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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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