Gaming Awards
SBC Reveals Shortlists for Game Developer Awards, Recognising Top Industry Talent

SBC is thrilled to announce that the shortlists, recognising and celebrating the game development studios and teams behind the industry’s most successful titles, for the prestigious CasinoBeats Game Developer Awards are now in.
Relax Gaming leads the pack with an impressive ten nominations across multiple categories. ELK Studios follows with six nominations, while Blueprint Gaming and Light & Wonder make a strong showing, boasting five nominations each.
The awards ceremony, which takes place during the CasinoBeats Summit conference and exhibition, will take place at the InterContinental Hotel on 25 May. The lavish event will be attended by 400 guests and presented by Trudy Kerr.
The ‘Streamer of the Year’ category, which recognises the rising importance of streamers who, with their influential presence, shape the landscape of the industry, saw the shortlist narrowed down to ten remarkable streamers: Brian Christopher, CasinoDaddy, Chipmonkz, Juicy_Spins, Kim Hultman, Roshtein, SlotsMarko, Trainwreckstv, William Barnes (Hideous Slots), and xQc.
The Game Performance categories, which were not open for nominations, saw a highly-contested Slot of the Year category with ten shortlisted entries, including two entries (Cowboy Coins and Down the Rails) from last year’s winner, Pragmatic Play. Relax Gaming is poised to challenge Pragmatic Play’s dominance with two entries of their own – Dead Riders Trail and Money Train 3, in hopes of claiming the coveted title.
In the Best Studio Debut Game category, four exciting slots will compete for the top spot, including Mustang Freedom by Barbara Bang, Dog Days by Nailed It! Games, Wildfire West by Rogue, and Barti’s Treasure by Wild Gaming.
In the Slot Legacy Title category, three titles from Blueprint Gaming (Deal or No Deal, Fishin Frenzy, Ted) and two from NetEnt (Gonzo’s Quest, Starburst) have been shortlisted, competing against five other established titles. Meanwhile, the Slot Collaboration of the Year category will feature a total of six contenders, and in the Slot to Watch category, three out of nine shortlisted titles are from Relax Gaming (Cluster Tumble Dream Drop, Money Train 4, and Money Train Origins Dream Drop).
The shortlisted companies for the Game Innovation Spotlight Award will have the opportunity to showcase their games at the CasinoBeats Summit’s Game Innovation Stage on the exhibition floor and pitch their games to a panel of esteemed judges. Among the entries are games from renowned companies such as Caleta Gaming, ELK Studios, Wazdan, Vibra Gaming, and many others.
In the six Game Creation categories that were open for nominations, Blue Guru Games has been shortlisted for two categories, including Game Music/Soundtrack with two entries, and Game Retro-style with one entry. ELK Studios has been nominated for Game Design and Art Direction, Game Mechanic of the Year, Game Music/Soundtrack, and Game Retro-style. Hacksaw Gaming has been shortlisted for three categories, including Game Design & Art Direction, Game Mechanic of the Year, and Game Music/Soundtrack. Relax Gaming has been nominated for four categories, including Game Design & Art Direction, Game Feature of the Year, Game Music/Soundtrack, and Game Retro-style. Swintt has been shortlisted for three categories, including Game Feature of the Year, Game Licensed Content, and Game Music/Soundtrack.
In the Game People categories that were also open for nominations, the list of talented individuals who have been shortlisted in their respective categories – Product Manager, Game Designer, Game Composer – for their notable contributions to the game industry can be accessed on the dedicated website.
Rasmus Sojmark, CEO & Founder of the event organiser SBC, said: “I am thrilled that this year we’ve added three Game People categories to the Game Developer Awards for the first time ever. It’s a fantastic opportunity to not only celebrate the best studios and titles in the business but also the amazing people who make it all happen. Can’t wait for the ceremony and want to give a big shoutout to all our sponsors for their support in making this night one filled with celebrations and positive vibes. Congratulations to all the shortlisted companies and individuals!”
Powered by WPeMatico
Gaming Awards
Yaamava’ Resort & Casino and Palms Casino Resort Named Best Casinos in the Country

Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel has earned the #1 “best” title in three USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards categories: Best Casino Outside of Las Vegas, Best Casino Hotel, and Best Casino Restaurant for The Pines Modern Steakhouse. Palms Casino Resort, the sister property of Yaamava’ Resort & Casino, was named Best Casino in Las Vegas.
Yaamava’ and Palms have maintained their top positions for three and two years respectively, with Yaamava’, the only AAA Five Diamond casino resort, moving into the Best Casino Hotel spot for the first time this year. Yaamava’ clinched all three of its nominated categories.
The dynamic “California to Vegas Connection,” Yaamava’ and Palms offer the best of both casino experiences in the region through membership in the Club Serrano loyalty rewards program.
“Winning the title of best casino in the US is a tremendous honor for everyone at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team and a tribute to Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation’s enduring vision of hospitality. We are incredibly grateful for this award and will continue to strive for excellence in everything we do,” said Kenji Hall, General Manager of Yaamava’ Resort & Casino.
Yaamava’ offers unparalleled experiences with luxury casino gaming, world-class live entertainment, award-winning dining, opulent resort accommodations, and a Forbes Travel Guide 5-Star spa. Yaamava’ Resort & Casino’s gaming floor has more than 7400 slots – the most in the West – and hosts several world-premieres each year, debuting the newest and most exciting slots. Players also have access to five high-limit gaming areas and 150 table games.
Guests of Yaamava’ also enjoy amazing, one-of-a-kind promotions where they can win coveted prizes, including rare, collectible items like Action Comics #1, the 2025 Mustang GT 60th anniversary edition and custom and vintage luxury watches.
The Pines Modern Steakhouse offers an exquisite dining experience from start to finish, including Collection 86, a world-class cache of the world’s rarest wines, spirits, beers, and cigars. One of only a handful of Kobe-certified restaurants in the US, guests of The Pines can indulge in both Kobe and rare Japanese Wagyu beef.
Palms Casino Resort, is the first and only Las Vegas resort fully owned and operated by a Native American Tribe, offering guests a vibrant gaming floor, two resort towers with 766 rooms and suites, a dynamic mix of dining options and the popular Ghostbar rooftop lounge.
“We are honored to be named ‘Best Casino in Las Vegas’ for the second year, and proud to continue setting the standard for quality gaming and exceptional service. We are grateful to our team members for embracing our Tribe’s culture of hospitality to deliver an extraordinary experience to every Palms guest,” said Latisha Prieto, Chairperson of the San Manuel Gaming & Hospitality Authority.
Not only does the Club Serrano loyalty program unlock exclusive experiences to stay and play at both Yaamava’ and Palms, but members can also enjoy discounts and earned rewards at Monarch Beach Golf Links, one of only a few oceanfront golf courses in California.
Yaamava’ Resort & Casino and Palms Casino Resort were nominated by a panel of experts, including editors from USA TODAY, editors from 10Best.com, relevant expert contributors, and sources from both media and other Gannett properties before being voted on by the public.
The post Yaamava’ Resort & Casino and Palms Casino Resort Named Best Casinos in the Country appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Gaming Awards
Mohegan Sun Named #1 “Best Casino for Slots” in USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards

Renowned integrated entertainment destination, Mohegan Sun, has been recognized across multiple categories in this year’s USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, including being named #1 in the inaugural “Best Casino for Slots” category. Mohegan Sun was also ranked #2 for “Best Casino Hotel,” and “Best Casino Outside of Las Vegas,” and Momentum, Mohegan Sun’s rewards program, placed #2 for “Best Players Club”.
Nominees for all categories in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards are selected by a panel of subject matter experts including editors from USA TODAY, editors from 10Best.com, and contributors across Gannett properties, before being opened to public voting. Readers then cast their votes over a four-week period on 10Best.com, which attracts more than 5 million visitors per month.
“Over the past two years, Mohegan Sun has invested $15 million in the slot floor to ensure we’re offering the newest and most exciting games across both Casino of the Sky and Casino of the Earth. Being named Best Casino Slots by the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards is a true testament to that commitment, as well as the exceptional service delivered by our gaming team. We’re equally proud to be recognized as runner-up in three additional major casino resort categories, an achievement that reflects the passion and excellence of our more than 5000 team members at Mohegan Sun,” said Jeff Hamilton, President & General Manager of Mohegan Sun.
This year has been an abundant award season for Mohegan Sun. The resort earned accolades for its dining, with Michael Jordan’s Steak House named “Best Casino Fine Dining” and TAO Asian Bistro & Lounge winning “Best Casino Casual Dining” in the Best of Connecticut 2025 awards, while Beauty & Essex was honored by Yankee Magazine as Connecticut’s “Best Immersive Dining Experience”. On the entertainment side, the 10,000-seat Mohegan Sun Arena was voted “Best Casino Performance Venue” in the Best of Connecticut 2025 awards and was spotlighted by Yankee Magazine as one of the “10 Best Things to Do in Connecticut This Summer,” further solidifying its reputation as one of the premier entertainment destinations in the region.
The “Best Casino for Slots” honor arrives during a year in which Mohegan Sun has awarded various major jackpots, including $1,374,307 won by a lucky guest on the popular IGT game, Jumanji Next Level. A $5 bet on a Monopoly Cash Wheel game by Aristocrat Gaming also netted $412,607 for a Connecticut native visiting Mohegan Sun in early August. Mohegan Sun recently rolled out the Sky Slot Tournament Zone located near The Cabaret Theatre, featuring games like Wheel of Fortune, Hex Breaker, and Cleopatra, all of which seamlessly switch between tournament mode and regular play.
The post Mohegan Sun Named #1 “Best Casino for Slots” in USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Brazil
SOFTSWISS Wins Best Game Aggregator Award in Latin America

SOFTSWISS wins the CGS Recife Awards 2025 for its flagship Game Aggregator, confirming its industry leadership as the largest content hub in iGaming, operating with 99.999% uptime across 24 regulated jurisdictions. Recognition in Latin America, where SOFTSWISS has achieved full product certification, further proves the product’s global dominance and commitment to delivering trusted solutions across key regulated markets.
The award recognises the best game aggregation platform in the Latin American iGaming market, celebrating leadership, innovation, and operational excellence. This recognition is especially important as it comes from Brazil, where all SOFTSWISS products have recently been certified, led by the Game Aggregator. It is the 7th international award for the Game Aggregator, highlighting the product’s dedication to delivering unmatched scale and stability.
The Game Aggregator is recognised as the industry leader because of measurable advantages that no other platform can match. Operating in 24 jurisdictions, the solution provides direct access to 35,000+ active playing games from 300+ providers with new releases appearing immediately in operators’ portfolios enabled by streamlined integrations.
Engagement features deliver proven growth. Its Tournament Tool increases average daily bets by 22% across the player base. Players who join tournaments place twice as many bets and wager 3 times more than others. Jackpot Aggregator campaigns on the Game Aggregator drive a 50% increase in turnover per user, making engagement mechanics a direct source of revenue.
The platform’s infrastructure is designed for continuous, fail-safe operation. Uptime reaches 99.999–100%, guaranteed by strict SLAs and backed with proactive system notifications. The system processes 7,000 requests and up to 100,000 database queries per second, with 99% of responses returned in under 100 milliseconds. This ensures operators never lose a session, a bet, or their players’ trust.
Beyond scale and engagement, the platform offers features that raise industry standards: AI-driven localisation for any market, deep analytics through the Ultimate Report Builder, and customisable game metadata for client-facing flexibility.
“We are honoured to receive the Best Game Aggregator Platform award at CGS Recife. This recognition shows the value of our commitment: a constantly growing game portfolio, wide market coverage, and unwavering platform reliability. For almost ten years, our team has been building a platform that not only delivers scale and stability but also drives measurable results,” added Tatyana Kaminskaya, Head of SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator.
The SOFTSWISS team will be available at SBC Lisbon 2025, Stand B160, to discuss the possibilities of the Game Aggregator.
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience in developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 35,000 casino games, the Affilka Affiliate Platform, the Sportsbook Software and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS revolutionised the industry by introducing the world’s first Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution. The expert team, based in Malta, Poland, and Georgia, counts over 2,000 employees.
The post SOFTSWISS Wins Best Game Aggregator Award in Latin America appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
-
eSports5 days ago
Global Esports Federation confirms program for Los Angeles 2026 Global Esports Games
-
eSports2 days ago
Esports Charts to deliver comprehensive viewership data to GeoGuessr
-
Central Europe6 days ago
Promatic Games and SYNOT Interactive Announce Strategic Partnership to Strengthen iGaming Expansion in Central and Eastern Europe
-
Latest News6 days ago
High Roller Launches New Online Casino Brand in Finland
-
Latest News5 days ago
High Roller Technologies and Flows partner to launch player engagement experiences, with technical integration complete in record time
-
Brazil5 days ago
EstrelaBet to offer Opta-powered stats markets and premium live football streaming in extensive partnership with Stats Perform
-
Eastern Europe5 days ago
SYNOT Games Partners with WIN2
-
Industry News6 days ago
Onlyplay Releases Gold Oktoberfest Video Slot