Industry Awards
Rickard Vikström Named European CEO of the Year in the Hosting Industry
Rickard Vikström, CEO and founder of Internet Vikings, a licensed in-state hosting provider for U.S. iGaming and online sports betting, has been named European CEO of the Year in the hosting industry.
The award recognizes Vikström’s work in expanding Internet Vikings’ presence from Europe into the U.S., where the company has become the fastest-growing hosting provider for the iGaming and sports betting industry. Internet Vikings continues to see strong year-on-year growth, becoming the go-to hosting partner for European operators expanding into the U.S. market.
Vikström has led Internet Vikings through several key initiatives, including early market entry in emerging U.S. states, the introduction of flexible hosting models such as Pay-as-You-Go Bursting, and a focus on operational transparency and customer responsiveness. He also helped secure VMware Premier Partner status for the company.
Internally, Vikström is known for his direct and accessible leadership approach, maintaining regular contact with clients and actively participating in customer support improvements.
This award highlights his ability to scale a European company internationally while maintaining close attention to service and technical reliability.
The post Rickard Vikström Named European CEO of the Year in the Hosting Industry appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
diversity and inclusion
Pronet Gaming lands nine shortlists at Women in Gaming Diversity Awards 2026
Pronet Gaming has been shortlisted across nine categories at the 2026 Women in Gaming (WIG) Diversity Awards, set for 12 June at The Savoy Hotel in London.
The omni-channel turnkey provider is nominated for the Corporate Wellness Award, which the company said is driven by an initiative in Bulgaria that provides structured medical and mental health support for employees.
Eight Pronet Gaming employees are also on the shortlist: Barsha Shrestha (Employee of the Year), Jovana Grabez (Industry Achiever), Devora Kotseva (Inspiration of the Year), Gina Lama (Leader of the Year), Klara Tomažič (Positive Role Model of the Year), Sunkiran Boyal (Outstanding Mentor), Tilly Chandler (Executive Assistant of the Year), and Desislava Velcheva (HR Champion of the Year).
Pronet Gaming pointed to its 2025 WIG recognition, when it was shortlisted for Company of the Year and Great Place to Work, alongside nine individual nominations. Jade Sienna-Ricciardi won Young Leader of the Year.
Commenting on the shortlist, Pronet Gaming CEO Alex Leese said: “Being shortlisted once again is something we’re incredibly proud of. These nominations reflect not only the talent and dedication of our people, but also our shared commitment to building a positive, supportive, and forward-thinking workplace culture across the business.”
The post Pronet Gaming lands nine shortlists at Women in Gaming Diversity Awards 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Conferences
Alea shortlisted for two SBC Awards Europe categories
The supplier is nominated for Game Aggregator of the Year and Employer of the Year ahead of SBC Summit Malta on April 29.
Alea has been named a finalist in two categories at the upcoming SBC Awards Europe: Game Aggregator of the Year and Employer of the Year. The company announced the nominations on April 28 from Barcelona.
Founder Alexandre Tomic said the double shortlisting reflects a link between product delivery and company culture. “If people don’t care about what they’re building, it shows immediately. In the product, in the details, everywhere. Reliability can’t be bolted on later, it’s a consequence of that care.”
“We’ve spent years building a team that takes ownership and holds a certain standard. Seeing both nominations together just tells me we’re doing something right.” Tomic added.
The news comes ahead of SBC Summit Malta, where Alea said Tomic and COO Ramon Glieneke will take part in conference sessions on April 29. Tomic is scheduled to appear on “Casino vs Sports: Can Gamification Truly Cross Over?” while Glieneke is due to join “The COO Horizon: Challenges and Opportunities in 2026/27.”
Alea said its wider team will be onsite throughout the summit at Booth D22.
More relevand data as follows:
- SBC Awards: https://sbcevents.com/sbc-awards/ Primary source for the awards programme, categories and shortlisted companies.
- SBC Summit Malta: https://sbcevents.com/sbc-summit-malta/ Event page for agenda context and verification of sessions and timing.
- Alea: https://alea.com/ Company website for background on the supplier and its product offering.
The post Alea shortlisted for two SBC Awards Europe categories appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Casino Guru
Casino Guru Awards 2026 set for May 25 in Malta as final evaluations begin
Casino Guru has started its final evaluation phase for the Casino Guru Awards 2026, with winners set to be announced on May 25 at Xara Lodge in Malta, ahead of the NEXT Valletta conference.
The company said nominations have closed and shortlists are finalized, with the Casino Guru team now reviewing shortlisted nominees’ track records through judge discussions and meetings with candidates. Winners are selected using what Casino Guru describes as a mix of data-led evaluation and expert assessment, drawing on its Safety Index and Complaint Resolution Center.
Public voting remains open for the Player’s Choice and Voice of the People categories, giving players and industry stakeholders a direct vote alongside the judging process.
“The Casino Guru Awards are not about who is the biggest or most visible,” said Daniela Sliva, PR & Creative Projects Director from Casino Guru. “They are about who is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.”
Casino Guru expects around 150 guests at the Malta event, which it positioned as an industry networking evening alongside the awards announcements.
The post Casino Guru Awards 2026 set for May 25 in Malta as final evaluations begin appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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