Groove’s Inside Guide to SiGMA Asia Manila 2026

Every June, the global iGaming calendar points to one destination and in 2026 Manila, Philippines will take the spotlight once again. The Philippines has served as the main point for global iGaming events and is continuing to expand its footprint as a hub for the future of online gaming throughout Asia and beyond.

For iGaming operators, this show won’t be just an opportunity to collect business contacts, it will also provide a comprehensive overview of where the online gaming landscape will be headed, what trends will be leading the industry, and how gaming brands can remain competitive in an ever-evolving.

Why Manila Continues to Matter

The City of Manila has established itself as a developing and innovative industry ecosystem for the digital world. It's the perfect environment for globe operators and regional players since it has a robust infrastructure for developing a gaming industry with experienced professionals who understand the international market, along with global access.

The conference is an excellent example of how Manila continues to be relevant. This show each year hosts a wide variety of people in the gaming industry, allowing operators to connect with their suppliers and platforms, and gain insight into new perspectives on regulation, payment systems and emerging markets within the gaming industry.

Networking Value 

The networking opportunities created by SiGMA Asia can be very beneficial, but the size of the conference makes it difficult to find opportunities that have true value for casino platforms. 

For operators, the most valuable networking opportunities come from: 

• Curated networking sessions and side events;

• Arranging for private meetings prior to the start of the conference;

• Participating in informal networking activities during the evening (e.g. mystery dinners) after the conference has finished.

Informal networking provides the best opportunity for operators to create long-term relationships with game content suppliers and other partner companies in this field, that lasts beyond the event itself. 

Conference Content Built Around Operator Reality 

The programs at SiGMA Asia have been created to help those in the industry cope with everyday types of pressure from the industry, such as compliance and payments to player acquisition and retention. 

For operators, these sessions are especially useful since they can get:

• Reports from Brands already working in Asia;

• Understanding of Compliance and Licensing Issues in the Region;

• Understanding of the Challenges of Scaling Sustainably;

• One Session alone may trigger thoughts and/or concepts for Strategy Development well after the event;

• Important Discussions on Technology.

Experiencing the Expo floor at SiGMA Asia is a clear view of what the future of iGaming Technology looks like. Platforms becoming more modular and data-driven and focusing on operational efficiency, not just for comments, but to scale.

Tech Solutions Shaping How Operators Grow 

At SiGMA Asia, the event will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of where the iGaming technology world is heading right now. You will see that the newest platforms are designed to be more modular and more focused on data and efficiency. This focus includes utilizing technology as a way to scale rather than as a tool to gain the attention of customers.

While attending SiGMA, you will notice a trend of iGaming Operators approaching the expo to search for a platform that:

• Simplifies their operations
• Allows for quicker entry into new markets
• Provides flexibility on how they will grow and diversify their brands

A good example of a technology partner that assists operators with these types of solutions is Groove, as a game aggregator and online casino platform that helps gaming platforms in consolidating their content, simplifying their operational processes, and allowing them to focus on growing rather than building their infrastructure. The SiGMA expo is often the beginning of these types of longer-term conversations between the operator and us, based on understanding rather than hard selling.

Online Insights Not Easily Accessible at SiGMA Asia

Even though there is a lot of information on the internet about these types of shows, some of the most useful insights for SiGMA Asia never make it into the presentations or press releases.  

Most importantly for operators, many of the most credible insights shared during SiGMA Asia cannot be easily replicated outside of face-to-face meetings, rather, they come from casino brands sharing their experiences with each other about the realities of their respective markets, including payment frustrations, regulatory ambiguities, and players’ behaviours all of which are extremely valuable resources for making informed business decisions. 

Using these shared insights to improve their own decision-making processes and to help avoid costly mistakes makes atendees more knowledgeable about what actually works in the various markets.

Preparing for SiGMA Asia the Smart Way 

To maximize their opportunities at SiGMA Asia, companies should be prepared with clear objectives for the event. Operators can ensure that they gain maximum benefit from attending SiGMA Asia by knowing in advance what they hope to learn, whom they plan to meet before the event, and how their attendance at the event fits into their business strategies.

Some straightforward and effective practices operators should follow:

• Review the agenda before arriving at SiGMA Asia;

• Schedule important meetings as early as possible; 

• Create opportunities for spontaneous interactions with fellow attendees.

Being prepared and flexible can determine whether operators have a busy event or a truly productive experience.

Why Sigma Asia is Worth The Trip 

SiGMA Asia Manila is unique in that it brings together knowledge, chances and direction all in one spot. iGaming corporations should view it as an opportunity to improve their plans for business, develop their relationships with suppliers and help them understand the environment they are in more clearly than before they went to the show.

Simultaneously, with the right strategy and right partners, SiGMA Asia becomes a starting point for smarter business decisions long after the final sessions end. The Groove team is proud to support iGaming brands as we navigate growth, technology, and scale.

If you’d like to explore how we can help you achieve your goals, get in touch with our team and let the conversation move forward.