Italian Gaming Expo & Conference (IGE) 2024

The Italian Gaming Expo & Conference (IGE) brought together C-level executives, institutional agencies, experts, influencers, opinion leaders, and scholars for two days. Together, they explore and discuss the opportunities, technology and innovation trends, and challenges impacting the global gaming market.

IGE 2024 was held from April 18-19, 2024, at Palazzo dei Congressi,Rome, Italy. This innovative B2B event, explored all gaming industry verticals, from land-based, igaming, and sports betting to online casino, horse racing, and esports. Trending and current issues affecting the industry, such as technological and digital evolution, talent acquisition and HR development, cybersecurity, cryptocurrencies, and gender equality, were also discussed.

In this article, we’ll look at the main talking points from the IGE 2024.

Inaugural Italian Gaming Expo & Conference HighlightS Innovation and Sustainability in Gaming

The first edition of the Italian Gaming Expo & Conference (IGE), garnered high-level participation. The event attracted representatives from regulatory bodies, government, parliament and industry leaders to discuss the future of gaming in Italy, with a strong emphasis on sustainability.

IGE 2024 featured more than 60 speakers, 35-plus content-rich sessions, and participation from over 30 companies and 10 institutions, including key regulatory bodies and international entities. Through this, IGE set the stage for an insightful dialogue on the evolving gaming landscape.

Institutions represented in the first edition of IGE were:

• Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli
• CONI
• AGCOM
• Ministry of Home Affairs
• MASAF (Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests)
• State Police
• Italian Finance Police
• Europol
• Interpol
• Italian Government and Parliament, with a strong presence of representatives of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Foreign regulators that were present at this inaugural event include the UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority – and various international entities (such as EASG, G4, International Master of Gaming Law, International Association of Gaming Regulators, and United Lotteries for Integrity in Sports).

IGE came at a strategic time as Italy undergoes a reform process led by the government and parliament, aimed at rewriting regulations governing the gaming sector and issuing tenders for the renewal of concessions. Against this backdrop, IGE serves as a pivotal moment for stakeholders to shape the future of the gaming industry in Italy.

IGE 2024, Shaping the Future of Gaming in Italy and Beyond!

IGE 2024 theme was “The sustainable future of gaming.” According to Simona Clarizio, IGE’s event manager, the theme was about consumer protection and the role that technology in gaming. This was fueled by 20 years of gradual regulation, making the Italian gaming sector high level and a source of innovation in the global industry.

Notable figures that led discussions at IGE included:

• Lucio Lamberti, Professor of Marketing Analytics at Politecnico di Milano
• Francesco Rodano, Chief Policy Officer at Playtech and former online gaming regulator
• Quirino Mancini, President of IMGL
• Ludovico Calvi, Honorary President of United Lotteries for Integrity in Sports
• Gianluca Comandini, Italian entrepreneur and technology expert
• Matteo Cd aroli, Professor of International Business Management at Luiss Guido Carli University.

IGE’s Scientific Committee, comprising internationally renowned experts and scholars, underscored the commitment to driving meaningful discussions and shaping the trajectory of Italy’s gaming ecosystem. That’s why it facilitated this event to foster dialogue and collaboration towards a sustainable future for the industry.

A Deep Dive into Gaming Dynamics

This inaugural event provided a platform for in-depth analysis of the gaming industry’s key themes, focusing on sustainability and innovation. It was a unique opportunity for companies to align their strategies with future trends and regulatory changes. The reform process initiated by the government and parliament underscored the timeliness of this event.

Emphasizing Sustainability and Digital Transformation

In line with the theme, IGE delved into less-explored areas of gaming, emphasizing Supply Chain, ESG models, Diversity & Inclusion, and digital transformation. The conference outlined the industry’s future trajectory, considering the imminent legislative reforms.

Technological Advancements at the Forefront

As technology continues to shape the industry, IGE highlighted emerging trends like the metaverse, artificial intelligence, blockchain, augmented reality, virtual reality, and digital payment solutions. These complemented the ongoing discussions on regulatory issues and esports development.

Global Perspectives and Master Classes

With its international focus, IGE 2024 addressed global trends and influences, bolstered by partnerships like Imgl – The International Masters of Gaming Law. The event featured master classes and collaborations with leading gaming organizations, ensuring a comprehensive and global perspective.

Scientific Committee’s Expertise

IGE 2024 was backed by an exceptional scientific committee, blending academic and industry expertise. Notable members included Lucio Lamberti, Francesco Rodano, Quirino Mancini, and others, ensuring a perfect balance between academia and industry insights.

Celebrating Excellence: The Italian Gaming Awards

In conjunction with IGE, the Italian Gaming Awards (IGA) celebrated excellence in the Italian gaming sector. This gala evening, took place on April 18 at Spazio Novecento, and rewarded the efforts of operators, suppliers, and affiliates in the gaming, payment systems, marketing platforms, data, certifications and compliance industries for their services, technology and innovation.

Here’s a list of the IGA 2024 Winners:

• Affiliate of the Year: DT9 Group
• Best casino games operator: StarCasino
• Best marketing campaign Award: StarCasino.Sport
• Best Mobile Operator: LeoVegas
• Casino content provider: Pragmatic Play
• Casino platform provider: Light & Wonder
• CUSTOMER CARE: Eurobet Italia
• Esg Compliance Award: Rurobet Italia
• Esports operator: Qlash Esports
• HR Award: Employer of the Year: Betsson Group
• Inclusion Award: WorldMatch
• Operator of the Year: StarCasino
• Payment Solutions Award:OKTO
• Product innovation: Diecimilauno S.p.A.
• Product Innovation (Supplier): Pragmatic Play
• Responsible Gaming: Betsson Group
• Sports betting provider: Sportradar Group AG
• Startup of the Year Award: PromoSherLock
• Virtual sports provider: Vermantia

Unparalleled Industry Access and Communication

IGE, promoted by the Gn Media publishing group, offered and will continue to offer extensive industry access and engagement. The event’s communication strategy, backed by national and international media partnerships and an integrated campaign, ensures maximum industry and public visibility.

The Future of Gaming in Rome

IGE 2024 was held from April 18-19, 2024, at Palazzo dei Congressi,Rome, Italy. This innovative B2B event, explored all gaming industry verticals, from land-based, igaming, and sports betting to online casino, horse racing, and esports. Trending and current issues affecting the industry, such as technological and digital evolution, talent acquisition and HR development, cybersecurity, cryptocurrencies, and gender equality, were also discussed.

Italian Gaming Expo and Conference (IGE) 2024:

• Date: 18-19, April, 2024
• Location: Palazzo dei Congressi, Rome, Italy
• Book your ticket: Italian Gaming Expo & Conference (IGE)