The studio is celebrated for its remarkable visual artistry with Pinatas Festival in the “Game Design & Art Direction” category, paired with a Game of the Year nomination for its popular title, Joker Winpot.

Two titles from ELA Games have received nominations in significant categories at the forthcoming SBC Awards.

A major highlight in the iGaming calendar, the SBC Awards Europe honor and celebrate the skill and creativity of the top suppliers and operators in the industry. The 2026 awards will take place at the Xara Lodge in Malta, expected to be a remarkable event featuring the industry’s leading innovators. Receiving these nominations reinforces ELA Games’ goal to revolutionize slot development for the European market via the distinctively engaging stories and intricate visuals of its games.

Among the studio’s most dynamic releases so far, Pinatas Festival has been acknowledged in the Game Design & Art Direction category, highlighting its festive theme, strikingly contrasting colored symbols, and energetic celebratory animations. Alongside it, Joker Winpot, selected for the Casino Entertainment – Game of the Year category, has excelled for the studio. The game features a meticulously crafted Joker on the reels, enchanting players with his playful yet somewhat sinister presence, expertly combining traditional casino visuals with the suspenseful excitement of the iconic Winpot mechanism.

Marharyta Yerina, Managing Director at ELA Games, commented on the nominations: “We are very pleased to be recognized by the SBC Awards in two such competitive categories. I personally love both of these games because they both feel incredibly distinct and full of character, the bright colours of Pinatas Festival make it feel like it is jumping out of the screen, so I am especially happy to see them up for awards. To also have Joker Winpot nominated for Game of the Year is a fantastic validation of the amazing Winpot mechanic.”

The winners will be revealed during the official SBC Awards ceremony on April 30th, where guests will come together to network and view the industry’s most thrilling new games showcased.

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Casino Guru has officially opened public voting for two of the most community-driven categories in the Casino Guru Awards 2026—Players’ Choice and Voice of the People.

Earlier this year, the company revealed shortlists across all award categories following a record number of high-quality submissions from across the iGaming industry. These nominees represent standout performers in areas such as transparency, innovation, social responsibility, leadership, and player protection.

While most winners will be selected by an expert judging panel, these two categories are entirely decided by public vote, giving players and the wider community a direct voice in determining the outcome.

The Players’ Choice category recognises the most popular game providers, based on reputation, product quality, and overall player experience, with the final result determined exclusively by players.

Shortlisted candidates for Players’ Choice – Best Game Provider (2026):
Pragmatic Play, Popiplay, TaDa Gaming, Relax Gaming, BGaming, Endorphina, Evoplay, Mancala Gaming, Betsoft, EGT, Nolimit City, Play’n GO, Yggdrasil, Push Gaming, Habanero, 18Peaches, Big Time Gaming, Red Tiger, NetEnt, and Wicked Games.

Alongside this, the Voice of the People category broadens the scope by including all shortlisted nominees across every category, allowing voters to support the company or individual they believe deserves recognition the most—regardless of category.

Public voting is now open to players, industry professionals, and the wider community, ensuring a transparent reflection of public sentiment independent of the judging panel.

Daniela Sliva, PR & Creative Project Director at Casino Guru, said:
“We believe the community should have a direct role in recognising excellence across the industry. By opening both Players’ Choice and Voice of the People to public voting, we’re giving players and stakeholders the opportunity to influence the results and spotlight those who truly stand out.”

The winners of the Casino Guru Awards 2026 will be announced during a live ceremony on May 25, 2026, at The Xara Lodge, celebrating achievements across transparency, fairness, innovation, and player-focused initiatives.

Casino Guru is encouraging everyone to take part in the voting process and help decide the winners of these community-led categories via the official Awards website.

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Tom Horn Gaming is excited to be the Grand Sponsor of the upcoming Hipther Prague Summit 2026, strengthening its enduring collaboration with event organizer HIPTHER and maintaining a tradition that has become essential to the company’s yearly industry schedule.

Hosted in the historic city of Prague, the 10th anniversary edition of the summit features the theme “Decoding the Future: 10 Years of Impact.” The gathering will unite over 400 participants and over 100 presenters from 35 nations, establishing a lively forum for exploring the newest advancements influencing gaming, AI, fintech, and emerging technologies.

Throughout the years, Tom Horn Gaming has developed a strong bond with HIPTHER and its community, backing the summit as it transformed into one of Central Europe’s key events for the gaming and technology industries. Once again serving as Grand Sponsor demonstrates the company’s dedication to significant industry conversation, sharing knowledge, and fostering collaboration.

The 2026 version assures an exceptionally diverse lineup. Participants will be able to explore three concurrent content tracks, providing in-depth insights into industry trends, regulatory changes, innovations, and market opportunities. Enhancing the conference schedule is the HIPTHER Academy, offering extra educational chances and expert perspectives for professionals keen to remain at the forefront.

In conjunction with the conference, the summit will feature the renowned GamingTECH CEE Awards ceremony, honoring outstanding achievements in the region’s iGaming industry. Tom Horn Gaming has been nominated in three significant B2B categories: Best Online Casino Provider in CEE, Best Slot Developer in CEE, and Best RNG Game Portfolio in CEE. The winners will be revealed on 24 March at the GamingTECH CEE Awards event, which takes place during the summit.

For Tom Horn Gaming, the occasion provides more than merely a venue for conversation. It presents a chance to reestablish connections with partners, share insights with industry leaders, and interact with the wider technology community in one of Europe’s most motivating cities.

“Over the years, the Prague Summit has become a staple event for our team,” said Ondrej Lapides, CEO at Tom Horn Gaming. “Our partnership with HIPTHER goes back many editions, and it’s fantastic to see how the summit has grown into such an important hub for dialogue across gaming, AI and fintech. Being the Grand Sponsor of this special 10th anniversary edition makes it even more meaningful. We’re looking forward to the insightful discussions, meeting industry peers and celebrating a decade of innovation together in beautiful Prague.”

From the organiser’s side, the continued support from Tom Horn Gaming is equally valued.

“Long-term partnerships are what truly build strong communities, and Tom Horn Gaming has been part of the Prague Summit journey for many years,” said Zoltán Tűndik, Co-Founder and Head of Business at HIPTHER. “We are delighted to welcome them back as Grand Sponsor for this landmark 10th edition. Their continued involvement reflects the collaborative spirit that has shaped the summit since day one, and we look forward to another inspiring gathering with industry leaders from across the globe.”

With the summit marking ten years of influence, the 2026 edition will include a reflection on the changes in the industry and its community over the last decade. With a full schedule, international involvement, and a significant anniversary to celebrate, this year’s event is set to be one of the most unforgettable so far.

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