Nominations now open for Casino Guru Awards 2026: Celebrating fairness, responsibility, and innovation in iGaming

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Casino Guru is proud to announce that nominations are now open for the 4th annual Casino Guru Awards 2026, recognizing fairness, transparency, social responsibility, and innovation that push the iGaming industry forward.

After three successful editions, the Casino Guru Awards continue to honor organizations and individuals making a meaningful difference in online gambling. The 2026 edition will culminate in an exclusive live ceremony on May 25, 2026, at the stunning The Xara Lodge in Malta, held in partnership with NEXT.io during NEXT Valletta (May 27–28).

New Categories for 2026

Reflecting Casino Guru’s ongoing mission to promote integrity, innovation, and responsible growth, this year’s awards introduce four new categories:

Woman Leader of the Year

Honoring an exceptional female leader whose vision and influence have meaningfully shaped her company and the wider industry.

Rising Star in Responsible Gambling

Recognizing organizations that show outstanding early progress in promoting safer gambling practices.

Young Changemaker Award

Celebrating a professional under 30 whose forward-thinking ideas and ethical innovation have already made a visible impact in 2025, setting new standards for iGaming integrity and progress.

Industry Culture Shaper

Acknowledging companies that foster positive, transparent, and growth-oriented workplaces.

Alongside the new additions, the 2026 Awards continue to celebrate excellence across established categories that reflect Casino Guru’s core values of fairness, transparency, and responsibility:

• The Fairest Bonus Policy
• The Fairest General Terms & Conditions
• The Most Impactful Social Responsibility Initiative
• The Best Implementation of Responsible Gambling Tools
• The Most Transparent Casino
• The Most Effective Handling of Complaints
• Players’ Choice
• iGaming Changemaker of the Year
• Voice of the People

Key Dates: Casino Guru Awards 2026 Timeline

• Nominations open: October 2025
• Nominations close: February 15, 2026
• Shortlisted nominees announced: March 1, 2026
• Public voting begins: March 1, 2026
• Judges’ evaluations: April 30 – May 7, 2026
• Public voting ends: May 7, 2026
• Winners announced: May 25, 2026 — The Xara Lodge, Malta

A Celebration of Integrity and Innovation

The Casino Guru Awards 2026 Ceremony will once again bring together shortlisted nominees, esteemed judges, sponsors and media partners, and industry leaders for an unforgettable evening of recognition and connection.

This invite-only live event will celebrate not only the winners but also the spirit of collaboration and innovation driving positive change in iGaming. The evening at The Xara Lodge, surrounded by the charm of the Maltese countryside, will be followed by the NEXT Summit Valletta 2026 at the Mediterranean Conference Centre.

Daniela Sliva, PR & Creative Project Director at Casino Guru and leader of the Awards project, shared her excitement: “Each year, the Casino Guru Awards grow stronger, not just in scale, but in purpose. The 2026 edition expands our mission to celebrate those who challenge the industry to be better through innovation, transparency, and responsible practices. Hosting the ceremony at The Xara Lodge in partnership with NEXT.io is the perfect way to honor the people and companies shaping a fairer, safer iGaming world.”

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