SiGMA Founder Eman Pulis on The Emerging Giants: How Africa, Latin America & Asia Could Redefine iGaming

The global gaming landscape is transforming fast. As Africa, Latin America, and Asia rise as new centers of innovation, their potential to redefine global iGaming has never been clearer. Yet, regulation, infrastructure, and access to capital remain uneven — creating both barriers and opportunities for sustainable growth.

Few leaders embody the global mission of iGaming as vividly as Eman Pulis, the visionary Founder of SiGMA Group — a brand now synonymous with innovation, inclusion, and international reach.
From Malta to Manila, São Paulo to Dubai, Pulis has built far more than an events enterprise; he has cultivated a global ecosystem that unites regulators, operators, and innovators under a shared vision of progress.

“iGaming still has untapped frontiers, especially in emerging markets and cross-industry innovation. Regions like Africa, LatAm and Asia brim with potential, yet remain under-served due to fragmented regulation, infrastructure gaps, and limited access to capital. The industry also needs to double down on integrity, player protection and education to ensure sustainable growth.

At SiGMA, our mission is simple: connect, empower and elevate. We connect governments, regulators, operators and innovators under one roof, creating the bridges that push the industry forward. Through our global shows and cross-sector reach, spanning not only gaming but also frontier tech (AIBC), we help drive responsible, inclusive growth and unlock the next chapter of iGaming’s evolution.”

Building on Pulis’s message, Oren Dalal, Publisher of CasinoVVV, notes that the next stage of iGaming’s growth will depend on how responsibly the industry handles its own momentum.
“Eman is right — technology and expansion open the doors, but structure, transparency, and trust will determine who stays in the room. Emerging markets no longer just symbolize opportunity — they define the stage where credibility is earned. The future of iGaming belongs to those who can transform access into accountability.”

Pulis’s insight reflects a growing consensus across the global gaming industry — that collaboration, education, and access will ultimately shape the next generation of iGaming markets.
His words resonate with the transformation sweeping through emerging regions, where technology, transparency, and trust are redefining the very foundation of online gaming worldwide.

These principles are not abstract ideals — they are rapidly becoming the benchmarks by which new gaming jurisdictions are measured.
This evolution is not theoretical — it’s measurable in data, connectivity, and market expansion.
From mobile penetration to revenue growth, the numbers tell the same story that visionaries like Pulis have long articulated: the future of iGaming is being written where access meets innovation.

According to GSMA Intelligence and H2 Gambling Capital, Sub-Saharan Africa alone is expected to add hundreds of millions of connected users this decade, while Latin America and Asia-Pacific are forecast to double their online gaming revenues by 2030. This rapid transformation is redefining not just where the players are — but how the rules of global gaming will be written.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, mobile internet penetration stood at 27% by the end of 2023, with the potential to add hundreds of millions of new users by 2030. Yet a “usage gap” of roughly 60% remains — people covered by mobile networks who still don’t use mobile internet

In Latin America, the online gambling market was valued at USD 5.33 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual rate (CAGR) of 11.9% through 2030, reaching around USD 10.4 billion.

Meanwhile, the Asia-Pacific region shows far greater digital maturity. The online gambling sector there was valued at USD 19 billion in 2024 and is expected to nearly double by 2030 to approximately USD 39 billion, reflecting an annual growth rate of 12.8%.

Emerging iGaming Markets: Verified Data 2024–2030

Regional Summary

Africa: Poised for exponential growth through mobile-first adoption and expanding broadband access. However, a 60% “usage gap” remains — people covered by networks but not yet online.

Latin America: Driven by regulatory openings and localized platforms; expected to nearly double in market value by 2030.

Asia-Pacific: The most mature of the three, combining advanced regulation with strong consumer spending and payment innovation.

Together, these regions represent the next frontier of global gaming growth. Africa brings mobile-driven innovation; Latin America offers expanding consumer markets; and Asia-Pacific stands as a hub of advanced regulation, digital payments, and competition.
If current trends continue, these emerging giants could redefine the balance of global gaming — from Africa’s first-time mobile bettors to Asia’s cross-platform casino players.

These parallel growth stories across Africa, Latin America, and Asia highlight a deeper shift — one that contrasts sharply with the regulatory and structural maturity seen in established regions.

Regional Nuance: UK/EU, North America, LatAm, APAC

The gaming industry is a tapestry of unique regional characteristics, each threading its own narrative into the global market. In the UK and EU, stringent regulations and established frameworks ensure a safe yet competitive environment. Meanwhile, North America is experiencing rapid growth with states embracing legal gaming, each with distinct laws and regulations.

In Latin America, burgeoning markets showcase potential, driven by increased internet penetration and smartphone adoption. The APAC region, with its diverse cultures and economies, presents both challenges and opportunities as countries navigate the balance between regulation and market freedom.

Emerging iGaming Markets: Frameworks and Applications

Emerging iGaming markets are capturing the attention of industry stakeholders worldwide. Regions like Africa, Latin America, and parts of Asia are poised to redefine global gaming dynamics. These markets benefit from rising mobile adoption, as highlighted by the GSMA Intelligence, which underscores the transformative potential of connectivity.

Yet, the path to market maturity involves overcoming regulatory barriers and ensuring robust frameworks. What lessons can these emerging regions learn from established markets to foster growth while protecting players?

Player Behavior: Practical Takeaways for The Emerging Giants

Understanding player behavior is crucial as emerging markets develop. Players in these regions often seek mobile-friendly platforms and innovative gaming experiences. European data from the EGBA report anticipates a steady rise in market figures by 2025, offering a glimpse into future trends that could shape player expectations globally.

Operators need to tailor their offerings to meet localized demands, ensuring that they cater to diverse cultural preferences and gaming habits. By doing so, these emerging giants can position themselves strategically in the global arena, setting the stage for sustainable growth and innovation.