A milestone Gathering for Land-Based gaming at SiGMA Asia 2025
Following the tremendous success of last years retreat in South Korea, the SiGMA Land-Based Retreat returned for its second edition C this time, bringing the regions top-tier operators together in Manila, Philippines, in collaboration with PAGCOR. Held alongside SiGMA Asia 2025, the retreat set a new benchmark for exclusivity, insight, and industry impact within the land-based gaming sector.
A powerhouse start: Pre-party & networking
The retreat kicked off on 1 June with the SiGMA Asia Diamond Night Pre-Party – an exclusive event for Premium and Platinum ticket holders powered by JVD. With Manilas skyline as a backdrop, attendees enjoyed an electrifying evening of networking, entertainment, and celebration.
The next evening, on 2 June, a Networking Dinner set the tone for deeper connections. Industry leaders from across Asia and beyond gathered for a curated culinary experience, where top-tier cuisine met lively conversation in a relaxed yet sophisticated setting.
Insights, innovation & industry discourse
Day 1 (3 June) launched with an opening at the SMX Convention Center, headlined by a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by H.E John Busuttil, Maltas Ambassador to China. With more than 20,000 delegates and 4,000 operators attending the expo, the land-based sector took center stage at this years expanded exhibition, showcasing cutting-edge technologies, new market entries, and the future of integrated resorts (IRs).
That afternoon, the exclusive C-Level Focus Group brought senior stakeholders into a closed-door session to examine critical industry themes.
Moderated by Harmen Brenninkmeijer, discussions centered on regulatory shifts, operational challenges, and the trajectory of Integrated Resorts (IRs) in emerging markets such as Japan and Thailand. With Asias gaming environment undergoing rapid transformation, the private Focus Group offered a timely platform for decision-makers to exchange insights, assess strategic opportunities, and align on forward-looking priorities.
Participants included Cheryl Tiglao and Liwayway Alba, Director for Slots and Table Games respectively at Hann Resorts, Kel Telford, CIO at Okada, Mike Lei, Slot Machine Director at the MGM Macau, Will Lee, AVP of Casino Operation at Inspire Resort, Daniel C. Cecilio, Senior Vice President at PAGCOR, and Darwin M. Malicsi, Senior Manager for Gaming at Solaire.
Celebrating Excellence: Land-Based Awards
As evening fell, the industry gathered to recognize its finest at the Global Gaming Awards Asia-Pacific 2025 C a hallmark honouring operators, venues, and individuals who have demonstrated exceptional innovation, customer service, and responsible gaming leadership. These awards underscore the retreats mission to uplift and celebrate the best in land-based gaming.
Day 2: Refined networking and final farewells
4 June continued with another round of high-impact exhibitions and conference sessions, followed by two exclusive experiences: the Cigar Business Mixer and Wine Tasting & Dinner. These events fused leisure and luxury with meaningful business interaction, catering to a refined audience of decision-makers.
The retreat concluded in style with the SiGMA Official Celebration, where guests let their hair down one last time in an atmosphere of celebration and connection.
SiGMA Land-based Retreat: Looking Ahead
The 2025 Land-Based Retreat proved once again that the land-based sector is not just alive but thriving C with innovation, leadership, and community driving its future. With PAGCORs continued support and a robust turnout of industry pioneers, this retreat solidified its place as an essential fixture on the global gaming calendar.
