SiGMA Asia Summit 2026 celebrates the opening day of the region-defining summit

• Day 1 of SiGMA Asia Summit 2026 marks a focus on the sustainable gaming industry through regulation
• Philippines, the host country, is celebrated as the "anchor" of local gaming jurisdictions, owing to its well-developed regulatory framework
• SiGMA World’s CEO has said that the organization travels the world to promote a regulated approach towards the gaming industry and showcase its strengths

The SiGMA Asia Summit 2026 in Manila opened on Tuesday, June 2, with a commencement speech by Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco, highlighting the achievements of the iGaming industry and the benefits it can bring when properly regulated.

The summit is taking place at the SMX Convention Center from May 31 through June 3 and reunites leaders from gaming, AI, blockchain, fintech, and emerging tech across multiple regions, such as Latin America, Europe, and, naturally, Asia.

"As regulators and industry leaders, we have the obligation of ensuring that innovation is matched by accountability, and that industry progress remains aligned with social responsibility and public welfare," H. Tengco added.

The first day of the event brought together regulators, investors, and technology companies, welcomed also by SiGMA World CEO Emily Micallef, who added:

"Asia has become the largest iGaming market, with over 250 million active users and a $45.5 billion market size. Southeast Asia is the primary growth engine driving rising revenues."

The opening ceremony of the event saw another prominent attendee, Deputy Speaker Hon. Maria Rachel Arenas, who joined H. Tengco and Micallef.

"Governments and businesses around the world are realising that regulation is the only way forward," Micallef noted, with SiGMA playing a central part in this effort, setting up events in different jurisdictions and championing an evidence-based and well-regulated approach to the gaming industry to make it sustainable and safe.

H. Tengco similarly reflected on this sentiment, and added: "PAGCOR has always recognised the importance of the gaming industry as a critical source for government funding and a true partner in nation-building. Every peso that we generate directly benefits programmes for healthcare, education, infrastructure, disaster response, and other essential public services."

Now, the event takes place amid a highly-dynamic context - the acceleration of digital gaming in the region, as more governments become open to the idea of regulating this sector.

Image credit: SiGMA World