Key Takeaways
⏱ 3 min read
1
Event Launch
— SiGMA North America opened in Mexico City with a full-day itinerary spanning exhibitions, panels, networking, and evening celebrations
2
Panels to Watch
— Today's key sessions focus on global operator expansion in Mexico, Europe versus LATAM market differences, North American regulatory navigation, and the evolution of betting interfaces
3
Expert Lineup
— Industry leaders, legal experts, and executive regulators shared insights across four primary conference panels and interactive sessions
4
Networking & Evening Events
— Day one concludes with networking drinks, creator meetups, the AIEJA assembly, and the Betby iGathering
Global iGaming Leaders Gather for Exhibition, High-Level Conferences, and Evening Networking Events
Day 1 of SiGMA World North America 2026 has officially commenced in Mexico City, drawing international operators, affiliates, and regulators for a comprehensive opening day. The schedule runs from morning exhibition doors opening at 10:00 to midnight, integrating core conference sessions, targeted networking drinks, a Creator Meet & Greet at 16:00, the 57 AIEJA Assembly (members only) at 17:00, and concluding with the evening’s Betby iGathering.
The Panels to Watch Today
The core of SiGMA North America features critical panel discussions and interactive sessions addressing regulatory frameworks, market entry strategies, and emerging betting interfaces. These are the panels to watch today:
- The Role of Global Operators in Mexico’s iGaming Market (10:35 – 11:15) Exploring how international gaming giants are localizing for Mexican players, adapting to regulatory uncertainty, and shifting market competition.
- Speakers: Cristhian Gomez Villa (Managing Director, Emerging Markets, Betsson Group), Germán Sarmiento (Country Manager, Mexico, Betcris), Ana Elizabeth Chung (Country Manager in Mexico, Novibet), Eduardo Santoyo (Chief Online Operations Officer, Big Bola Casinos), and Christian Tirabassi (Senior Partner, Ficom Leisure – Gaming Advisory & Investments).
- Same Industry, Different Rules: Europe vs LATAM (11:15 – 11:55) A practical guide breaking down five key strategic differences shaping cross-regional expansion, from regulatory fragmentation and payment infrastructure to marketing channels.
- Speakers: Carlos Fernando Portilla (Founding Partner, Portilla, Ruy-Díaz y Aguilar), Alonso Ramirez Castañón (Partner, Ramirez Uvalle & Asociados), Alfredo Lazcano (Partner, Lazcano Sámano), Edgar Pagan (Deputy Director, Puerto Rico Gaming Authority), and Gonzalo Perez (CEO, Apuesta Total).
- Regulatory Escape Room – North America Decoded: A Survival Guide to U.S. & Canadian iGaming Markets (12:30 – 13:00) An interactive session where speakers put the audience through real expansion scenarios—ranging from fragmented U.S. state laws and Canadian provincial systems to compliance-driven marketing rules.
- Speakers: Nick Farley (President, Eclipse Compliance Testing), Rory Dilweg (Chairman, Buena Vista Rancheria Tribal Gaming Commission), Brian Rockey (Director, Nebraska Lottery and Charitable Gaming Division), and Van J. Billops (CPA Member & State Gaming Representative at New Mexico Gaming Control Board, and Director & Treasurer at North American Gaming Regulators Association).
- Fireside Chat – Who Wins the Next Betting Interface: Sportsbooks, Prediction Markets, or AI-Powered Platforms? (13:35 – 14:00) A deep dive into how prediction markets surpassing $2 billion in sports trading volume and conversational AI platforms on WhatsApp and Telegram are reshaping acquisition and engagement.
- Speakers: Shirley Pulis Xerxen (Head of News, SiGMA Group), Aviv Sher (CEO, Codere Online), Jeremy Groves (COO, Evenbeter), and Bar Worcel (Co-Founder & CEO, TipMaster.ai).
