Finalists named for inaugural Regulating the Game Global Awards

Finalists have been announced for the inaugural Regulating the Game (RTG) Global Awards following strong global interest and engagement in the first year of the programme.

The Global Awards were established to recognise leadership, stewardship and excellence across gambling policy and regulation, safer gambling, compliance, technology and community outcomes, highlighting their role in supporting integrity, public confidence and sustainable sector development.

According to Regulating the Game, the volume and quality of submissions in the inaugural year reflected "a strong appetite for recognition" that is independent and based on demonstrable real-world impact.

Among the finalists are Dr Eugenia Chidhakwa of the Lotteries and Gaming Board in Zimbabwe, Rob Annable of Picklebet and Duncan Garvie of BetBlocker in the community impact category; Dominic Monti of Wests Illawarra, Nathan Hinde of PointsBet and Sue Pemberton of Parramatta Leagues Club for compliance excellence; and Michael Simone of Bankstown District Sports Club and Vicki Le of Cabravale Club Resort recognised as emerging leaders.

Chris Dimou of Parramatta Leagues Club, Gaming Laboratories International and Danny Munk of Wests Illawarra were named finalists for leadership voice, while CherryHub and KONAMI Australia were recognised in the RegTech category. Crown PlaySafe, Parq Casino and The Star Entertainment Group were named finalists for safer gambling champion.

Finalists have been confirmed across all six award categories, with the full list to be published on the Regulating the Game Global Awards website.

Shortlisting was conducted through independent assessment by a judging panel comprising senior industry figures, including Don Hammond, chief executive officer of Leagues Clubs Australia; Jamie Nettleton, former president of the International Masters of Gaming Law and partner at Addisons; Khalid Ali, chief executive officer of the International Betting Integrity Association; and Tracy Parker, senior vice-president for accreditation, advisory and insights at the Responsible Gambling Council in Canada.

Paul Newson, RTG founder and principal at Vanguard Overwatch, said: “The response to the first year of the Global Awards shows there is a clear place for recognition that goes beyond profile or promotion. These Awards are about surfacing leadership and stewardship - the people, organisations and solutions that are lifting standards, shaping practice and contributing to better sector and community outcomes.”

“The independence and calibre of the judging panel have been central to that credibility,” he added.

The RTG Global Awards Gala Dinner will be held as part of the broader Regulating the Game programme, with tickets available separately. Further information on conference registration and awards tickets is available on the Regulating the Game website.