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Momentum is building for the inaugural RTG Global Awards – a new global platform celebrating excellence in leadership, innovation and impact across the gambling industry.

Designed to spotlight those advancing integrity, safer gambling and sector resilience, the awards have attracted international attention from organisations driving meaningful reform and raising industry standards.

To be presented at the Regulating the Game 2026 Gala Dinner on Tuesday March 10, 2026 at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, the RTG Global Awards recognise excellence across leadership, safer gambling, compliance, technology innovation and community impact.

Paul Newson, principal at Vanguard Overwatch and founder of Regulating the Game, said the awards have struck a chord with the sector:

“There’s a genuine need to acknowledge those striving to lift standards and lead with purpose. The RTG Global Awards provide a platform to celebrate excellence, integrity, and innovation – and to champion those shaping a stronger, more sustainable industry.”

The RTG Global Awards feature six categories:

Leadership Voice – Recognising principled, reform-focused leadership that strengthens capability, trust and integrity.

Safer Gambling Champion – Celebrating initiatives that deliver meaningful harm minimisation outcomes.

Compliance Excellence – Highlighting uplift in AML, risk culture and regulatory compliance.

RegTech Solution of the Year – Showcasing technologies improving sector integrity and compliance.

Community Impact Initiative – Rewarding projects delivering tangible community benefit.

Emerging Leader – Spotlighting rising talent (under 40) driving positive change.

Nominations are now open – anyone can put forward a colleague, organisation or initiative that exemplifies leadership and impact.

The RTG Global Awards judging panel brings together internationally respected leaders with deep expertise across integrity, gambling law and safer gambling, including:

Khalid Ali, Chief Executive Officer, International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA)

Jamie Nettleton, Partner, Addisons, and former President, International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL)

Tracy Parker, Vice-President, Policy, Standards & Accreditation, Responsible Gambling Council (RGC)

Together, they bring a wealth of global experience and insight to the judging process – ensuring the awards reflect genuine excellence, leadership and impact across the international gambling sector.

The post RTG Global Awards to be Presented During Regulating the Game 2026 Gala Dinner on 10 March 2026 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Casino Guru is proud to announce that nominations are now open for the 4th annual Casino Guru Awards 2026, recognizing fairness, transparency, social responsibility, and innovation that push the iGaming industry forward.

After three successful editions, the Casino Guru Awards continue to honor organizations and individuals making a meaningful difference in online gambling. The 2026 edition will culminate in an exclusive live ceremony on May 25, 2026, at the stunning The Xara Lodge in Malta, held in partnership with NEXT.io during NEXT Valletta (May 27–28).

New Categories for 2026

Reflecting Casino Guru’s ongoing mission to promote integrity, innovation, and responsible growth, this year’s awards introduce four new categories:

Woman Leader of the Year

Honoring an exceptional female leader whose vision and influence have meaningfully shaped her company and the wider industry.

Rising Star in Responsible Gambling

Recognizing organizations that show outstanding early progress in promoting safer gambling practices.

Young Changemaker Award

Celebrating a professional under 30 whose forward-thinking ideas and ethical innovation have already made a visible impact in 2025, setting new standards for iGaming integrity and progress.

Industry Culture Shaper

Acknowledging companies that foster positive, transparent, and growth-oriented workplaces.

Alongside the new additions, the 2026 Awards continue to celebrate excellence across established categories that reflect Casino Guru’s core values of fairness, transparency, and responsibility:

• The Fairest Bonus Policy
• The Fairest General Terms & Conditions
• The Most Impactful Social Responsibility Initiative
• The Best Implementation of Responsible Gambling Tools
• The Most Transparent Casino
• The Most Effective Handling of Complaints
• Players’ Choice
• iGaming Changemaker of the Year
• Voice of the People

Key Dates: Casino Guru Awards 2026 Timeline

• Nominations open: October 2025
• Nominations close: February 15, 2026
• Shortlisted nominees announced: March 1, 2026
• Public voting begins: March 1, 2026
• Judges’ evaluations: April 30 – May 7, 2026
• Public voting ends: May 7, 2026
• Winners announced: May 25, 2026 — The Xara Lodge, Malta

A Celebration of Integrity and Innovation

The Casino Guru Awards 2026 Ceremony will once again bring together shortlisted nominees, esteemed judges, sponsors and media partners, and industry leaders for an unforgettable evening of recognition and connection.

This invite-only live event will celebrate not only the winners but also the spirit of collaboration and innovation driving positive change in iGaming. The evening at The Xara Lodge, surrounded by the charm of the Maltese countryside, will be followed by the NEXT Summit Valletta 2026 at the Mediterranean Conference Centre.

Daniela Sliva, PR & Creative Project Director at Casino Guru and leader of the Awards project, shared her excitement: “Each year, the Casino Guru Awards grow stronger, not just in scale, but in purpose. The 2026 edition expands our mission to celebrate those who challenge the industry to be better through innovation, transparency, and responsible practices. Hosting the ceremony at The Xara Lodge in partnership with NEXT.io is the perfect way to honor the people and companies shaping a fairer, safer iGaming world.”

The post Nominations now open for Casino Guru Awards 2026: Celebrating fairness, responsibility, and innovation in iGaming appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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For the second year in a row, an initiative from the Danish Gambling Authority has been recognised as the best in the world by international peers. At a major conference in Toronto, Canada, the Authority received the Best responsible / safer gambling initiative award for its engaging educational sessions in Danish secondary schools. The jury particularly highlighted how the programme has clearly influenced young people’s attitudes towards gambling.

The award is presented by the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) – a network of 81 gambling authorities from around the world that meet annually to discuss key cross-border issues. Last year, the Danish Gambling Authority won with its campaign The One-Armed Bandit. Now, another trophy is heading to Denmark.

Since 2022, the Danish Gambling Authority has offered free presentations to secondary schools across the country – more than 200 so far.

“Gambling plays a big role in many schools. In some classrooms, gambling has almost become part of the everyday culture. It distracts from learning and can lead to addiction. That’s why we developed our own educational programme to help students understand how gambling works and where to seek help if it gets out of hand,” said Anders Dorph, Director of the Danish Gambling Authority.

The presentations are delivered by a team of eight staff members from the Danish Gambling Authority, typically working in pairs. They are held in individual classes to ensure maximum participation. A real roulette table is a key feature, providing students with a tangible understanding of how games of chance operate.

“Our goal isn’t to tell students never to gamble. It’s to make sure that if they choose to play, they understand that the games are designed so the player will lose money over time,” said Heine Jakobsen, Special Adviser and coordinator of the programme, who accepted the award in Toronto on behalf of the Authority.

Impact studies show a clear shift in students’ attitudes towards gambling. The Danish Gambling Authority conducted surveys before and three months after each visit – and the results speak for themselves:

Before the session, 64% said they gambled to win money. Three months later, that number had dropped to 54%.

The share of students gambling for entertainment rose from 70% to 87%.

This shift – from gambling to make money towards gambling as entertainment – demonstrates that the Danish Gambling Authority’s message is resonating with young people.

The interactive approach and measurable results are key reasons why the Danish Gambling Authority has now received the award for the second consecutive year.

The jury’s motivation read: “For an interactive, school-based education programme that engages young people with practical demonstrations and surveys evidencing shifts away from gambling ‘to make money’ towards safer play and awareness of help services.”

“We are truly honoured to receive this award. It’s vital that young people understand gambling as entertainment – not a shortcut to easy money. By meeting them with honesty and engagement, we’ve managed to make responsible gambling relevant and accessible for our target group. I’m proud that the jury recognised this, and that our work can inspire other regulators around the world,” said Anders Dorph.

The post The Danish Gambling Authority Wins International Award for Education Programme in Secondary Schools appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.