European leaders call for closer regulatory alignment at SiGMA Central Europe summit

The opening day of the SiGMA Central Europe Summit in Rome set the stage for a wide-ranging discussion on the future of gaming regulation across Europe, as leading authorities from multiple jurisdictions joined the panel “Voices of Authority: Inside Europe’s Regulatory Roundtable.”

The session brought together Maarten Haijer, Secretary General of the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA); Jānis Ungurs, Director of the Legal Department at Latvia’s Lotteries and Gambling Supervisory Inspection; Alexsandar Popov, Director of Bulgaria’s Directorate of Supervision of Gambling and Gambling Activities; Panagiotis Trisokkas, President of the Cyprus National Betting Authority; and Dott. Antonio Giuliani, Manager at Italy’s Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM).

The conversation centered on how European nations could move toward greater regulatory coherence in the iGaming sector. While each country operates under distinct legal, cultural, and administrative frameworks, all panelists agreed that closer alignment among member states was becoming increasingly necessary.

The existing patchwork of national laws, they noted, often creates inconsistencies for operators and affiliates seeking to function across borders, while also complicating efforts to uphold consumer protection standards.

Haijer addressed EGBA’s role as a bridge between regulators and private operators, explaining that the association’s ongoing dialogue with both sides aims to foster compliance and responsible conduct. By promoting collaboration, he said, the EGBA works to encourage best practices that enhance transparency and build confidence in the European gaming market.

Ungurs outlined Latvia’s growing focus on data-driven oversight, explaining that technology-enabled monitoring is helping the regulator improve accountability and strengthen player welfare. Popov shared Bulgaria’s attempts to ensure predictability and strict enforcement against unlicensed activities, saying such measures ensure legitimate operators can compete under clear and fair conditions.

Trisokkas discussed Cyprus’s continued efforts to enhance information exchange with other European regulators, a move he said was vital for maintaining integrity and combating illegal betting. Representing the host nation, Giuliani highlighted Italy’s progress in digitizing administrative procedures within the ADM, improving traceability, and engaging industry stakeholders in long-term reform initiatives.

Throughout the discussion, panelists emphasized that the future of European iGaming depends on modern, technology-oriented governance capable of adapting to new market realities.