SiGMA World and SiGMA Italia Awards nominations open

A similar process recently wrapped for the SiGMA North America Awards: nominations there closed on 31 July, after which the five strongest entries in each category made the shortlist, with the winner decided by a combination of judges (70% of the vote) and public voting (30%). SiGMA World and SiGMA Italia Awards follow the same selection formula.

How winners are chosen

Anyone working in the industry can nominate a company, project or person, including self-nominations. For both ceremonies, nominations run from 03 August to 02 October; the shortlist is announced, and voting opens to judges and the public on 19 October; voting closes on 26 October. The only difference between the two awards is the date of the ceremony itself.

A Renaissance backdrop for SiGMA World Awards

The ceremony takes place on 02 November at Corsie Sistine, part of the Santo Spirito in Sassia museum complex on the banks of the Tiber, steps from the Vatican. According to the venue’s own history, the building was founded in 727, and Pope Sixtus IV della Rovere renovated the Corsie Sistine hall towards the end of the fifteenth century; the Pope himself commissioned its frescoes, and Carlo Maratti designed the altar.

The scale of the awards is reflected in last year’s winners: Pragmatic Play took Best Casino Provider in the B2B category, Betsson Group won Regulated Markets Champion in B2C, and BetConstruct itself won Innovative Sportsbook Solution the year before becoming this year’s title sponsor. Italy-specific categories were also recognised: Novomatic Italia, for instance, was named B2B Industry Leader Italy 2025. Last year’s ceremony, then still branded as SiGMA Central Europe Awards, was held at Rome’s Cinecittà Studios, with a reception styled after ancient Rome and a live orchestra. 

This year’s ceremony looks to build on that record. You’re welcome to put a name forward for this year’s edition through the official nomination form.

SiGMA Italia Awards makes its debut

For 2026, the Italian track of the awards has been spun off into its own ceremony for the first time: categories such as Best Affiliate Italy or Platform Provider Italy previously sat within the general SiGMA Awards list.

The ceremony will be held at the same venue, Corsie Sistine, but on the final day of the summit, 05 November. Categories range from Best Online Betting Operator to Company of the Year, but a few stand out for how closely they track the shape of Italy’s market, which still leans heavily on land-based gaming:

• Best AWP / VLT Innovation rewards advances in Amusement with Prizes machines and video lottery terminals, judged on technical resourcefulness and the extent to which a product improves gameplay and engagement in regulated venues;
• Best Entertainment Equipment Manufacturer considers build quality, innovation, and the extent to which a supplier elevates the gaming engagement in venues;
• Technological Excellence in Land-Based Gaming recognises the systems that support efficiency, security, and player experience on the retail floor.

Organisers note that nominees will include not only operators but also media organisations and regulators. These are just a handful of the categories on offer; the full list is available on the SiGMA Italia Awards page. Browse the categories, then put a name forward through the Italia Awards form.

Beyond the trophies

Both ceremonies follow a format familiar from previous SiGMA award nights: a reception with live entertainment, a seated dinner, and only then the trophies. At last year’s Rome ceremony, held at Cinecittà Studios, the charity auction alone raised €120,000 for SiGMA Foundation projects, with artworks displayed around the venue for guests to view before bidding opened. Thirty awards were handed out that same night, closing with a special prize for outstanding contribution to the industry.

This year, the same principle carries through both SiGMA World and SiGMA Italia Awards, with proceeds from the charity art auction, alongside an interactive quiz.

Companies and individuals seeking exclusive VIP visibility at either ceremony can contact the organisers directly at awards@sigma.world to discuss sponsorship. Entry starts from €550 per seat. Delegates can also unlock the ceremony with a Platinum pass to the summit, which includes the full conference programme, networking drinks, the Startup Pitch, and access to Michelin-starred VIP lounges. Tickets are on sale now, and the earlier delegates book, the better the rate.