SiGMA North America highlights the potential of the Mexican market

The opening ceremony of SiGMA North America 2026 was led by Mr. Edgar Ciceño Velasco, representing the Mexican Ministry of Economy, who highlighted the growing relevance of the country and Latin America within an industry increasingly linked to technology and innovation.

The event also featured the participation of H.E. Genaro Lozano, Ambassador of Mexico to Italy, Malta, and San Marino; Omar Monroy, Head of Conventions and Congresses of the Tourism Development Fund; and Eman Pulis, founder of SiGMA World.

Hosted by Caliente Interactive and supported by AIEJA, the event brings together regulators, operators, experts, and other stakeholders from the regulated gaming, esports, fintech, artificial intelligence, blockchain, digital payments, and cybersecurity sectors.

During the opening, Ciceño Velasco, who is also the head of the Global Economic Intelligence Unit and executive secretary of the National Council for the 2030 Agenda of the Government of Mexico, noted:

“The presence of SiGMA in our country is a sign of the relevance that Mexico and Latin America have within a rapidly evolving industry that, beyond entertainment, is linked to technological innovation, digital services, fintech, artificial intelligence, platform development, and the creation of new business models.”

The official also highlighted the potential of Mexico's young and talented population to drive innovation and contribute to the country's development. Furthermore, he noted that the international community linked to SiGMA represents a relevant part of that vision and expressed Mexico's interest in hosting the summit again in the coming years.

Mexico and Malta strengthen their ties in technology and gaming

Innovation and international connections

For his part, Ambassador Genaro Lozano focused on Mexico's positioning as a hub for innovation, digital services, fintech, and entrepreneurship, in addition to highlighting the availability of young, creative, and highly qualified talent.

The diplomat pointed out that the presence of SiGMA in Mexico City reflects the importance of strengthening international connections between Mexico, Malta, and the global technology and gaming community.

“Today, Mexico is leading this conversation. We want investors from all over the world to see Mexico not only as a large market, but as a reliable partner. Not just as a destination for investment, but as a place where ideas can grow and where global companies can develop and thrive.”

Regulation: “Regulated gaming is the only way forward”

The regulatory future of gaming

Online gaming regulation also took center stage during the opening ceremony of SiGMA North America.

Eman Pulis, founder of SiGMA World, stated that operators, players, and regulators alike “understand that regulated gaming is the only way forward.”

In this regard, he explained that one of SiGMA's goals is to promote regulated gaming globally by connecting industry players, governments, regulators, and players.

Pulis also highlighted the role of SiGMA's international platform and the SiGMA Foundation in promoting safer gaming and generating a positive social impact.

The regulatory debate takes on special relevance in Mexico, where the evolution of the digital market poses new challenges related to the supervision of operators, consumer protection, payments, and regulatory compliance.

SiGMA North America estimates an impact of MEX$220 million

Economic projections for Mexico

The organizers also presented during the day their estimates regarding the economic impact of the first edition of SiGMA North America in Mexico.

According to initial projections, the summit could generate around MEX$220 million in economic activity during 2026, including expenses related to hospitality, venues, and local services.

If the summit remains in the region, organizers estimate its total economic impact could reach between MEX$315 million and MEX$390 million by 2030.

The projections are part of the economic impact assessment prepared for SiGMA North America and reflect the summit's potential to generate activity not only within the gaming ecosystem but also in sectors related to business tourism and local services.

Gaming, tourism, and investment

The projected economic impact is linked to the arrival of international delegates, companies, and professionals in Mexico City, as well as spending on accommodation, infrastructure, and services.

For the organizers, the permanence of SiGMA North America in the region could progressively expand this impact and contribute to strengthening commercial ties between Mexico and other international markets.

Mexico consolidates itself among North America's digital markets

The Mexican online gaming market

The selection of Mexico City as the host for SiGMA North America comes as Mexico strengthens its position within North America's digital markets.

According to the SiGMA North America Market Report 2026, based on Blask data collected between July 2025 and June 2026, Mexico ranks third among the analyzed North American markets for estimated monthly online gaming revenue, behind the United States and Canada.

In December 2025, the Mexican market recorded an estimated peak of approximately US$227.1 million in monthly revenue.

During that same period, the Blask aggregate index, which measures user interest in online gaming brands, reached approximately 9.49 million, before stabilizing at still solid levels over the following months.

Regulation and sustainable growth

For the organizers, these indicators show an expanding Mexican market, although they also highlight the importance of having a solid regulatory framework.

The evolution of the regulatory environment will be decisive in transforming digital demand into sustainable growth, investment, and greater consumer protection.

In this scenario, regulation emerges as one of the main factors to consolidate the development of Mexican iGaming and generate greater predictability for operators and investors.

Artificial intelligence and fintech expand SiGMA's agenda

Technology applied to gaming

Technology also occupies a prominent place at SiGMA North America 2026. The agenda addresses the impact of artificial intelligence, fintech, blockchain, digital payments, and cybersecurity on the evolution of the gaming sector.

Artificial intelligence takes on special relevance due to its applications in data analysis, automation, risk management, regulatory compliance, and consumer protection.

In the Mexican context, the debate focuses not only on the current applications of these technologies but also on the necessary conditions to ensure a transparent, responsible, and sustainable implementation.

International collaboration and knowledge transfer are part of the strategic priorities set by the organizers.

Gaming connects with other digital industries

The SiGMA North America programming expands the debate beyond online gaming to incorporate other segments of the digital economy.

Content includes fintech, artificial intelligence, blockchain, digital payments, cybersecurity, esports, and online entertainment, encouraging exchange between industries that share technologies, infrastructures, and regulatory challenges.

Among the topics addressed during the meeting are the role of international operators in the Mexican iGaming market, the regulatory differences between Europe and Latin America, the challenges for the importation of gaming machines into Mexico, and crisis management in the sector.

AIEJA holds its 57th Annual General Assembly

More than 30 companies from the value chain

Today's agenda, the final day of SiGMA North America 2026, also includes the 57th Annual General Assembly of AIEJA, held at Centro Banamex as an official part of the event.

The Mexican association, which represents permit holders and suppliers of the entertainment and gaming industry, brings together members and guests in this private session, including permit holders, operators, manufacturers, and suppliers of the regulated Mexican sector.

Backed by UNICO.IO, the Assembly features the confirmed participation of over 30 companies representing different segments of the gaming industry's value chain.

The meeting constitutes another space to address the evolution of the Mexican market, regulatory challenges, and growth opportunities for the sector.

SiGMA North America concludes today in Mexico City

Final day with a focus on the Mexican market

SiGMA North America 2026 reaches its final day today, September 3, at Centro Banamex, with new conferences, networking sessions, and meetings between regulators, investors, and industry representatives.

The final programming maintains its focus on the development of the Mexican market, sustainable growth, and the challenges associated with building an environment that combines commercial opportunities, regulatory certainty, and consumer protection.

The first edition of SiGMA North America seeks to establish new links between Mexico, the North American markets, and the Latin American ecosystem, at a time when technological evolution is transforming both business models and the priorities of the regulatory framework.

Check the SiGMA North America 2026 agenda

Check the list of speakers and guests for SiGMA North America