Casino Guru Awards winners highlight growing focus on responsibility and industry standards

Winners, sponsors and industry executives reflected on efforts to improve industry standards and responsible gaming practices following the Casino Guru Awards 2026, which recognised achievements across multiple categories in the global iGaming sector.

The awards ceremony, hosted in collaboration with NEXT.io and supported by sponsors including PayOp, Bragg Gaming Group, RedCore and SPRIBE, brought together operators, suppliers, affiliates and responsible gambling advocates to recognise achievements across multiple industry categories.

Among the biggest winners of the evening was iWild Casino, which received three awards: Fairest Bonus Policy, Most Effective Handling of Complaints and the Voice of the People Award.

"It was a real evening of victories for our team. Going on stage to receive the award three times was a real adventure," said Irina from iWild Casino.

Several winners highlighted that the awards reflected increasing industry attention to raising standards and promoting positive change.

Irina Veselkova, Head of Marketing at Endorphina and winner of the Young Changemaker Award, said the recognition underscored the importance of initiatives designed to improve the industry.

"Being seen and recognised as a Young Changemaker is a true honour. A massive thank you to Casino Guru for putting together such an outstanding awards programme. The work you do is absolutely stunning, and I'm so grateful to be part of it as an Endorphina representative," said Veselkova.

Responsible gaming organisation GambleAware Nigeria, which won the Rising Star in Responsible Gaming Award, said the recognition reflected its work with vulnerable communities.

"This recognition means a great deal to us, not just as an organisation but for the vulnerable communities we support," said Winifred Diete-Spiff, Partnerships Manager at GambleAware Nigeria.

She said the event's emphasis on impact aligned with the organisation's approach to responsible gaming and community engagement.

Flutter UKI was recognised with the Most Impactful Social Responsibility Initiative Award. Rich Clarke, Flutter UKI Managing Director Product Customer, said the award acknowledged the company's efforts to promote safe and responsible play.

"Winning the Casino Guru award is especially meaningful because it reflects the work we do across the business to support our customers, promote safe and responsible play and help drive positive change across the wider betting and gaming industry. We believe we lead the industry in safety and trust, and it's particularly pleasing to have the recognition of external experts," Clarke said.

Sponsors and partners also highlighted the event's role in bringing together industry stakeholders and facilitating discussions on future developments.

"Being at the Casino Guru Awards was truly a highlight for us. It's rare to get so many brilliant iGaming minds under one roof, and the energy in the room was just incredible. It was the perfect, relaxed space to actually catch up with everyone, share ideas, and feel the pulse of the industry. The atmosphere was amazing from start to finish," said Iryna Borkun, Head of Business Development at PayOp.

Andy Barabash, Head of Gaming at RedCore, said: "We've been supporting Casino Guru Awards for the second year in a row, and every time it reinforces what this event stands for: integrity, responsibility, and genuine contribution to the industry. 

"Behind Casino Guru Awards are people who move the industry forward through concrete action. Presenting the iGaming Changemaker of the Year Award was especially meaningful to us - driving industry growth and setting trends is one of RedCore's core missions," Barabash added.

SPRIBE Chief Commercial Officer Giorgi Tsutskiridze said the awards had become "an important celebration of excellence, innovation, and responsibility within our industry." 

"The evening itself was exceptionally well organised and provided a great opportunity to connect with peers, exchange ideas, and recognise the achievements that continue to drive our industry forward," Tsutskiridze said.

Aleksandar Dasic, Head of Affiliate Marketing, said the event provided a platform to recognise companies and individuals helping to move the industry forward in a responsible manner.

"We're proud to be part of the Casino Guru Awards 2026 and to support an event that highlights achievement, dedication, and positive impact within the industry. It is a valuable opportunity to recognise the people and companies helping move the sector forward in a meaningful and responsible way," Aleksandar added.

As the industry continues to face increasing scrutiny around player protection and responsible gambling practices, the awards remain focused on recognising organisations and individuals contributing to a safer, fairer and more transparent gaming environment.