6 reasons Rome will shine as SiGMA Central Europe’s host city

SiGMA Central Europe will head to Rome for the first time in November. Powered by REDCORE, the event, taking place at the state-of-the-art expo venue Fiera Roma, is expected to welcome over 1,000 sponsors and exhibitors from the gaming and tech sectors for a summit that seamlessly blends business and pleasure. With 30,000 delegates estimated to attend through 03 – 06 November, we anticipate our inaugural Rome event will become one of the largest global gaming gatherings to date. Here’s 6 reasons why the Eternal City promises to be the ideal host.

1. Connected and central

Centrally located in Europe, Rome offers an easy gateway to the event, thanks to its two international airports – the Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport and Ciampino–G. B. Pastine International Airport –  providing excellent connectivity for participants worldwide. Rome also boasts a highly efficient public transportation system, with three metro lines and an extensive network of buses, trains and trams that reach even the city’s outermost areas, making it convenient for delegates from important neighbouring jurisdictions to easily travel to the event. Many of these transit options deliver you right to the Fiera Roma’s doorstep.

Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO)

• Location: Fiumicino, about 32 km (20 miles) southwest of Rome city center
• Main use: Rome’s primary international airport and the busiest in Italy
• Airlines: Major hub for ITA Airways; serves most international and long-haul flights

Ciampino–G. B. Pastine International Airport (CIA)

• Location: Ciampino, about 15 km (9 miles) southeast of Rome
• Main use: Serves mainly low-cost carriers and charter flights
• Airlines: Ryanair and other budget airlines frequently use this airport

Á focus on short-haul flights and proximity to Rome’s business districts make it an efficient option for European travellers on tight schedules.

2. Huge market size and untapped potential

Italy has emerged as an ideal destination for SiGMA Central Europe, driven by its immense potential as Europe’s largest untapped online gambling market. With a total gambling market revenue of €16 billion – the second-highest in Europe – only 25% stems from online platforms, leaving €12 billion in offline revenue largely untapped. The online sector, projected to reach €2.89 billion in 2024, is growing at an annual rate of 5.52%, set to hit €3.78 billion by 2029 (Statista). As player preferences shift online, and with Italy’s status as a global financial hub, the country presents unparalleled opportunities for operators seeking expansion.

3. Heritage with a contemporary vision

Standing at the forefront of government and culture, nowhere combines tradition with modernity quite as well as Rome. A feast for history lovers, historical landmarks line its streets, from the lofty heights of the iconic domed Pantheon to the winding streets home to Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum. The Galleria Borghese, home to silky, sinewy curves of Bernini, Titian, and Raphaelite muses should be a must stop for art lovers. The Capitoline Museums – one of the oldest public museums in the world – hosts a divine collection of Caravaggio works, while the Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna takes you forward in time to Italian artists from the 19th and 20th century. Michelangelo fans should also plan to visit the Sistine Chapel – well worth the neck ache in the morning.

For those seeking something out of the ordinary, the Capuchin Crypt, located beneath the Santa Maria della Convezione dei Cappuccino on Via Veneto, carefully holds the artfully arranged remains of over 3,700 Capuchin monks. Meanwhile the ancients hold court at the Palatine Hill and Roman forum, the Ara Pacis Museum and the Domus Aurea – otherwise known as Nero’s palace. For more contemporary souls, art districts such as Trastevere, San Lorenzo, and Pigneto, have an impressive selection from the modern art world, with street art, galleries, and workshops delivering a bohemian vibe.

For those with an eye for beauty – the Aventine keyhole at the Knights of Malta gate offers a perfectly framed glimpse of St Peter’s Dome – totally free and delightfully strange. Alternatively, the Quartiere Coppede, delivers fairy tale meets film noir – a unique twist that blends the Gothic, Medieval, and Art Nouveau architecture.

Literary lovers should head to the poetic gardens near the Pyramid of Cestius, an Egyptian-style monument that shelters the final resting place of Keats and Shelley.

Meanwhile, on the 5th November 2025, the iconic Auditorium della Conciliazione will host an exclusive private concert by the legendary Plácido Domingo. His appearance in Rome for SiGMA Central Europe promises a night not easily forgotten.

4. Rome: La Dolce Vita

In a city where to be industrious is a way of life you might wonder if the wheel ever stops turning. The answer is yes, and it starts with an aperitif in Rome’s many nightlife districts.

From speakeasies hidden away behind secret doors to cocktail barges floating down the Tiber, there´s something for everyone attending SiGMA Central Europe. For casual nights out there are plenty of craft breweries, pubs and live music, and for a more upscale crowd, wine bars dot the streets.

In addition to a series of high level dinners, SiGMA will also host two prestigious gala award ceremonies, bringing an illustrious line up from the B2B and B2C gaming and tech sectors together for an evening that recognises companies and individuals leading the charge for change. Hall of Game also seeks to recognise the contribution of distinguished individuals, with an accolade that honours roles that have been instrumental in the foundation of a sustainable and transparent industry.Italy is renowned for its deeply rooted culinary traditions, where distinct regional cuisines have helped put the country on the map for food lovers.

Bold, simple, and deeply traditional – unapologetically flavourful dishes, such as Carbonara and Cacio e Pepe, often come to mind (and for good reason), but Rome offers more than meets the eye when it comes to its food scene.

Gilded pastry shops and rustic trattorias spilling out onto the cobbled Roman streets segue into the upscale dining rooms of Michelin-starred restaurants, providing plenty of options for SiGMA Central Europe´s evening calendar of networking events.

Crown jewels in its gastronomic landscape, Michelin-Starred restaurants deliver indulgent forays into a unique dining experience.

Here are 10 not to miss:

Orma Roma
A bold, international interpretation of Italian cuisine by Chef Roy Caceres, blending innovation and tradition.

Moma
Chic and creative, Moma offers refined Roman dishes with a modern touch and seasonal ingredients.

Imàgo
Michelin-starred panoramic dining at the top of the Hassler Hotel, serving elegant, artful plates.

Aroma
With a view of the Colosseum, this restaurant delivers a luxurious dining experience with refined Italian flavors.

Achilli al Parlamento
Known for its extensive wine cellar and modern cuisine, this is a go-to for culinary sophistication.

Il Convivio Troiani
A family-owned gem offering a delicate fusion of creativity and Roman tradition.

Idylio by Apreda
Chef Francesco Apreda’s bold signature cuisine in an intimate, luxury setting near the Pantheon.

Pipero Roma
A modern Italian restaurant celebrated for its signature carbonara and impeccable service.

Per Me Giulio Terrinoni
A seafood-driven, innovative kitchen that focuses on sustainability and taste precision.

Glass Hostaria
Trendy and modern, this Trastevere favorite is known for avant-garde Italian cuisine and interior design.

5. Made in Italy – From fashion to design

Rome’s fashion scene is elegant, timeless, and steeped in heritage. While other cities are  known for edgy, trendsetting fashion, Rome leans toward luxury, craftsmanship, bespoke tailoring, and classical beauty – rooted in centuries of style and cultural prestige. lt’s luxurious shopping district draws attention, its streets richly-lined with iconic fashion houses. Italian brands such as Fendi, Bulgari, Bottega and Valentino, bring prestige, making it one of the most coveted shopping areas in the world. Rome’s reputation as a fashion capital is cemented here, with the area attracting fashion enthusiasts from across the globe. Don´t miss Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana  – home to Fendi’s luxury goods, the Via dei Condotti – Rome’s glittering equivalent of 5th Avenue or Bond street, and the Campo Marzio & Piazza di Spagna, where high end boutiques are filled with treasure troves and quality leather accessories.

6. The Fiera di Roma: Room to grow

The event will be held at Fiera Roma, one of Europe’s premier exhibition centers. Boasting 10 pillar-free pavilions and a conference centre with 13 meeting rooms, the 100,000 square metre venue in Rome accommodates up to 60,000 participants, ensuring an ideal setting for SiGMA’s extensive agenda, which will take place for the first time across 4 conference stages. Additionally, a full 10 days of expo set up is secured – more than any other large expo – allowing exhibitors more room for creative booth set ups, and maintaining the high standards of excellence SiGMA has become known for.

With 75,000 square metres already sold out, the decision to launch the Rome event is a testament to SiGMA’s rapid growth, positioning the brand as a global leader in the online and land-based gaming sector. From 1,500 in 2014 to 30,000 delegates in 2025, SiGMA’s journey is underpinned by a philosophy that demands forward thinking.

Ticket prices are set to increase in the run up to the event, so secure your spot now by booking your pass to SiGMA Central Europe through the SiGMA.World website.

SiGMA World and Malta Media ticket giveaway

We’re feeling generous. Malta Media is giving away two VIP tickets to SiGMA Central Europe in Rome, each worth about €1,000. If you want a shot at one, head to our LinkedIn post and take part there. All you need to do is like the post and write “Ticket” in the comments. That’s the whole entry.

SiGMA Central Europe runs from 03 to 06 November 2025 at Fiera Roma, powered by RedCore and partnered with EUROMAT. It’s shaping up to be the event of the season with tens of thousands of people on site, a sea of exhibitors, and hundreds of speakers who prefer real insights over hot air. There’s more than enough space to bump into partners, show what you’re building, and leave with a diary full of follow ups.

Italy makes this moment even more interesting. The online gambling market is on track for roughly €3 billion in 2024 and growing at about 5 to 6% a year, pointing toward €3.8 to €4.0 billion by 2029. If you’d rather see where the market is going in person than follow from a screen, Rome is where you want to be.

How to enter is simple. Go to our LinkedIn post, hit like, and comment “Ticket”. That’s one entry. If you tag a colleague who should join you in Rome, you’ll help us spread the word, which we appreciate. Each person’s comment counts as a single entry.

We’ll pick two winners at random from the comments and announce them on 21 October 2025. The deadline to enter is 20 October 2025 at 18:00 CET. Winners must be 18+ and will hear from this account only. There are no forms to fill and no payment to make. Travel and accommodation are not included, and tickets can’t be swapped for cash.

Ready to throw your name in the hat and meet us in Rome for the Mother of All Conferences? Join the giveaway here!

FAQs

What is SiGMA Central Europe 2025?
SiGMA Central Europe 2025 is a major gaming and tech summit taking place in Rome, bringing together industry leaders, exhibitors, and delegates from around the world.

When and where will the event be held?
The event will run from November 3 to 6, 2025, at the Fiera Roma expo venue in Rome, Italy.

How many participants are expected at the event?
Over 30,000 delegates, 1,000 exhibitors, and hundreds of speakers are expected to attend, making it one of the largest global gaming gatherings.

Why was Rome chosen as the host city?
Rome’s central European location, excellent connectivity, strong cultural appeal, and growing gaming market make it an ideal host city.

What is the focus of SiGMA Central Europe 2025?
The summit focuses on gaming, technology, online gambling growth, and market opportunities while also offering networking and cultural experiences.

What makes the Italian gambling market significant?
Italy has a €16 billion gambling market, but only 25% is online. This presents major opportunities for digital expansion in the coming years.

Will there be cultural and social events alongside the summit?
Yes, the event includes gala dinners, award ceremonies, concerts, and opportunities to explore Rome’s culinary, fashion, and cultural scene.

How large is the Fiera Roma venue?
Fiera Roma spans 100,000 square meters with 10 pavilions, 13 conference rooms, and space for up to 60,000 participants.

Are there ticket giveaways for the event?
Yes, Malta Media is offering two VIP ticket giveaways via LinkedIn, with winners announced on October 21, 2025.

How can I book tickets for SiGMA Central Europe?
Tickets can be booked directly through the official website, SiGMA.World. Early booking is recommended as prices increase closer to the event.