Set against the impressive Cinecittà studios in Rome on November 04, the B2G SiGMA Central Europe Awards ceremony shined a spotlight on Italy’s most impactful voices.
The Hall of Game awards, aimed to provide an important platform for recognising leadership and legacy within the gaming sector, celebrated those whose decisions and advocacy continue to shape the future of regulated gaming across Italy and globally.
Honouring Industry Voices
From lawyers and government ministers to policymakers, as the second edition of The Hall of Game, it aims to recognise those whose influence has guided the evolution of gaming. Past honourees have played decisive roles in navigating the sector’s formative years, establishing frameworks that set new global standards and championing industries that continue to stand the test of time.
The Central Europe edition of The Hall of Game preserves these legacies, setting their contributions as a source of inspiration for future generations. By acknowledging exceptional achievements in regulation, stakeholder engagement and policy solutions, it ensures that the principles of integrity and responsibility remain central to iGaming’s growth.
SiGMA Central Europe Hall of Game Honourees
This year’s Hall of Game honourees represent a cross-section of Italy’s most influential voices, each shaping the gaming landscape in their own profound way.
- Fabio Felici: publisher and editor of AGIMEG, has become one of the foremost authorities on Italy’s regulated gambling sector. Through in-depth reporting, investigations, and analysis, Felici has elevated the public conversation around gaming, often challenging policies that risk undermining legitimate operators. His commitment to responsible journalism has been instrumental in promoting a fairer, more transparent industry.
- Maurizio Ughi: founder and longtime president of Snai, stands as one of the pivotal figures in Italy’s transition to a legal sports betting framework. His efforts in 1998 helped steer the industry away from illicit control and toward state oversight, laying the groundwork for a regulated, billion-euro market. Ughi’s advocacy for legal gambling as both a source of public revenue and a shield against illegality has defined an era of responsible regulation.
- Domenico Distante: a veteran entrepreneur with more than four decades in Italy’s state public gaming sector, has long championed the interests of small and medium-sized enterprises. As a leading voice within the trade association Sapar, Distante played a central role in the legislative process behind the 2004 law recognising cash-prize gaming within Italy’s legal framework. His ongoing work continues to defend and promote legal gaming across the national landscape, ensuring that the rights and contributions of SMEs remain recognised.
- Alex Riddick: CEO of PIN-UP Partners and founder of Riddick’s Partners, represents the next generation of iGaming visionaries. With over fifteen years in affiliate marketing, Alex Riddick has redefined how global affiliate networks operate, building a multi-vertical ecosystem that connects innovation with opportunity. Through projects such as his widely followed podcast The Riddick Level and consistent thought leadership at major industry events, he has reshaped the conversation on strategic growth, compliance, and the power of brand-driven partnerships.
- Pier Paolo Baretta: an experienced political figure and former Undersecretary at the Ministry of Economy, played a central role in shaping Italy’s gambling law reform. Overseeing fiscal and regulatory policies, he led key initiatives through decrees and technical working groups, advocating the state monopoly on gambling to safeguard public health and combat illegal activity.
Barretta shared a video message expressing the honour it is to be recognised on SiGMA’s global stage and the importance of balance in the industry:
“I am very sorry not to be present tonight, however, I wanted to participate with this brief greeting to thank the organisers for the recognition that was given to me. When I was involved in public play, I tried to keep the legitimacy of the game together with public health. To do so, and therefore bring the game back, as the High Court has repeatedly said, to a normal condition of people’s lives, it is necessary to counteract the excesses, the illegality first of all, on the one hand, on the other the prohibitionism, but also the excess of supply. To achieve all this we needed a reform, to which we have worked, but still this reform must be completed.”
A Night of Recognition
The Rome edition brought together an extraordinary mix of policymakers, regulators, and industry executives for an evening that balanced formality with cinematic spectacle. Cinecittà’s distinguished sets offered a fitting stage for a celebration of those who have built trust and accountability into the fabric of modern gaming.
Guests were welcomed with a glass of champagne as the evening unfolded in an atmosphere both festive and reflective. A highlight of the night was the spirited charity auction held in support of the SiGMA Foundation, an annual tradition that turns recognition into meaningful action, driving measurable change in communities worldwide.
Underneath the glamour, the ceremony echoed a unifying message, that genuine innovation rests on a solid regulatory foundation. Those honoured represent not just achievement, but stewardship, individuals who write, interpret, and uphold the rules that make responsible innovation possible.
Spotlight on Rome
The Hall of game reminded all in attendance that regulation is not restrictive but empowering, a vital enabler that protects players, supports innovation, and preserves the integrity of an industry in constant motion.
With elegant surroundings, fine dining, and entertainment that blended sophistication with spectacle, the night reaffirmed why the SiGMA Awards stand as one of the industry’s most anticipated events. Beyond celebration, it was a recognition of purpose: of the people and principles that ensure iGaming’s next chapter is one defined by trust, transparency, and progress.
For more details about the Hall of Game and continued coverage from SiGMA Central Europe 2025, visit the SiGMA website.
