The Casino Guru Awards 2025 have reached an exciting milestone: evaluation time. On April 22 and 23, our esteemed panel of judges will begin conducting online evaluation calls with all shortlisted candidates across various award categories. These 30-minute sessions offer a unique opportunity for nominees to present their work, explain the vision behind their nominations, and engage in open dialogue with our expert judges.
Interactive, insightful, impactful

The evaluation calls, now a signature part of the Casino Guru Awards process, go far beyond reviewing nomination forms. They bring the human element to the forefront, giving judges the chance to hear directly from the people behind the innovations, initiatives, and platforms.

This year’s process again brings together two panels of judges, featuring both internal Casino Guru experts and external professionals from across the iGaming space. While the written nominations set the stage, it’s these calls that allow judges to ask questions, explore specific areas in more detail, and truly assess how well each nominee embodies the values of the Casino Guru Awards: fairness, transparency, innovation, and social responsibility.

“This part of the process is where the nominations come alive,” says Daniela Sliva, PR & Creative Project Director at Casino Guru and the visionary behind the Awards. “We’re looking for more than good intentions—we want to see passion, preparation, and a deep understanding of what makes an impact in this industry. These conversations are often eye-opening for both sides, and sometimes a call can change the whole perception of a nomination.”

A fair and rigorous selection
All shortlisted candidates will be evaluated through these live sessions, which are a vital piece of the final voting process. After the calls, judges are given time to reflect and reassess, using both written materials and insights gained from the interviews before anonymously casting their votes.

As in previous years, each judge receives three points to distribute among the candidates in each category. The winner is then determined through a transparent point-counting process.
It’s worth noting that even nominees who are unable to attend the calls are still eligible to win—though participating gives them a powerful chance to make their case directly and stand out. The process is intentionally designed to reward engagement, readiness, and integrity.

Looking toward Malta
The anticipation is building toward the Casino Guru Awards 2025 Gala Ceremony, taking place for the first time as a live, invite-only event at the prestigious Hilton Hotel in St. Julian’s, Malta, on June 6, 2025. Here, winners across all categories will be revealed in what promises to be a grand celebration of responsibility and achievement in iGaming.

In addition to the judge-assessed categories, the Players’ Choice and Voice of the People are already open for public voting—further reinforcing the Awards’ mission to reflect both industry expertise and real-world impact.

As the evaluation calls commence, we at Casino Guru celebrate every shortlisted nominee who has made it this far. Your innovation, effort, and commitment to a better gambling environment have already earned you a place among the industry’s elite.

Casino Guru is excited to announce that Wicked Games will be joining the prestigious list of sponsors for the upcoming 2025 Casino Guru Awards, marking an exciting addition to this highly anticipated event. The awards, which celebrate excellence in the iGaming industry, will take place on June 6, 2025, at the Hilton Hotel in St. Julian’s, Malta.

The 2025 edition of the Casino Guru Awards promises to be a night of exceptional recognition, spotlighting those who lead the way in innovation, social responsibility, transparency, and positive influence within the industry. This year’s event will feature an exclusive live ceremony, offering an unparalleled opportunity to connect, celebrate, and raise the bar for the future of iGaming.

Wicked Games joins a distinguished group of sponsors backing the Casino Guru Awards, an event that upholds the values of fairness, responsible gambling, and ethical business practices. By supporting this important initiative, Wicked Games is reaffirming its commitment to pushing for higher standards within the iGaming sector.

“Wicked Games is proud to support the Casino Guru Awards, an event that recognizes those driving transparency, responsibility, and forward-thinking in iGaming. Celebrating the industry’s best and pushing for higher standards is something worth backing, and we’re looking forward to an incredible evening in Malta,” said Karl von Brockdorff, Wicked Games‘ Head of Brand.

The Casino Guru Awards 2025 will bring together the brightest minds, innovators, and trailblazers in the iGaming industry for a memorable evening of celebration and recognition. With its commitment to responsible gambling and industry leadership, the event is a must-attend for those dedicated to elevating the standards of the iGaming world.

Wicked Games joins other renowned sponsors including PayOp, Medier, BGaming, Evoplay, PIN-UP Global, and Winfinity, who are instrumental in ensuring the success of the Casino Guru Awards 2025.

The Casino Guru Awards 2025 will honor leaders across ten categories, including the newly introduced Players’ Choice and iGaming Changemaker of the Year awards.