(AsiaGameHub) – This week marked the spectacular conclusion of the Casino Guru Awards 2026, an event that convened leading figures and prominent companies from the global iGaming sector for an evening dedicated to recognition, entertainment, and celebration.
Hosted by Denisa Vydumska, the gala celebrated operators, providers, and individuals who are instrumental in fostering a more transparent, innovative, responsible, and player-centric future for iGaming. The event featured captivating live performances, impactful speeches, world-class entertainment, and moving award presentations that underscored the significant advancements occurring across the industry.
Organized in partnership with NEXT.io and supported by sponsors PayOp, 18Peaches, Bragg Gaming Group, RedCore, and SPRIBE, this year’s ceremony once again underscored Casino Guru’s dedication to elevating industry standards and acknowledging significant contributions.
Daniela Sliva, PR & Creative Projects Director at Casino Guru and the driving force behind the initiative, stated:
The Casino Guru Awards serve a dual purpose: not only to acknowledge achievements but also to honor companies and individuals who enhance the industry through fairness, responsibility, innovation, and integrity.
Casino Guru Awards 2026 – Winners
iGaming Changemaker of the Year
Winner: Marina Ostrovtsova, CEO at BGaming
Marina Ostrovtsova was presented with this esteemed award for her early recognition of the industry’s pivot towards casual and mobile-first gaming, and for her success in transforming BGaming into a leading innovative and inclusive brand within the sector. Her leadership has been pivotal in reshaping the development and delivery of contemporary gaming experiences.
Rising Star in Responsible Gaming
Winner: GambleAware Nigeria
GambleAware Nigeria received recognition for its substantial grassroots impact in a challenging and under-resourced market. The organization has established Africa’s largest network for gambling addiction recovery, providing support to over 8,000 individuals in recovery and managing approximately 300 calls for assistance weekly.
Most Impactful Social Responsibility Initiative
Winner: Flutter UKI
Flutter UKI was honored for the 2025 launch of its Customer Safety Centre of Excellence, a proactive initiative designed to integrate safer gambling principles throughout the organization and promote sustainable play beyond regulatory mandates.
Woman Leader of the Year
Winner: Valentina Bagniya, CMO at SOFTSWISS
Valentina Bagniya was recognized for her leadership in executing successful marketing campaigns, driving measurable business growth, and actively mentoring within the industry, which has significantly contributed to SOFTSWISS’s status as one of the most recognized global iGaming brands this year.
Young Changemaker Award
Winner: Irina Veselkova, Head of Marketing at Endorphina
Irina Veselkova was acknowledged for her success in consolidating Endorphina’s global marketing operations during a critical growth phase and for implementing impactful brand initiatives that position her as a prominent emerging leader in the industry.
Industry Culture Shaper
Winner: SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS was awarded for cultivating one of the industry’s most robust and inclusive workplace cultures, evidenced by measurable improvements in employee engagement, participation, and satisfaction throughout 2025.
Fairest Bonus Policy Award
Winner: iWild Casino
iWild Casino impressed the judging panel with substantial enhancements to its bonus policy, introducing clearer terms, automated rule enforcement, and maintaining a low volume of bonus-related player complaints.
Fairest General Terms & Conditions Award
Winner: LuckyHills
LuckyHills was commended for offering some of the clearest and most transparent Terms & Conditions in the industry, alongside the integration of responsible gambling tools directly within player accounts to further bolster player safety.
Most Transparent Casino Award
Winner: Gamblezen Casino
Gamblezen Casino distinguished itself through exceptional transparency with its players, providing detailed overviews of transactions, gameplay, promotions, and the responsible gambling tools accessible within player accounts.
Most Effective Handling of Complaints
Winner: iWild Casino
This award recognized iWild Casino’s highly professional and efficient management of player complaints via the Casino Guru Complaint Resolution Center, showcasing excellent communication, fairness, and a proactive approach to resolving disputes.
Players’ Choice Award
Winner: Pragmatic Play
Pragmatic Play once again demonstrated its widespread popularity among players globally, securing the highest number of public votes and winning the Players’ Choice Award for the fourth consecutive year.
Voice of the People Award
Winner: iWild Casino
Selected from all the shortlisted nominees across the 2026 Awards, iWild Casino garnered the most public votes overall, reinforcing its standing as one of the most respected and trusted brands among both players and industry professionals.
A Celebration of Industry Progress
The Casino Guru Awards 2026 highlighted not only excellence and commercial success but also the critical importance of responsibility, transparency, player protection, and positive workplace culture in shaping the future of iGaming.
As the evening concluded with a standing ovation, a collective celebratory photograph, and fireworks illuminating the night sky, a clear message emerged: the industry is continuously evolving, and the individuals and companies honored at this year’s Casino Guru Awards are at the forefront of this transformation.
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