With just three weeks remaining, the 7th Annual Strategic Platform for iGaming Conference & Exhibition (SPiCE South Asia 2026) is preparing to welcome policymakers, gaming operators, investors, and technology providers to Colombo for a major regional industry gathering. The event will take place from 23–26 March 2026 at the prestigious Shangri‑La Colombo, bringing together key stakeholders for discussions focused on investment, regulation, and sustainable gaming growth in South Asia.
Recognised as one of the region’s leading gaming industry platforms, the summit will explore how technology, policy, and responsible development can shape a stable and scalable gaming ecosystem across emerging markets.
Theme Focus: Responsible Growth and Regional Progress
The 2026 edition of SPiCE South Asia will be guided by the theme “Responsible Growth. Regional Progress.” The agenda will focus on building compliant and sustainable gaming models while encouraging long-term investor confidence in South Asian markets.
Through keynote sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, the event aims to highlight practical strategies for developing regulated gaming frameworks that support both economic growth and responsible gaming practices.
Industry experts will address topics such as regulatory developments, technology adoption, investment strategies, and market expansion opportunities, offering insights relevant to operators and policymakers across the region.
Industry Leaders to Share Strategic Insights
A key highlight of the conference will be presentations and discussions from senior executives and industry specialists who bring experience from global gaming markets.
Among the prominent speakers is Joe Pisano, who will discuss how integrated resorts can act as major drivers of tourism, investment, and urban development.
According to Pisano, the modern integrated resort should be viewed as national infrastructure rather than just a gaming venue. He emphasised that successful resorts combine gaming revenue with a diversified offering that includes entertainment, hospitality, retail, sports, and cultural programming.
He also highlighted the growing role of digital technology in integrated resort operations. Tools such as AI-driven analytics, predictive risk modelling, and cashless payment systems are increasingly enabling operators to manage customer engagement, compliance, and operational efficiency through unified digital platforms.
Pisano believes that jurisdictions that combine strong regulatory frameworks with modern technology infrastructure will be better positioned to attract long-term investment in the gaming sector.
Sri Lanka’s Potential as a Regional Gaming Hub
During discussions ahead of the summit, Pisano suggested that Sri Lanka could play a strategic role in the development of a future South Asian integrated resort corridor.
Thanks to its location along major aviation and maritime routes, Sri Lanka has the potential to connect markets across India, Southeast Asia, and the Gulf region. Combined with its strong tourism sector and hospitality infrastructure, the country could emerge as a central hub for gaming and entertainment investment.
He also noted that Sri Lanka currently has a unique opportunity to design a modern, compliance-driven integrated resort framework from the ground up, integrating responsible gaming practices and digital infrastructure from the beginning.
Investment and Destination Development Perspectives
Another key speaker, Harmen Brenninkmeijer, will provide insights into the investment and development strategies behind successful gaming destinations.
Brenninkmeijer emphasised that high-performing gaming destinations share three core elements:
- Access to a large nearby customer market
- Strong non-gaming entertainment offerings
- Effective local capture of tourism spending
He also highlighted the importance of sustainable growth strategies for startups and operators, noting that long-term success requires careful cash flow management, strong initial partnerships, and a scalable business model.
Responsible Gaming and Community Impact
Responsible gaming and community development will also be major topics at the conference. Jared Valarao will address how operators can strengthen community resilience and social impact beyond resort operations.
Valarao emphasised that responsible entertainment should extend beyond regulatory compliance and focus on tangible benefits for surrounding communities. This includes initiatives such as digital health systems, community support infrastructure, and transparent reporting of corporate social responsibility programs.
He also highlighted how responsible operations can provide strategic advantages, including stronger community support, faster regulatory approvals, and improved investor confidence.
SPiCE South Asia Eventus Awards 2026
In addition to the conference sessions, the summit will host the SPiCE South Asia Eventus Awards 2026, which recognises outstanding achievements across the gaming and technology ecosystem.
The awards will celebrate excellence in leadership, innovation, and industry contribution during the 2025–2026 period.
Key award categories include:
- Operator of the Year
- Technology Provider of the Year
- Innovation of the Year
- Legal Adviser of the Year
- Affiliate Platform of the Year
- SPiCE Speaker of the Year
The winners will be announced during the official awards ceremony held in Colombo during the summit.
Final Registration Now Open
With preparations entering the final phase, interest in SPiCE South Asia 2026 continues to grow among global gaming stakeholders. The event offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with regulators, investors, and industry leaders shaping the future of gaming across South Asia.
The final registration window is now open for attendees, exhibitors, and sponsors through the official SPiCE South Asia event platform.
As the regional gaming landscape continues to evolve, SPiCE South Asia 2026 is expected to serve as an important forum for policy discussions, investment partnerships, and strategic collaboration within one of the world’s most promising emerging gaming markets.
