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.

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Casino Guru is excited to announce a strategic collaboration with the Ethical Gambling Forum (EGF), a leading industry event focused on responsible gambling, sustainability, and ethical business practices. This partnership represents a major step forward in promoting ethics, transparency, and player protection across the iGaming sector.

As part of the initiative, the Casino Guru Awards will take a prominent role during the upcoming EGF conference, bringing the awards process directly into a space where industry stakeholders are united in their commitment to raising standards and safeguarding players.

From April 30 to May 1, Casino Guru will host an exclusive judges’ session during the conference week. This hands-on gathering will allow the Awards jury to actively review shortlisted nominees, conducting direct calls with candidates to gain deeper insight into their operations, values, and dedication to responsible gambling. This approach ensures that the Awards remain rigorous, transparent, and merit-based.

Additionally, Casino Guru will lead a panel discussion at the conference, featuring Awards judges and industry experts. The session will explore the significance of independent evaluation, ethical standards in iGaming, and how initiatives like the Casino Guru Awards contribute to a safer, more transparent gambling environment.

Daniela Sliva, PR & Creative Projects Director at Casino Guru, said:
“This partnership with the Ethical Gambling Forum is a natural fit. We share core values around ethics, transparency, responsible gambling, and player protection. By enabling judges to engage directly with shortlisted candidates, we add an extra layer of integrity and depth to the evaluation process, which truly sets the Casino Guru Awards apart.”

Jo Abergel, Co-Founder of the Ethical Gambling Forum, added:
“Partnering with Casino Guru for the Leeds event reinforces the message that accountability must be at the heart of our industry’s future. Together, we are creating a space for honest dialogue and meaningful progress, celebrating those who lead by example in player protection and industry integrity.”

This collaboration underscores the shared mission of Casino Guru and EGF: to elevate industry standards, support responsible operators, and recognize organizations that prioritize player well-being. By embedding the Awards judging process within the Ethical Gambling Forum, both organizations aim to foster transparency, encourage accountability, and celebrate ethical leadership in iGaming.

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Casino Guru Academy has officially crossed the 5,000-user mark, which clearly demonstrates a growing interest in accessible and meaningful education for iGaming professionals.

As an extension of Casino Guru, the world’s biggest source of information about online casinos and player advocacy, the Academy offers free practical courses that help raise as well as improve iGaming industry standards.

Five thousand users who joined Casino Guru Academy demonstrate how useful education can be, particularly when produced in partnership with industry experts. Courses that the Academy provides focus on real-world tools and skills required in customer support, anti-money laundering, affiliate management, safer gambling, and more.

“The fact that we now have over 5,000 users is a huge success for us, as it shows how many people value this kind of learning. Having companies use our courses for onboarding is one of the key reasons we have reached this milestone. It proves there’s genuine demand for our work and supports the impact we aim to create,” said Šimon Vincze, Sustainable & Safer Gambling Lead and the person behind the Casino Guru Academy.

This accomplishment follows the Academy’s first-ever appearance at SiGMA Malta in September 2025, when the team behind the Academy introduced its mission to a larger audience. The event exceeded all expectations and was a key step toward developing direct connections with its audience.

Additionally, Casino Guru Academy has introduced an upgraded version of its website to make course navigation easier, increase accessibility, and provide a more engaging experience. The new layout also creates a path for future development as the Academy broadens its course library.

With that said, a new course on responses to self-harm and suicide threats is in the works and should be released by the end of the year. It’s intended for customer support agents and responsible gambling representatives to recognize players in distress, respond to potential self-harm threats, and take action.

With the 5,000-user milestone achieved and new design improvements completed, the Casino Guru Academy continues to grow, making a positive impact on the iGaming community.

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