Regulating the Game opens Global Awards 2026 to industry submissions

The Regulating the Game (RTG) Global Awards 2026 has opened its nomination process, inviting entries from international operators, suppliers, regulators, and stakeholders across the gambling sector.

Organizers said the awards will recognize initiatives and leadership that contribute to safer gambling practices, transparent governance, compliance, and technology-driven solutions.

The categories cover a range of operational and leadership areas within the industry:

• Leadership Voice Award – for individuals who have demonstrated principled leadership through reform, advocacy, or strategic action.
• Safer Gambling Champion – for venues, operators, or organizations with measurable impact in promoting safer gambling or harm-minimization practices.
• Compliance Excellence – for organizations showing progress in regulatory compliance, risk culture, or anti-money laundering (AML) capabilities.
• RegTech Solution of the Year – for providers delivering technological solutions that improve compliance, AML, safer gambling, or integrity outcomes through data, AI, or operational tools.
• Sustainable Gambling Innovation – recognizing initiatives aimed at long-term operational sustainability.
• Community Impact Initiative – for projects delivering benefits to local communities through sports, youth programs, social partnerships, or harm-prevention efforts.
• Emerging Leader – Safer Gambling or Compliance – for leaders under 40 making significant contributions in safer gambling, compliance, or ethical leadership.

The awards process will follow these dates:

• Nominations open: July 1, 2025
• Nominations close: December 12, 2025
• Finalists announced: February 2, 2026
• Awards presentation: March 10, 2026, during the RTG Gala Dinner and Awards

Nominations can be submitted through the official Regulating the Game website.

Organizers also invited industry leaders and organizations to participate in the inaugural program as collaborators. To explore partnership opportunities or get involved, contact organizers at [email protected]

The panel for the 2026 awards includes representatives from global industry organizations:

• Khalid Ali, CEO of the International Betting Integrity Association
• Jamie Nettleton, Partner at Addisons and former President of the International Masters of Gaming Law
• Tracy Parker, VP of Policy, Standards & Accreditation at the Responsible Gambling Council

According to RTG, the Global Awards are intended to identify and share examples of leadership, innovation, and measurable impact in the gambling sector. Areas of focus include regulatory outcomes, harm prevention, ethical leadership, and long-term sustainability.