SiGMA World 2026: the value of dialogue in shaping the sector’s future

SiGMA World 2026 provided an important opportunity for discussion, knowledge-sharing and in-depth analysis of the key issues driving the evolution of the regulated gaming industry.

In a constantly changing landscape, the sector’s future is shaped by technological innovation, but above all through open and constructive dialogue between businesses, institutions, operators, professionals and stakeholders. This dialogue is founded on responsibility, transparency and active listening – essential elements for promoting sustainable, people-centred development.

Against this backdrop, representatives from the NOVOMATIC Group actively contributed to the debate by taking part in numerous panels and in-depth sessions dedicated to some of the sector’s most significant challenges.

Among the speakers were:

• Markus Buechele, CEO of NOVOMATIC Italia, on the panel “Retail + Online: competitors or parts of the same ecosystem?”;
• Mara Di Lecce, Communication & Marketing Director, on the panels “Public gaming: maintaining accurate and balanced information whilst upholding journalistic integrity” and “Real-time player monitoring: how intervention systems work”;
• Raffaele Gnazzi, Managing Director of ADMIRAL Pay, on the panel “Innovation in payments to combat illegal activities and money laundering”;
• Marco Calosci, Corporate Communication & CR Manager, on the panel “One brand, two worlds: responsible gaming across retail and online”;
• Ombretta Di Monte, AWP Sales Director at NOVOMATIC Italia, on the panel ‘AWP and VLT: a market of social and economic value to be protected’;
• Davide Diodato, Managing Director at HBG Online Gaming, on the panel ‘The new online gambling regime in Italy: one year on’.

The Group’s representatives at the heart of the debate

In the panel discussion on the evolving relationship between physical and digital channels, Markus Buechele highlighted how the integration of retail and online represents a strategic opportunity for the entire sector: “We are moving towards an ecosystem where technology, security and customer experience reinforce one another”, emphasising the value of an omnichannel approach not only in terms of innovation, but also in terms of player protection and the quality of the experience.

Addressing the issue of accurate representation of the sector, Mara Di Lecce highlighted the importance of balanced, fact-based information: “The regulated gaming sector needs accurate, unbiased information”, emphasising the role that the media, institutions and operators can play in fostering a more informed understanding of the regulated gaming industry.

Speaking on the subject of player monitoring and prevention tools, Mara Di Lecce also highlighted the evolution of the approach to responsible gambling: ‘We need to move beyond the old slogans to build a bond of trust between the operator and the customer’, emphasising the role of training, human contact and digital solutions in promoting informed gambling behaviour.

During the panel discussion on responsible gambling across retail and online channels, Marco Calosci emphasised the need for consistent communication throughout the player’s journey: “The player is one and the same”, noting that tools and messages must be recognisable and consistent regardless of the channel used, and explaining how the ‘Usa la Testa’ campaign was developed specifically to guide consumers towards more informed choices.

On the subject of payment systems and the prevention of illegal activities, Raffaele Gnazzi highlighted the need for greater regulatory harmonisation and ever-closer collaboration between operators, institutions and technology providers: “We need clear rules to prevent money laundering and ensure a transparent, secure and efficient payments ecosystem.” This contribution reiterated how innovation and compliance must go hand in hand to ensure the integrity and reliability of the market.

Speaking at the panel discussion on the social and economic value of the AWP and VLT sector, Ombretta Di Monte drew attention to the need to maintain a balance between the various requirements that characterise the sector: “A balance between social and economic sustainability is needed to safeguard the future of the AWP sector.” This observation highlights the importance of combining consumer protection, the enforcement of the law and the sustainability of businesses operating within the regulated market.

During the discussion on the new framework for online gambling in Italy, Davide Diodato highlighted the opportunities offered by the new regulatory framework: “Today we can return to doing what matters most: listening to our customers,” emphasising how investment, innovation and attention to players’ needs are key elements for the sector’s sustainable development.

From technological innovation to consumer protection, from accurate information to payment systems, right through to the evolution of responsible gaming and the omnichannel model, the contributions from the Group’s representatives offered concrete insights and perspectives on some of the key challenges that are redefining the future of the regulated gaming industry.

Participation in these forums confirms the Group’s commitment to actively contributing to the sector’s growth, by offering its expertise, experience and a vision focused on responsible innovation. For NOVOMATIC, dialogue with stakeholders is, in fact, a fundamental tool for understanding market developments, identifying new challenges and fostering the development of solutions that are increasingly effective, sustainable and in line with the expectations of institutions, operators and consumers.

Through dialogue and the sharing of knowledge, it is possible to build an industry that is increasingly transparent, responsible and people-centred.