IAGR honors global regulators for advancing governance and player protection

The International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) has announced the winners of the IAGR International Regulatory Awards 2025. The program recognized regulators from Australia, Nigeria, and Denmark for implementing reforms that enhanced transparency, governance, and player protection.

The winners’ initiatives — from casino remediation to self-exclusion systems and youth education — represent evolving standards in gambling oversight, according to the association. Regulators were awarded during the IAGR's 2025 conference in Toronto.

IAGR President Ben Haden, who served on the judging panel, said this year’s awardees demonstrated measurable progress and sustainable outcomes.

“Our judges looked for clear problem definitions, robust interventions and evidence of impact. The 2025 winners show how thoughtful reforms, strong governance and targeted education can improve consumer protection and market integrity over the long term,” Haden said.

NSW Independent Casino Commission leads remediation in Australia

The Regulatory Excellence Award was presented to the NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC) of Australia for a three-year, milestone-driven remediation of Crown Sydney following the Bergin Inquiry. The project involved eliminating junkets, improving financial crime controls, enhancing harm-minimization programs, and reforming governance structures.

“The NSW Independent Casino Commission is proud to be recognised for its dedication to restoring the expected standards at Crown Sydney,” said Murray Smith, Acting Chief Commissioner of the NSW Independent Casino Commission. “This has included three years of intense remediation, which has completely transformed the casino's governance, culture, safety, and compliance functions.”

“The NICC has proven that it is possible to enact long-lasting change and in doing so has set a new standard for Australian casino operations,” Smith added.

Lagos regulator recognized for self-exclusion innovation

Nigeria’s Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA) received the Regulatory Innovation Award for SAFEPLAY — Africa’s first regulator-led, multi-operator self-exclusion platform. Managed centrally by the regulator and integrated with operator systems, the initiative established a consistent and replicable model for consumer protection.

“We are honoured to receive the IAGR Regulatory Innovation Award for our SafePlay initiative. This recognition reaffirms our commitment to responsible gambling, player protection, and data-driven regulation that puts the welfare of Lagos residents at the heart of our innovation,” said Bashir A. Are, Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority.

Danish Gambling Authority recognized for youth education campaign

The Danish Gambling Authority (DGA) received the Best Regulatory Campaign Award for an interactive, school-based education program that engages young people through demonstrations and surveys. The program recorded attitudinal shifts from gambling “to make money” toward informed play and awareness of available help services.

It is the second consecutive year that the DGA received the award.

“I'm very proud that IAGR has bestowed The Danish Gambling Authority with this award. It's crucial that young people understand that gambling is designed so that the player always loses in the long run. By conveying this message, we hope to promote a balanced attitude toward gambling, and I'm extremely honoured that our efforts are recognised internationally,” said Anders Dorph, Director of the Danish Gambling Authority.

The 2025 IAGR International Regulatory Awards spotlighted approaches that link governance reform, responsible gambling initiatives, and education to the development of effective regulatory systems across jurisdictions.