SPiCE announces dates and details for 2024 India event, set to focus on emerging trends and market's potential

Events production company Eventus International has revealed dates and details for SPiCE (Strategic Platform for iGaming Conference & Exhibition) India’s 2024 edition. Slated to take place in February next year, the gaming event will span across 3 days (27 - 29) in Goa’s Mariott Resort. This will be the 5th annual edition of SPiCE India, amidst the anticipation of legal changes and an abundance of "exciting gaming prospects."

“Transforming the state into the ultimate gaming hub, SPiCE India 2024 serves as your all-encompassing destination for everything iGaming, delivering essential insights from a lineup of industry experts, a solution-centered exhibition floor, and engaging interactions with C-level attendees,” says the events company. 
 
The three-day event will be focused on the following topics, aimed at business-building knowledge:
 
●      Emerging Trends in Indian iGaming
●      Investment and Growth Potential in India
●      Affiliate Marketing Strategies
●      Optimised User-Centric Approaches
●      Designing for Success & the Significance of UX/UI
●      Skill-Based Gaming in India: Regulating, Innovating, and Responsible Gaming
●      Payment Innovations: Cryptocurrencies, Digital Wallets, UPI and More
●      Data Analytics in iGaming Operations
●      Navigating GST Challenges
●      Market Dynamics and Growth Trends: Local vs Global
●      Cutting-edge regulatory Tech for Compliance
●      The Need for Localisation in Game Development
 
“Hosted at the luxurious Goa Marriott Resort and Spa, SPiCE India promises a wealth of global insights and face-to-face connections. With top-tier experts from all walks of life, attendees can indulge in five-star accommodation while exploring the offerings of a thriving and progressive emerging market,” organizers added. 

The event's highlights will be as follows:
 

Day One (27 February 2024):
●      Affiliate Day
●      SP'iCE' Breaker Pre-Event Networking Reception
 
Day Two (28 February 2024):
●      SPiCE India Conference & Expo
●      SPiCE India Eventus Awards & SPiCE Party
 
Day Three (29 February 2024):
●      SPiCE India Conference & Expo
●      EUR150 Buy-in SPiCE It Up Poker Tournament

As per the event's organizers, with the increased access to affordable smartphones in India, players are leaning towards mobile gaming options. A digital-forward generation swapping out physical cards, particularly in skill-based games like online rummy, teen patti, and poker has seen India’s mobile gaming market "skyrocket over recent years.”
 
Payments through specialized gateways play a crucial role in ensuring the sustainability and expansion of the sector, and will also be highlighted during the event. In-game purchases and micro-transactions are key revenue streams for companies, fundamentally transforming the monetization and user experience of games.
  
“To add to the mix, fantasy sports and esports have burst on the scene. While the sports betting market lacks full regulation, India's passion for sports remains undeniable,” Eventus International said of this sector, also set to play a key role during the industry expo.

As an example of this growing popularity, Eventus International noted that in this year’s Indian Premier League 2023, fantasy sports revenue increased by 24%. Dream11 significantly contributed to this, standing as the largest fantasy sports firm in India with a user base of over 180 million. "The fantasy sports app has become wildly popular, not only earning recognition as a leading sponsor of India's national cricket team but also securing international support from the US-based Tiger Global," said the event's organizer.
 
Esports is on a similar trajectory in India. Officially recognized as a mainstream sport alongside cricket and football, the sector promises to see increased sponsorship and investment in the coming years. Although differing from real-money games, gaming operators are pushing to diversify offerings, and leaning into tailoring products to suit the growing popularity of virtual competitive games and multiplayer formats.

However, while India is seeing a rise in eager punters, experts point to a growing need for uniform laws across all Indian states, an issue to be highlighted at SPiCE India 2024. A positive stance from India’s government and a push for legislation could lead to increased transparency, player protection and a regulated framework further creating an industry ready for exploration and investment, Eventus International notes.
 
Apart from India, SPiCE will take place in several locations around the world throughout 2024. These include Sri Lanka, where the event will take place from July 24th-26th, in Colombo; and the Philippines, where the event will take place in Cebu from September 25th to 27th. SPiCE will also host its international iteration from 20th to 22nd November 2024, in Dubai.