The SiGMA Foundation has undertaken its second initiative in South America with the Machu Picchu adventure expedition which will act as a platform to raise funds for a new annex at a hospital in Iquitos, Peru.

This hospital, located within the Peruvian Amazon jungle, is operated by the parish Saint Martin de Porres and provides essential medical care to impoverished communities across the region. The project, headed by Gozitan Fr Raymond Portelli, the parish priest and practicing doctor based in Peru for the past 30 years, includes the construction of new patient rooms, a conference room, storage facilities, and a green area for patient recreation.

The facility provides essential services to patients suffering from various ailments, and includes psychological support, long-term care for AIDS patients, treatment for tuberculosis, cirrhosis, cancer, renal failure, and other critical conditions. The new annex will significantly enhance the hospital's capacity to meet the growing demand for medical care and improve the quality of life for those in the region who rely on its services.

The team of individuals who are ready to take on this 4-day trekking challenge is already coming together, with meetings on briefs about the trek and training plans already under way.

With the world in dire need of philanthropy, the SiGMA Foundation is leading the charge. As the philanthropic arm of the SiGMA Group, the Foundation is dedicated to supporting those who are most in need.

The SiGMA Foundation was founded in 2019 by Keith Marshall, Austin Cachia and Eman Pulis, Founder of SiGMA Group, with a mission to make philanthropy more participatory and engaging. Keith, who is known for his boundless energy, has dedicated his life to making a difference in the lives of thousands of people through various expeditions across the globe. With a fun and engaging approach to fundraising, the Foundation prioritises supporting underprivileged communities through active giving and aims to create meaningful impact in the world.

If you would like to get involved in any of the Foundation’s upcoming projects visit the website for more information.

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has issued a clarification regarding its advertising policies for real money gambling. This move came after an initial announcement on 20 August, 2024, which indicated that businesses in India, the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, and Latin America (LATAM) would be allowed to advertise these products on Meta’s platforms starting 27 August. The announcement sparked significant concern among various stakeholders, prompting Meta to release a more detailed statement.

The clarification is particularly significant for the gambling industry. Real money gambling ads have always been a contentious issue due to their potential to encourage addictive behaviours and financial losses among consumers. Meta’s initial announcement raised alarms about the possible proliferation of gambling ads in regions with strict regulations against such promotions.

Meta’s decision to adhere to local laws means that gambling ads will not be allowed in countries where gambling is heavily regulated or banned. This approach aims to balance business interests with social responsibility, ensuring that Meta’s platforms do not become conduits for promoting potentially harmful activities in regions where they are not legally permitted.

The initial announcement by Meta suggested a broad relaxation of its advertising policies, allowing businesses to promote alcohol and gambling products across several regions. This led to widespread speculation and concern about the potential impact on public health, consumer behaviour, and industry trends. In response, Meta issued a clarification emphasising its commitment to respecting local laws and regulations.

A Meta spokesperson explained, “When we set business policies for our service, we respect local laws, and therefore certain business messaging or other types of communication are not going to be allowed in certain countries, including India. The referenced communication lacked that precision that is reflected in our formal policies and documents.”

Meta’s advertising policies will therefore continue to align with local regulations, potentially restricting or banning alcohol and gambling ads in regions where such promotions are not permitted.

The clarification has been met with mixed reactions. Industry stakeholders who were initially excited about the potential for expanded advertising opportunities are now reassessing their strategies in light of the reaffirmed restrictions. On the other hand, public health advocates and regulatory bodies have welcomed Meta’s commitment to respecting local laws, viewing it as a necessary step to protect consumers from the risks associated with gambling.

Meta’s clarification on its advertising policies for alcohol and gambling highlights the complex interplay between global business operations and local regulations. By aligning its policies with local laws, Meta aims to navigate the delicate balance between expanding its advertising services and maintaining social responsibility. This move underscores the importance of precision in corporate communications and the need for businesses to remain adaptable to regulatory landscapes.

The company’s commitment to respecting local laws ensures that its platforms remain safe and responsible spaces for users worldwide.

SiGMA East Europe Summit powered by Soft2Bet, happening in Budapest from 2 – 4 September.

The NFL has ramped up its efforts to educate players on gambling policies and monitor integrity after a successful offseason. This initiative comes as the league aims to maintain a clean record, with no players suspended for gambling violations in the past 13 months.

Last offseason, the NFL faced a significant challenge when it suspended 10 players for gambling violations. Among them were three members of the Indianapolis Colts, who were suspended indefinitely and subsequently waived. Denver Broncos defensive end Eyioma Uwazurike, who received a one-year suspension in July 2023, was the last player to be reinstated from a suspension.

These incidents highlighted the need for stricter enforcement and education regarding gambling policies.

In response, the NFL has made in-person gambling policy education and training mandatory for all players in 2024. This training, developed in collaboration with the NFL Players Association, reviews the rules and reinforces integrity provisions. The two key rules emphasised are: never bet on NFL games, and do not gamble – no sports bets, casino, or card games – while with the team in any capacity, including at a team facility, stadium, hotel, or bus.

Coaches, staff, and team personnel are also prohibited from betting on any sports. The league’s commitment to educating players about gambling has been a top priority. To ensure the integrity of the game, an NFL integrity representative – typically a retired FBI or executive-level police officer – is assigned to each team. These representatives are responsible for monitoring suspicious activity on-site during game days. They have the freedom to navigate stadiums from the sidelines to the press box, where certain coaches and support staff work, during games.

Genius Sports and IC360 continue to monitor every game and key NFL events for any betting activity that may indicate game manipulation or a leak of non-public information. This comprehensive monitoring system aims to detect and prevent any potential breaches of integrity.

The NFL is also continuing its commitment to responsible gambling initiatives. The league has extended its partnership with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) with a three-year, $6.4 million grant. This funding will be used to strengthen the 1-800-Gambler national helpline, provide agility grants to help prevent gambling addiction among middle school, high school, and college students, and support communities disproportionately affected by problem gambling. Additionally, the grant will fund an initiative aimed at sports bettors called ResponsiblePlay.org.

The NFL’s proactive approach to gambling education and integrity monitoring is crucial as sports betting becomes a multibillion-dollar business in the United States. The league’s efforts to prevent gambling violations and maintain the integrity of the game are essential in an era where the lines between sports and betting are increasingly blurred.

As the Super Bowl approaches, set to take place in America’s gambling capital, the NFL’s commitment to integrity and responsible gambling will be under the spotlight. The league’s initiatives aim to ensure that the game remains fair and that players, coaches, and staff adhere to the highest standards of conduct.

The continued partnership with the NCPG further underscores the NFL’s dedication to responsible gambling and supporting those affected by gambling addiction.

SiGMA East Europe?Summit powered by Soft2Bet, happening in Budapest from 2 – 4 September.

David De Gea’s highly anticipated return to football was far from the triumphant comeback many had hoped for. Fans were disappointed when the match turned into a nightmare for them as the former Manchester United goalkeeper made his debut for Fiorentina. After a 446-day hiatus, De Gea’s performance was under intense scrutiny, and unfortunately, it did not go as planned.

De Gea, who joined Fiorentina on a free transfer at the start of August, was named in the starting XI for the Europa Conference League play-off match against Hungary’s Puskas Academy. Expectations were high for the seasoned goalkeeper, who had last played in a competitive match in May 2023, conceding to Ilkay Gundogan in a 2-1 FA Cup defeat.

The match began with a sense of optimism for Fiorentina, but it quickly turned sour. In just the ninth minute, De Gea conceded a penalty, putting his team on the back foot. The situation worsened three minutes later when he allowed another goal, leaving Fiorentina trailing 2-0 within the first 12 minutes. This early setback was a huge contrast to the expectations surrounding De Gea’s return.

David De Gea’s transfer to Fiorentina was a significant chapter in his career. After leaving Manchester United as a free agent at the end of the 2022/23 season, De Gea spent over a year without a club. In August 2024, he signed a one-year contract with Fiorentina, with an option to extend for another year. This move to Serie A was seen as a fresh start for the 33-year-old goalkeeper, who had made 545 appearances for Manchester United over 13 years, winning multiple trophies including the Premier League, FA Cup, and Europa League. Fiorentina, aiming to bolster their squad, saw De Gea’s experience as a valuable asset, especially as they compete in the Europa Conference League. The transfer was a free transfer, meaning there was no transfer fee involved.

Fans and pundits alike had hoped that De Gea’s experience and skill would provide a solid foundation for Fiorentina’s defence. However, the reality was far from the expectations. The two early goals shook the team’s confidence and left them struggling to regain their footing. De Gea’s performance was a focal point, and his inability to prevent the early goals raised questions about his readiness and form after such a long absence from competitive football.

The match continued with Fiorentina trying to claw their way back into the game, but the damage had been done. Despite their efforts, the early goals proved too much to overcome, and the team ultimately fell short. De Gea’s debut was marred by the early mistakes, and the spotlight on his performance only intensified as the match progressed.

Fans took to social media to express their disappointment and frustration. Comments ranged from disbelief to humour, with many pointing out that De Gea’s performance seemed reminiscent of his more challenging days at Manchester United. One fan wrote, “De Gea never changed, 11 minutes bro has already swallowed 2 goals,” while another posted a screenshot of the scoreline, sarcastically noting, “Oh boy, my favourite goalie David De Gea finally got himself signed by a club! Let’s check in on how he’s doing on his debut against Hungarian plumbers…”

The reaction from fans highlighted the high expectations placed on De Gea and the stark contrast between those expectations and the actual outcome. The match against Puskas Academy was supposed to be a fresh start for De Gea, a chance to prove himself once again. Instead, it turned into a reminder of the challenges he has faced in recent years.

As Fiorentina moves forward, the focus will undoubtedly be on how De Gea responds to this setback. The team and its supporters will be hoping that this match was just a blip and that De Gea can regain his form and confidence. For De Gea, the journey back to his best will require resilience and determination, qualities that have defined his career so far.