: Clarion Gaming
No matter what technology trends are driving the iGaming industry forward, audience recruitment and long-lasting and reliable affiliate relationships remain a priority for any iGaming business seeking to remain competitive and profitable in 2024.
iGB Affiliate in London is an ideal opportunity to uncover the latest affiliate marketing practices and showcase your brand to affiliate partners – the key people in online casino promotion. The success of an iGaming affiliate program depends on brand reputation and personal interaction with affiliates, so networking at iGB Affiliate London is a great chance to make fruitful connections that will grow your audience and brand recognition.
SiGMA Eurasia Summit 2024
Location: UAE, Dubai
Date: 25-27 February
Event type: Summit
Format: Offline
Organiser: SiGMA Group
The SiGMA Group has launched a series of regional events, with its first event called SiGMA Eurasia targeting Asia.
Despite its huge potential, the Asian continent has been outside of gambling for a long time. Being a gateway to the tech-driven, booming Asian market, SiGMA Eurasia opens the golden goose region to all operators, B2B providers, affiliates, payment system vendors, and other iGaming businesses.
Although networking and making contacts are the main attractions of such events, the SiGMA Eurasia event also features several extra activities. For example, the SiGMA Pitch, with its focus on sharing expertise and supporting emerging brands, or the SiGMA Awards, which celebrate the leading iGaming brands.
SPiCE India & Sri Lanka Merger 2024
Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Date: 27-29 February
Event type: Conference
Format: Offline
Organiser: Eventus International
The SPiCE India & Sri Lanka Merger is set to be the focal point for the iGaming industry on the Indian subcontinent and beyond. The conference will explore the potential and future of the Indian and Sri Lankan gambling market, including regulatory aspects and market legalisation. A highlight of the event includes discussions on the lessons learned from other countries and the challenges and opportunities within the South Asian iGaming industry.
The event is characterised by its dynamic attendee profile, with 35% operators, 25% suppliers, and 20% affiliates, ensuring a diverse and engaging networking environment. Attendees can also look forward to exclusive pre and post-event parties and a specially curated poker tournament.
Delegates from SOFTSWISS will be present at the conference, so attendees are welcome to come and connect with us for a wealth of industry insights, as well as any possible collaboration opportunities.
SBC Summit Rio 2024
Location: Brazil, Rio de Janeiro
Date: 5-7 March
Event type: Summit
Format: Offline
Organiser: SBC Events
SBC Summit Rio 2024 is a cornerstone event in the Brazilian betting and iGaming market, serving as a prime gathering point for over 3,000 delegates, including 900+ operators and 300+ affiliates.
The summit is a platform for industry leaders and regional experts to discuss regulatory frameworks and market-specific strategies. Key discussions will focus on operator-media relationships, data rights, and sponsorship opportunities, bringing together senior executives from both Brazil and further afield.
This year’s summit is set to be especially dynamic with SOFTSWISS hosting a dedicated stand. Attendees will have the unique chance to interact directly with our team of experts, opening doors to some insightful exchanges.
NEXT Summit New York 2024
Location: USA, New York
Date: 6-7 March
Event type: Summit
Format: Offline
Organiser: NEXT.io
Rebranding from ‘iGaming NEXT NYC’, NEXT Summit New York 2024 is fast becoming North America’s premier iGaming and sports betting summit. Set in the heart of Manhattan, it’s a congregation of 300 operators, 100 start-ups, and a senior crowd of decision-makers, investors, and tier-1 media. Tailored to address the specifics of the North American market, the event offers a unique blend of networking, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing opportunities.
Participants can expect a dynamic event filled with networking and business development activities, catering to a diverse group of attendees that includes operators, tribes, sports teams, venture capitalists, media, and regulators.
NEXT Summit New York promises to be an enriching and insightful experience for all involved, fostering connections and paving the way for future collaborations in the industry.
SiGMA Africa Summit 2024
Location: South Africa, Cape Town
Date: 11-13 March
Event type: Summit
Format: Offline
Organiser: SiGMA Group
Following its successful inauguration in Nairobi, SiGMA Africa Summit 2024 moves to Cape Town. Focusing on the exciting African market, the summit is poised to serve as a pivotal networking hub, attracting over 2,500 delegates and 650 operators. Bringing together industry leaders in iGaming the event will explore the potential of mobile gaming, sports betting, blockchain, and other innovative technologies that are rapidly shaping the future of iGaming in Africa.
With more than 150 speakers and over 100 exhibitors, SiGMA Africa 2024 promises to be a comprehensive and insightful event. This year, SOFTSWISS will mark its presence at the summit with its own stand, offering an ideal opportunity to meet up and chat with our experts.
Big Africa Summit 2024
Location: South Africa, Johannesburg
Date: 25-27 March
Event type: Summit
Format: Offline
Organiser: Eventus International
The recent SOFTSWISS iGaming Trends Study states that the African market is one of the most promising in the coming years for online gambling. With a booming economy, developing telecommunications networks, and an increase in population interest, Africa is a target for many operators.
The 10th Annual Betting & iGaming Africa Summit will shed light on the details of the legalisation of remote gaming in South Africa, a highly anticipated topic in 2024. The summit focuses on regulation, payment processing, sports betting, crypto, and the overall gaming climate in the region.
Over 50 speakers, including investors, operators, regulatory consultants, and other experts, will help attendees gain a deeper understanding of the current market and emerging trends once remote gaming becomes legal.
SiGMA Americas Summit 2024
Location: Brazil, São Paulo
Date: 23-25 April
Event type: Conference
Format: Offline
Organiser: SiGMA Group
It’s no misnomer to call SiGMA one of the world’s most popular iGaming conferences. It is a truly international event – a treasure trove of new products and contacts (a large proportion of participants are C-level or decision-makers).
iGaming industry leaders will once again gather in Brazil in 2024 to discuss this year’s hottest topics. Regulators, gamification, and player experience enhancement are traditional topics for speakers, pitches, and discussion panels covered during the SiGMA Americas expo. Anyone planning their development and expansion to the local markets will find SiGMA and their regional events (held in Europe, Eurasia, Asia, Africa, CIS) invaluable for gaining relevant insights and contacts.
NEXT Summit Valletta 2024
Location: Malta, Valletta
Date: 15-16 May
Event type: Summit
Format: Offline
Organiser: NEXT.io
Set against the backdrop of Valletta’s historic charm, NEXT Summit Valletta 2024 stands out as a crucial gathering for Europe’s iGaming professionals. Closely related to its New York counterpart, but with a distinct focus on Europe, this event promises a dynamic fusion of networking and learning experiences.
With an anticipated attendance of over 5,000 global delegates – including a significant 40% operator presence – the summit is poised to offer invaluable insights and a wealth of opportunities for industry discussions. A blend of educational sessions, coupled with a vibrant and engaging atmosphere, positions it as an unmissable event in the European iGaming calendar.
Canadian Gaming Summit 2024
Location: Canada, Toronto
Date: 18-20 June
Event type: Summit
Format: Offline
Organiser: SBC
It was an incredibly significant milestone for the iGaming industry in April 2022 when the Canadian province of Ontario made online gambling legal and regulated. As a result, many operators looking to open up new markets have chosen the Canadian market as an attractive prospect.
More than 2,000 delegates will gather in Toronto to discuss the impact of the Ontario market on the region, how to deal with the evolving market in light of regulatory changes and restrictions, building a loyal betting community, and more. As well as discussing traditional networking opportunities with market titans and newcomers, attendees will be able to listen to market experts and dig deeper into the casino sector (which is already well represented in the market) and the sports betting sector (which is relatively new).
IGB Live! 2024
Location: Netherlands, Amsterdam
Date: 16-19 July
Event type: Conference
Format: Offline
Organiser: Clarion Gaming
iGB Live! 2024 in Amsterdam is one of the industry’s most vibrant, productive, and influential events. In the coming year, thousands of iGaming industry experts, consultants, affiliates, operators will meet partners and clients, make valuable new connections and understand where the industry will go.
As SOFTSWISS is always on the lookout for cutting-edge technologies, new business relations, and iGaming market development, the team counts among the brands that regularly attend the show with an extensive presence.
Operators who want to keep up with the latest technological advancements as well as discuss new regulations and payment opportunities, collaborations, and glimpse at some of the newest trends that are on the horizon should not miss the boat and join iGB Live!
What are the topics covered during this year’s conference?
- Google and iGaming
- Online gambling ad restrictions
- Mobile betting
- Ontario jurisdiction
- Gamification
And many more!
SBC Summit 2024
Location: Portugal, Lisbon
Date: 24-26 September
Event type: Summit
Format: Offline
Organiser: SBC
The premier event in the iGaming sector, the SBC Summit, has now relocated to Lisbon, establishing it as the new hub for the industry. Following its resounding success, the organisers are doubling the space, and this year the scale is staggering: 38,000 square metres will host 300 exhibitors, including the SOFTSWISS team.
More than 450 expert speakers will present at SBC Summit, offering insights into a variety of business growth areas.
What niches are usually represented?
- Sports betting
- Casino and iGaming
- Payments and compliance
- Affiliates, marketing, and media
- Emerging tech, blockchain, and metaverse
A traditional highlight of the SBC Summit is the SBC Awards, which honour the most successful brands. In 2022, the SOFTSWISS Sportsbook, the solid software platform for managing bookmaking operations, won the Rising Star in Sports Betting trophy at the SBC Awards Latinoamerica.
Global Gaming Expo (G2E) 2024
Location: USA, Las Vegas
Date: 7-10 October
Event type: Exhibition
Format: Offline
Organiser: American Gaming Association
G2E 2024, set to take place at The Venetian Expo in Las Vegas, is a pivotal event for the iGaming industry, known for its role in fostering innovation and promoting growth. This year’s event presents a unique opportunity for over 25,000 industry professionals from more than 100 countries and regions to connect, uncover emerging trends, and acquire valuable insights that drive success.
The expo, featuring more than 350 exhibitors, is an expansive showcase of the latest in gaming. Complemented by an extensive agenda of educational sessions, numbering over 70, this event is designed to empower attendees with knowledge and possibilities for the future of gambling. G2E 2024 promises to be an all-encompassing experience for those looking to explore new ideas, form key partnerships, and stay ahead in the sector.
SiGMA Europe Summit 2024
Location: Malta, Port of Valetta
Date: 11-14 November
Event type: Summit
Format: Offline
Organiser: SiGMA Group
When it comes to iGaming, all roads lead to Malta. SiGMA Europe is a fully-fledged online gambling ecosystem that brings together business, entrepreneurship, and iGaming. Most participants are online gaming operators, SaaS providers, and affiliates; the exhibition is not short on industry leaders as well.
In addition to market leaders, SiGMA benefits those just dipping their toes into the iGaming world. Traditionally, Malta’s SiGMA hosts a pitch event where 10 budding iGaming brands will compete for mentoring opportunities from industry titans, media, and more.
What to Do at iGaming Events
Annual iGaming conferences and exhibitions are significant industry events that cannot be missed or overlooked. A day feeds a year. Reaching event attendance goals requires proactive preparation. What might these goals be?
- Lead generation
- Client loyalty maintenance
- Networking with potential partners
- Seeking investment and mentoring opportunities
- Uncovering new business opportunities
What is the Best Way to Prepare for an iGaming Conference?
- Establish an event calendar. In the midst of a highly competitive environment, marketing is an investment in ensuring long-term brand viability. Take this into consideration while developing your calendar. Consider your business strategy and fill the calendar with events relevant to your current business goals (to acquire new audiences, boost brand awareness, practise new market entry strategies, etc.).
- Determine the format for participation in each exhibition. Exhibiting everywhere with a huge stand and a 100-person delegation is not necessary. A simple presence or having several representatives with brand merchandise will be perfect enough for some events to check the trends and meet partners. Book the place and format of participation in advance, work out the logistics, and prepare all the necessary marketing assets (stands, presentations, business cards, etc.)
- Determine the purpose. This point is related to the previous one, but it is reasonable to highlight it separately: clearly define the purpose of the trip and explain the motivation to other participants. The purpose may be to meet specific partners offline, gather industry experience, find as many contacts as possible, or attend specific workshops. Having everyone focused on incentives will ensure the team works to their full potential without being distracted by unnecessary activities.
- Prepare delegate calendars. Before the event, every team member should have a clear understanding of their role in the upcoming event to avoid mishaps. Several team members can meet potential clients, while others attend workshops, acquiring experience they will pass on to their colleagues. Schedule meetings and workshops in advance on a calendar to reduce confusion.
The preparations are clear, but what about the event itself? How can operators maximise these few days? In short, now is the time to put introversion on the back burner and network. Meet some more detailed tips shared by the SOFTSWISS team below.
How to Improve Your Casino or Betting On Sports Conference Presence?
- Meet game developers, software and payment system providers. An iGaming conference is a great place to find dependable IT partners, so take advantage and reinforce your brand with enhanced payment processing, software service and direct contact with gaming content providers.
- Find out what’s new in the iGaming world: mobile casino, Bitcoin gambling, innovative game design, etc. Meet representatives of different gaming jurisdictions, learn about the latest iGaming initiatives, and discover the peculiarities.
- Dive into marketing. In the world of iGaming marketing, there is always room for improvement and revision. Check out new trends in marketing and advertising, and determine which type of promotion could work best for your online casino. Be sure not to underrate affiliate marketing opportunities and sign new partners.
- Join seminars and panels. The experience of attending seminars and interacting with the best iGaming experts is invaluable. Pick a relevant topic and generously share your knowledge.
- Be a networker! The more people you know, the better your business does. Do not ignore the parties after the exhibition’s official opening hours. In general, the atmosphere at such events tends to be friendly, so you can find yourself talking with C-level executives quite at ease.
Meet 2024 Head-on
The iGaming events are back in full swing. Choose suitable expos, invest in decent company and team representation, and participate in global conferences. The efforts won’t wait for results, and upon return, the team will be equipped not only with suitcases but also with a ton of new information to digest, leads to process, and business ideas to implement.
