The latest edition of SiGMA Central Europe 2025, held in early November at Fiera Roma, highlighted how the iGaming sector is rapidly aligning with digital-asset infrastructure and next-generation payment technologies.
Bringing together operators, affiliates, regulators, and fintech innovators, the event underscored a common trajectory: crypto and blockchain are no longer peripheral in iGaming—they are integral to how the industry transacts, settles, and builds trust across borders.
1. Crypto payments go mainstream—but complexity remains
One of the strongest currents at SiGMA Rome was the growing demand for crypto payment gateways capable of serving both players and affiliates globally. For instance, NOWPayments showcased its tailored solutions for iGaming merchants, offering support for over 300 cryptocurrencies and built-in on-ramp and off-ramp functions.
This trend mirrors the industry’s broader evolution. Operators increasingly expect their payment providers to deliver frictionless user experiences, instant settlement, and built-in AML/KYC compliance rather than viewing crypto as a “bonus” option. Still, implementation challenges—regulatory fragmentation, volatile settlement costs, and player-protection concerns—remain at the forefront of discussion.
2. Digital assets move deeper into the gaming value chain
Beyond payment acceptance, digital assets are increasingly embedded in player engagement and operator back-office processes. Panels in Rome highlighted tokenised loyalty programmes, digital-asset-based rewards, and smart-contract-driven payout mechanisms.
For affiliates and operators managing large-scale micropayments, crypto rails offer advantages in speed, transparency, and cost—particularly for high-frequency payout models. Yet, these benefits come with new operational layers: VASP registration, data-sharing obligations, and taxation complexity across jurisdictions.
3. Regulation and market expansion shape the opportunity
Italy’s expanding online gaming sector provided an appropriate backdrop for the event. According to local reports, only about a quarter of the country’s €16 billion gambling market is online, leaving substantial room for growth as regulation modernises. Estimates from the conference cited more than 30,000 delegates and 1,200 exhibitors participating in Rome—one of SiGMA’s largest European editions to date.
For payments and digital-asset providers, the message was clear: opportunity lies in bridging compliance with innovation. As new markets—from Eastern Europe to Latin America—open to iGaming, collaboration between fintechs, regulators, and operators will determine the pace of adoption.
4. Payment tech matures: from gateways to global infrastructure
The show floor and networking events underscored how rapidly payment technology is evolving in iGaming. Solutions showcased ranged from cross-border banking and fraud-prevention tools to crypto-friendly merchant services.
Among the highlights was the iGathering Dinner by Paybis, which convened industry leaders to discuss “Fiat & Crypto Payments for iGaming”—an apt theme for a conference where interoperability between both systems defined much of the conversation.
The momentum reflects an industry shift: payment infrastructure is now a strategic differentiator. Whether through direct integration of stablecoins, API-driven fiat gateways, or hybrid settlement layers, iGaming companies are moving toward seamless multi-currency ecosystems.
5. Looking ahead: what to watch
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Licensing meets crypto assets: Regulators across Europe are re-evaluating frameworks for virtual-asset service providers (VASPs) working with gaming operators, blending AML standards with gambling compliance.
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Instant settlement and global reach: Players expect real-time transactions and regional payment familiarity. Crypto rails offer speed but require redundancy via traditional channels.
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Tokenised loyalty and engagement: Reward systems built on token economies are gaining traction but introduce new accounting and tax layers.
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Fraud and AML tools: As highlighted in coverage by Eternity Law, stronger traceability and smart-contract analytics are becoming essential in crypto-enabled gaming environments.
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Emerging regions: Delegates pointed to Italy, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and parts of Africa as key markets for crypto-payments expansion, where localisation and compliance adaptability will be critical.
Conclusion
The discussions in Rome reaffirmed that crypto-payments and digital assets are no longer experimental in iGaming—they are fast becoming foundational infrastructure. The challenge now lies in building compliant, scalable systems that merge the efficiency of blockchain with the operational realities of a regulated global industry.
As SiGMA continues to expand its reach across continents, the dialogue between fintech, gaming, and digital-asset players will shape how entertainment and finance intersect in the years ahead.
For more details on the SiGMA series and upcoming events, visit sigma.world