LEAD PARTNER
SHORTLIST
Honoring leading companies, breakthrough up-and-comers, and the most dynamic individuals who have made their mark in the Americas gaming industry over the past year
IS PROUD TO SUPPORT THE GLOBAL GAMING AWARDS AND
CONGRATULATES THIS YEAR’S FINALISTS
S C AN QR C ODE TO LEARN MORE
SHORTLISTED IN
CATEGORIES LAND-BASED SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR
CLASS III PRODUCT INNOVATION OF THE YEAR
AMUSE
A WELCOME FROM OUR CEO
Gary Roudette,
Founder & CEO, Global Gaming Insider On behalf of everyone at Global Gaming Insider, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the thirteenth annual Global Gaming Awards Americas. Over the past decade, the Global Gaming Awards have become the gaming industry’s fairest, most prestigious, and most respected awards. What began as a celebration of excellence has evolved into a benchmark for achievement, recognizing the companies and individuals driving our industry forward. I am incredibly proud that our Americas event continues to lead the way and set the standard for our Awards around the world. The Americas remains one of the most exciting and dynamic gaming regions in the world. Across the US, commercial, Tribal, and digital
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operators continue to raise the bar for player experience, while Latin America is entering an exciting new chapter as regulated markets such as Brazil and Peru gather momentum and other established jurisdictions including Colombia and Mexico continue to evolve. The recent launch of Alberta’s regulated iGaming market marks another significant milestone, further expanding opportunities across North America. Together, these developments are reshaping the industry’s future. At the same time, suppliers continue to drive the industry’s evolution through groundbreaking technologies and products that are transforming how operators engage with players across landbased, digital and omnichannel experiences. Every company and executive featured in this year’s Shortlist has made a significant contribution over the past 12 months and deserves recognition for those achievements. At the heart of the Global Gaming Awards is a commitment to fairness, transparency, and integrity. Every nomination is carefully reviewed, the voting process is independently adjudicated by KPMG US, and every winner is chosen by a judging panel of senior executives with deep knowledge and experience in the industry. That process is what makes these Awards so meaningful, and why being shortlisted is an achievement in itself. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our Judging Panel for generously giving their time and expertise, to KPMG US for once again safeguarding the integrity of the voting process, and to our Lead Partner, Interblock, together with all of our Gold and Silver sponsors, for their continued support of the Awards. Finally, I would like to thank our partners at RX and the AGA for once again welcoming us to the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas. There is no better place for the gaming industry to come together, celebrate success, exchange ideas and look ahead to the future. We are honored that the Global Gaming Awards Americas once again opens one of the industry’s most important weeks. Congratulations to every shortlisted company and executive. I wish you the very best of luck, and I look forward to celebrating with you in Las Vegas on September 28th.
A WELCOME FROM INTERBLOCK Welcome to the 2026 Global Gaming Awards Americas. Interblock is proud to serve as Lead Partner, and it’s a pleasure to open this year’s ceremony. I’ve spent much of my first period as CEO on casino floors. The thing that stays with me is how fast the verdict comes in. A player walks up, or doesn’t. They stay for the next round, or they leave. Every roadmap, every board deck, every supplier conversation eventually arrives at that one moment on the floor, and the moment is short. Our industry doesn’t always talk about it that way. We talk about footprint, margin, floor mix, unit economics. All of it necessary. None of it the thing the player actually experiences. My own view is that the operators and suppliers who do best over the next decade will be the ones who stay closest to that moment and let it shape everything upstream of it, what gets built, what gets funded, what gets floor space. That’s the standard I want Interblock measured against, and it’s what I look for in the work recognized here. Interblock appears on this year’s shortlist as well. I’m proud of the teams behind that, and I’ll say nothing further about it, other than that we’re in good company. And that’s the part worth pausing on. The companies, products, properties and individuals in the pages that follow have earned their place. From this shortlist, the winners will be chosen by roughly a hundred senior people from across the industry, with the voting independently adjudicated. The results offer a reasonably
Kay Oswald,
Chief Executive Officer, Interblock
honest picture of who has done the best work in the Americas this year and reading the list properly will tell you more about this market than most reports do. To everyone shortlisted: congratulations. Getting a good idea through budget, build, regulatory approval and onto a live floor is genuinely hard, and each name here represents a team that managed it. I’ll be at the ceremony and across G2E all week, and I’d rather spend that time listening than talking. Please come and find me.
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A NOTE FROM OUR ADJUDICATOR The excitement for the Global Gaming Awards grows every year, for good reason. The Global Gaming Awards celebrate the best of the industry, and are managed with the highest focus on integrity in the voting process. We are proud to be the official adjudicator of the Global Gaming Awards as it reflects our commitment to the integrity of the global gaming industry and helps the GGA to ensure fairness and maintain trust.
Rick Arpin,
Las Vegas Managing Partner, KPMG US Gaming Leader
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To accomplish this, KPMG reviews the GGA’s system and tools for collecting votes and ensuring judges cannot vote in categories where they have a conflict. We also check that the winner and runner-up in each category have been determined correctly based on votes cast, and selects a random sample of judges whom we contact to verify that the votes recorded for them in the system are a complete and accurate reflection of their voting. We look forward to seeing everyone at the ceremony, and congratulations to all the shortlisted companies.
FROM THE LEADERS OF AGA AND G2E “The Global Gaming Awards celebrate the people and organizations setting new standards for excellence and making a lasting impact across our industry. This year’s finalists represent the remarkable talent, innovation, and leadership that make gaming such a dynamic industry. Congratulations to every nominee, including American Gaming Association members. We look forward to recognizing their achievements at G2E this September!”
Bill Miller,
President and CEO, American Gaming Association
“RX is excited to celebrate the leadership and accomplishments represented among this year’s Global Gaming Awards finalists. Each nominee has made a meaningful impact on our industry, and we’re pleased to recognize their achievements. Each finalist demonstrates dedication and innovation driving our industry forward. Wishing everyone the best of luck, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you at G2E this September!”
Korbi Carrison, Event Vice President, G2E at RX
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Mariya Savova,
Marketing Director, Global Gaming Insider Few gaming markets have evolved as rapidly over the past year as the Americas. From record-breaking financial performance and regulatory developments to major resort investments and breakthrough technology, the industry has continued to raise the bar across every sector. Commercial, Tribal and digital gaming all reached new milestones, while operators and suppliers embraced innovation to deliver better experiences both on the casino floor and online. The latest figures from the American Gaming Association highlight the industry’s continued strength. According to the AGA, US commercial gaming generated a record $78.72bn in gross gaming revenue during 2025, a 9.2% increase on the previous year. Legal, regulated gaming also contributed a record $18.09bn in state and local tax revenue, supporting education, infrastructure and public services across the country. Every one of the 38 commercial gaming jurisdictions reported annual
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revenue growth, underlining the resilience and continued appeal of regulated gaming. Growth was recorded across every major vertical. Traditional casino gaming remained the industry’s largest revenue generator, while sports betting continued its impressive expansion and iGaming once again delivered the fastest year-on-year growth, reflecting increasing consumer demand for regulated online products. Tribal gaming enjoyed another exceptional year. The National Indian Gaming Commission reported gross gaming revenues of $46.2bn for fiscal year 2025, up 5.3% year-on-year. Generated by 545 gaming facilities operated by 246 Tribes across 29 states, the results reinforce the vital role gaming continues to play in supporting Tribal self-sufficiency, economic development and community investment. Across the country, Tribal operators have continued investing in their properties and communities. One notable milestone came from Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel, a multiple-time Global Gaming Award winner, which celebrated its 40th anniversary. The milestone reflects both the remarkable evolution of Tribal gaming over the past four decades and the enduring success of one of North America’s premier integrated resorts. Confidence in land-based gaming also remained evident through continued investment in new and existing properties. Hard Rock’s Tejon casino represents another significant addition to California’s gaming landscape, while operators such as Graton Resort & Casino continued investing heavily in property enhancements and guest experiences. New York also reached a historic milestone by awarding its long-awaited downstate casino licenses to Hard Rock Metropolitan Park, Resorts World New York City and Bally’s Bronx. Together, the three multibilliondollar developments are expected to transform the city’s gaming landscape, creating new entertainment destinations, thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic investment. The sports betting sector reached another landmark this summer as the 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered record engagement across regulated sportsbooks. DraftKings reported the World Cup Final became the most bet soccer match in the
company’s history, attracting more than two million bets, while wagers placed throughout the tournament increased by 650% compared with the 2022 World Cup. FanDuel also reported that the Final generated almost 200% more handle than its previous biggest soccer event, demonstrating both the growing popularity of sports betting and operators’ ability to deliver at scale during global sporting events. Canada also entered a new chapter. Following Ontario’s success, Alberta became only the second Canadian province to launch a competitive regulated sports betting and iGaming market. The new framework immediately attracted many of North America’s leading operators and further strengthens Canada’s position as an increasingly important regulated market. Latin America continues to be one of the industry’s most exciting growth stories. Brazil completed its first full year of regulated betting and iGaming, with the licensed market generating BRL37bn ($7bn) in gross gaming revenue according to the regulator. While the regulatory framework continues to evolve, policymakers have shown a clear commitment to building a sustainable, well-regulated market that is expected to become one of the largest in the world. Peru continues to remain one of the most attractive online markets, while Colombia remains an important benchmark for the region despite ongoing tax discussions. Technology continues to redefine every aspect of gaming. Artificial intelligence is now helping operators personalize marketing, optimize casino operations, strengthen compliance and enhance responsible gaming initiatives, while advances in cybersecurity, payments and data analytics are creating smarter, more efficient businesses. Perhaps the biggest technological shift has been the continued rise of omnichannel gaming. Retail and online operations are increasingly viewed as complementary rather than separate, with operators focused on delivering seamless player experiences across every touchpoint. Suppliers have responded by developing technologies that bridge both worlds. Aristocrat’s Awager platform, for example, allows players to remotely access and interact with real slot
machines and ETGs located on casino floors across the US and Canada, seamlessly connecting the offline with the online experience. Innovation has also continued to reshape the casino floor itself. Interblock’s AMUSE has introduced a new category of entertainment-driven gaming, bringing amusement-style experiences to casinos through cinematic themes and social gameplay. Its rapid rollout across US properties highlights operators’ appetite for fresh concepts that attract both traditional casino patrons and new audiences. Of course, it wouldn’t be a year in the gaming industry without a headline-making M&A deal. Fertitta Entertainment’s agreement to acquire Caesars Entertainment in a transaction valued at approximately $17.6bn, including assumed debt, ranks among the largest deals in gaming history and represents another strong vote of confidence in the sector’s long-term growth. Alongside this commercial success, responsible gaming continues to move to the forefront of business strategy. Operators and suppliers alike are investing more heavily in player protection technologies, staff training, education and compliance, demonstrating that sustainable growth and responsible gambling increasingly go hand in hand. Taken together, these achievements paint the picture of an industry that continues to evolve at an extraordinary pace. Record revenues, expanding regulated markets, continued investment in world-class destinations and groundbreaking technological innovation all point toward a sector that is stronger, more resilient and more ambitious than ever before. The companies and individuals featured throughout the following pages have not only witnessed this remarkable year, they have helped shape it. Every nominee on this year’s Global Gaming Awards Americas Shortlist has contributed to the industry’s progress through innovation, leadership, operational excellence and an unwavering commitment to delivering better experiences for players. Congratulations everyone! We are proud to celebrate your achievements and the role you have played in another exceptional year for the Americas gaming industry.
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The
Process
The Global Gaming Awards are widely recognized as the gaming industry’s fairest and most prestigious awards. That reputation has been built on a rigorous, transparent and independently adjudicated process that ensures every shortlisted company and every winner has earned its place.
1. Nominations open
Companies operating across North and South America submit their nominations through the Global Gaming Awards website, showcasing the achievements, innovations and milestones that have defined their business over the past 12 to 18 months.
2. Reviewing the entries
Every nomination is carefully reviewed by the Global Gaming Insider team. To ensure the Shortlist reflects the industry’s strongest performers, we also consult respected independent industry experts and advisors for additional recommendations.
3. Finalizing the Shortlist
Each company category is narrowed down to 10 nominees, while the American Executive of the Year category features 25 shortlisted leaders. To maintain fairness, only one brand from the same corporate group can be shortlisted in any one category.
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4. Supporting statements
Every shortlisted company is invited to submit a short supporting statement outlining why it deserves to win. These statements provide judges with additional context around the achievements that earned each nomination.
5. Industry judging
Senior industry executives take part in the judging process. Only one executive from each company may serve as a judge, and they can’t vote in any categories where they have a conflict of interest. Judges vote for both a winner and a runner-up in every category where they are eligible to vote.
6. Independent adjudication
KPMG US independently adjudicates the voting process, ensuring every vote is accurately counted and the results remain confidential until the winners are revealed.
7. The official Shortlist magazine
Approximately one month before the ceremony, the official Global Gaming Awards Shortlist magazine is published in both print and digital formats. It explains why every company and individual has been nominated, making the Global Gaming Awards the only gaming industry Awards program to provide this level of transparency.
8. The winners are revealed
The winners are announced during a prestigious luncheon on the opening day of the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas, where the industry’s leading operators, suppliers and executives come together to celebrate excellence across North and South America.
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Looking Back Celebrating excellence and innovation in gaming at the Global Gaming Awards Americas 2025 in Las Vegas.
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The
Judging Panel
Meet some of the senior executives who make up the Global Gaming Awards Americas 2026 Judging Panel. Representing operators and suppliers from across North and South America, our judges bring decades of experience across both land-based and digital gaming, with only one executive permitted to represent each company. Meet some of them on the following pages and view the full panel at GlobalGamingAwards.com.
PETER ARCEO
LAUREN O'BRIEN KRUCZYNSKI Sr. Director of Gaming Operations Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.
VP Marketing, Communications and Corporate Sales NOVOMATIC Americas
ANIKA HOWARD
BROOKE FIUMARA
CHRIS WIENERS
Chief Gaming Officer Yuhaaviatam Of San Manuel Nation
CEO Wondr Nation
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Co-Founder & Co-CEO OPTX
KATHLEEN MCLAUGHLIN
Managing Director Velvix
JACOB CLAESSON
CEO - North America Evolution
ADAM WIESBERG
General Manager El Cortez Hotel & Casino
ALEXIS DEVINCENTIS
LANA RIVERA
President Graton Resort & Casino
MANDI HART
Head of Product Sightline Payments
ALICIA LECHTENBERGER
ALLIE EVANGELISTA
BRUCE JONES
ANDY WHITWORTH
President Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol
Vice President Community Relations & Guest Experience Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort
Global Director of Marketing Interblock
Vice President of Sales and Marketing Passport Technology
CEO White Hat Studios
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ANGELA SHEFVELAND
ANNA SAINSBURY
CAMILLE MERCIER
Gaming Operations Manager Treasure Island Resort & Casino
Executive Chair and Co-Founder GeoComply
CEO Spirit Mountain Casino
DAVID NATROSHVILI
DANIEL KUSTELSKI
DERIK MOOBERRY
Founder & CEO SPRIBE
CEO & Founder Chalkline
SHEILA MORAGO
Executive Director Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association
STEPHEN CRYSTAL
Founder & CEO SCCG Management
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CEO Zitro USA
RICKY TROMP
Director Of Casino Operations Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa & Casino
MATTHEW SUNDERLAND
SVP & Chief iGaming Officer Caesars Entertainment
ADAM AZOR
EVP Global Marketing Sportradar
DEBRA NUTTON
HOLLY CAMPANO
LAURA PENNEY
Executive Coach and Gaming Consultant
VP of Casino Marketing Atlantis Paradise Island
CEO Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort
EDDIE AU
MICHAEL DEJONG
SIOBHAN LANE
Chief Operating Officer LT Game
SVP Slot Operations & Marketing Wynn Las Vegas
CAROLINA LUNA
KEVIN REID
Head of Compliance Esportes Gaming Brasil
DAWN CLAYTON
CEO Thunder Valley Casino Resort
CEO - Gaming Light & Wonder
CEO 1X2 Network
LUANN PAPPAS
CEO Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort
BROOKS PIERCE
President & CEO Inspired Entertainment
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GUIDO RIZZO
ERIC WEISS
GAL EHRLICH CEO Beter
Global COO MGR Seating Technology Inc.
HECTOR FERNANDEZ
JENNIFER INNES
KARI STOUT-SMITH
Managing Director IC360
CEO IGT
CEO Betting Jobs
COO and General Manager Cache Creek Casino Resort
MARCUS LUCERO
MATT REBACK
MELANIE HESKETT
VP of Casino Operations Jamul Casino Resort
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President & CEO Galaxy Gaming
General Manager Indigo Sky Casino
PATRICK NICHOLS
PHIL LEE
RAFAEL VERDE
President & CEO The Venetian Resort Las Vegas
CFO & Managing Director, Americas TCSJOHNHUXLEY
SVP, Regional Operations PENN Entertainment
RALITSA GEORGIEVA
ROBERT ZIEMS
SAAM HAFEZI
CEO Octoplay
CEO Gaming Arts
Head of Land-Based & Multi-Channel Gaming Play'n GO
TRACEY WINSLOW
WALTER BUGNO
DR LAILA MINTAS
Global CRO TransAct Technologies
CEO Games Global
Entrepreneur, Investor And Thought Leader
*To see full list of judges visit our website GLOBALGAMINGAWARDS.COM 19
Land-Based Operator of the year
MGM RESORTS INTERNATIONAL MGM Resorts International managed to set a new quarterly record with $4.5bn in Q1 2026 revenue, as casino operations increased 5.6% to nearly $2.4bn, while rooms and food & beverage revenue rose 0.5% and 4.5%, respectively, to $867.9m and $804.8m. The operator also launched an all-inclusive style experience at its Luxor Hotel & Casino and Excalibur Hotel & Casino properties on the Las Vegas Strip. At MGM National Harbor, the property unveiled a new high-limit area for casino players, while the operator also made strides in both responsible gambling and CSR efforts. The MGM Grand in Las Vegas also completed a $300m transformation of 3,969 entirely new rooms and suites within its main tower, inspired by the "glamour and energy" of the disco era to embrace the property's "vibrant" legacy.
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WYNN RESORTS Cementing its own financial success for Q1 2026, Wynn Resorts increased consolidated revenue by 9.2% for a total of $1.9bn, while the operator’s net income rose 65.6% to $120.5m. Wynn Resorts also managed to increase operating income 5.2% to $282.6m despite 9.9% growth in total operating expenses to $1.6bn, while the operator’s total adjusted property EBITDAR grew 5.5% to $562.4m. Wynn Resorts has formed a partnership with Chef's Table to transform Revelry at Wynn Las Vegas this fall. Construction also continues on Wynn’s Al Marjan Island in the UAE, ahead of the scheduled market launch in 2027.
CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT While acquisition headlines may dominate talk around Caesars Entertainment, the operator still put together an impressive year after launching new retail sportsbook facilities in Nevada and Ohio, as well as opening a new beachfront destination in Atlantic City. In January, Caesars expanded the premium accommodation offering at Caesars Palace, unveiling two new Colosseum Presidential Villas and 29 Sky Villas in the Octavius Tower. For Q1 2026, Caesars managed to increase net revenue by 2.7% to $2.9bn, as well as improve its net loss by $17m. Along with the increase in net revenue for Q1 2026, Caesars grew adjusted EBITDA by 0.3% to $887m, led by regional operations with $435m. The operator debuted its Harrah’s Oklahoma on April 9, featuring a ribbon-cutting celebration with leadership from the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma, honorary first bets and live entertainment.
PENN ENTERTAINMENT
HARD ROCK INTERNATIONAL
BALLY’S CORPORATION
HRI is a leader in gaming and entertainment, operating properties that go far beyond the casino floor. In the past 12 months, Hard Rock has demonstrated exceptional growth and operational ambition. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon, a landmark development in California's Kern County, completed phase one in November 2025. The casino includes 150,000 square feet of gaming space with over 2,000 slot machines, more than 60 table games and video poker, making it the second closest Class III casino to Los Angeles. The brand also expanded into Canada with the opening of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa, its first fully integrated resort in the country. Key developments include Metropolitan Park in Queens,NY; Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, featuring a 42-story guitar shaped hotel tower; and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Athens.
PENN Entertainment opened a new hotel tower at Hollywood Casino Columbus in 2026, part of a $100m expansion that adds 203 rooms to the Ohio property. The operator also plans to add a high-limit table games room and a speakeasy bar at the property in the third quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approval. Just days after the hotel tower’s launch, PENN Entertainment opened Hollywood Casino and Hotel Aurora, converting a former riverboat gambling site into a landbased resort complex which represented a $360m investment in the Chicago-area market. PENN Entertainment’s Q1 2026 revenue increased 6.2% to $1.78bn, while online operations grew 23.5% to $358.3m.
For Q1 2026, Bally’s Corporation’s consolidated revenue increased 28.3% to $755.7m, led by casinos & resorts revenue which grew 8.1% to $379.7m. In May, Bally's Chicago Casino Resort reached a significant construction milestone, with a "topping out" ceremony held to mark the completion of the building's structural framework. Bally’s Marquette debuted its new permanent landside facility in Iowa following a $26.2m transformation. The development of its new Marquette facility has created nearly 80 jobs in the local community, as well as strengthened its investment in regional tourism and economic development. The operator was also approved for a commercial casino license in New York, with construction set to begin on a new development in Queens. On the west coast, Bally’s continues work on its new $1.19bn Las Vegas resort destination, which will share residence with the future Las Vegas A’s MLB stadium.
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CHURCHILL DOWNS INCORPORATED
Churchill Downs hosted the grand opening ceremony for its new Marshall Yards Racing & Gaming facility on February 25, a 23,000 sq ft venue which features 225 historical racing machines, a retail sportsbook and simulcast wagering. Marshall Yards Racing & Gaming will help support purse funding for Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel in Kentucky and represents the eighth historical racing and entertainment venue launched in the state by Churchill Downs. The operator reported record first-quarter net revenue of $663m and 3% growth year-over-year, boosted by impressive showings from live and historical racing. Net income attributable to the operator rose 8% to $83m, while adjusted EBITDA increased 5% to a first-quarter record of $257m. This year’s Kentucky Derby was also another huge success.
J&J GAMING J&J Gaming is North America’s premier distributed gaming and amusement operator, delivering industry-leading growth and performance. With 23% CAGR since 2021 and 9% YoY growth from Q1 2025 to Q1 2026, J&J powers 5,000+ licensed partner locations and 41,000+ gaming and amusement machines across regulated markets. Since 1929, J&J has grown to 11 states with 1,400+ team members, becoming the largest distributed gaming operator in the United States. J&J is an operator committed to acting with integrity, providing service excellence, fostering partnerships and supporting its communities by creating jobs and producing revenue for our partners. Offering a 24/7, 365-day service model which is powered by local technicians nationwide, J&J ensures maximum machine uptime and revenue potential.
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CHOCTAW CASINOS & RESORTS
Choctaw Casinos & Resorts unveiled plans for Choctaw Casino & Resort – Pocola to undergo a $140m expansion and renovation project, including a “casino refresh” which will see the property’s gaming floor receive new carpeting and lighting fixtures. The property’s poker room and off-track betting and rewards club will move to upgraded locations, while a new hotel tower is also planned for the expansion and renovation project. In addition, Choctaw Casinos and Resorts partnered with Tangam Systems to help power its table games and slot software at the beginning of 2026, as well as collaborated with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts to integrate its four gaming properties into the franchise’s portfolio. Led by Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant, each property joined the globally recognized Trademark Collection by Wyndham brand, with Choctaw Nation retaining ownership and management of all four resorts.
CIRSA CIRSA has demonstrated exceptional land-based growth across the Americas over the past year, cementing its position as the region's most ambitious operator. Following its landmark IPO on the Madrid Stock Exchange last year (securing a €2.5bn ($2.85bn) valuation and raising €400m ($456m) in fresh capital on its first day of trading) the group recently accelerated its South American expansion with the acquisition of Slots del Sol in Paraguay. With 66 gaming halls across Colombia, a dominant 31-casino presence in Panama, and operations stretching across Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico, CIRSA now operates one of the most extensive land-based footprints in the Americas.
The Power of Play Aristocrat is Proud to Be Shortlisted: Land-Based Supplier (Class II) Land-Based Supplier (Class III) Slot of the Year (MONOPOLY Big Board Bucks ) TM
Product Innovation (Awager) Responsible Business of the Year
MONOPOLY TM, ® & © 1935, 2026 Hasbro Gambling problem? Please contact 1-800-GAMBLER. NY 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). FOR 21+
Digital Operator of the year
FANDUEL America's #1 Sportsbook continues to set the standard for digital sports betting through innovation, market expansion, and customer engagement. Recent launches include BetProtect+, the industry's first full-game injury protection for player prop bets; Futures Day, the first betting holiday; Pass The Leg, the first collaborative in-app parlay experience; and AceAI, the first generative AI-powered betting assistant embedded in a sportsbook app. FanDuel also expanded its reach through a partnership with Amazon Prime Video as the exclusive odds provider for NBA and WNBA broadcasts. In Q4 2025, the operator maintained a 41% GGR market share, while sportsbook revenue grew 35% and active players increased to 4.8 million. FanDuel also delivered the leading launch in Missouri, capturing 44% GGR market share in its first month.
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DRAFTKINGS When reporting its financial results for Q1 2026, DraftKings’ net revenue increased 16.8% year-over-year to $1.6bn. Along with increases in total revenue and net income, DraftKings also generated a 63.6% increase in adjusted EBITDA to nearly $167.9m. Having expanded to Missouri and Arkansas over the past 12 months, DraftKings also extended its Puerto Rico business to open a new retail facility and introduce online sportsbook operations. DraftKings made headlines after unveiling its new “Super App” in 2026, amid new innovation for its horseracing and MLB offerings. ESPN also named DraftKings as its Official Sportsbook and Odds Provider in late 2025, providing the operator exposure to the sports media network’s global consumer base.
BET365 bet365 continued to strengthen its position across the Americas through market expansion, strategic partnerships, and product innovation. Over the past year, the operator expanded into Missouri and Michigan, bringing its total US footprint to 17 live states, while also entering Alberta and forming a partnership with the Canadian Football League (CFL). bet365 further enhanced its offering by becoming the official sports betting partner of the UFC in the US and Canada, alongside new partnerships with suppliers EveryMatrix, Incentive Games, and Inspired Entertainment to broaden its gaming portfolio. Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the operator launched a dedicated mobile game for football fans, while continuing to maintain one of the leading positions in the regulated Brazilian online gaming market.
BETMGM BetMGM delivered a defining year in 2025, generating $2.8bn in net revenue, up 33% year over year, driven by 24% iGaming and 63% online sportsbook growth. The operator reached a landmark profitability milestone with positive EBITDA and returned $270m to its parent investors. BetMGM expanded its online casino portfolio to more than 7,000 games, became the fastest-growing live dealer operator in the US, and strengthened its loyalty offering through MGM Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy. The operator also continued to invest in exclusive content and product innovation, helping deepen customer engagement across both casino and sportsbook. Active iGaming users grew 24%, sportsbook handle per user increased 26%, and BetMGM achieved a 13% GGR market share across active markets, including 21% in iGaming.
BETANO Betano strengthened its position in South America through major sponsorships, strategic partnerships, and high-profile marketing campaigns. The operator became an Official Tournament Supporter of the FIFA World Cup 2026 across Europe and South America, marking its third collaboration with FIFA after the 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Betano also expanded its partnership with Big Brother Brasil and signed a regional sponsorship agreement with the Argentina National Team. These and other initiatives reinforced Betano's brand leadership, particularly in Brazil, where Blask reports the operator holds a 24.15% Brand Awareness and Preference share, more than double that of its nearest competitor, while continuing to invest in responsible gambling tools and exclusive fan activations.
CAESARS DIGITAL Caesars redefined digital gaming by seamlessly connecting proprietary technology, omnichannel engagement, loyalty and immersive player experiences. Throughout 2025 and into 2026, it accelerated innovation across sportsbook and iCasino while delivering exceptional financial performance, generating $1.4bn in digital revenue (+21% YoY) and increasing Adjusted EBITDA 101% to $236m. A rebuilt sportsbook platform introduced expanded Same Game Parlays, enhanced live wagering through ZeroFlucs technology and one of North America's broadest betting menus. Super Bowl LX produced company records for Same Game Parlay handle and live betting, while NFL Flips generated 1.86 million plays, increasing bets per active user by 66% and Net Gaming Revenue by 4.5%. Caesars also differentiated its iCasino business through exclusive partnerships, proprietary content and omnichannel activations.
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RUSH STREET INTERACTIVE
HARD ROCK BET
In Q1 2026, RSI posted record revenue of $370m (+41% YoY). Adjusted EBITDA reached $60m (+81%), double the revenue growth rate, as marketing costs fell to a record-low 12.5% of revenue. FY2026 guidance was raised to $1.49bn-$1.54bn in revenue and $230m-$250m in EBITDA, representing 56% YoY growth. RSI derives around 80% of US GGR from iGaming, holds approximately 10% North American market share, marking a three-year high, and has outperformed the iGaming industry for nine consecutive months. North American iCasino monthly active users grew 62% YoY, while Latin American revenue increased 134%, reflecting the operator's continued momentum across the Americas. Proprietary innovations including Rush Jackpot (70%+ engagement) and Rush Packs (30%+ handle lift) continue to drive strong player engagement and retention.
Hard Rock Bet's past year stands as one of the most complete performances of any digital operator in the Americas – measured by market expansion, product innovation, platform quality and player engagement. The platform entered Michigan in December 2025, delivering the highest GGR debut of any new operator in the state's iGaming history, while simultaneously ranking as the fastest-growing top-tier operator in New Jersey – with year-overyear growth nearly three times the overall NJ market rate. The company also expanded from eight to ten sportsbook markets. Active customers grew 75% year-over-year, with amounts wagered up 95% as well. Legendary Reward Drops, the industry's only weekly structured rewards program backed by a global hospitality brand, surpassed 20 million Drops opened, doubled monthly player redemption rates year-over-year, and matched New Jersey engagement benchmarks in Michigan within four weeks of launch.
CODERE ONLINE
TOONIEBET
Codere Online delivered a record financial performance in 2025, generating €224.1m ($264.7m) in net gaming revenue and €13.8m ($16.3m) in adjusted EBITDA, driven by the continued acceleration of its Mexican operations. Fourth quarter net gaming revenue reached a record €60.7m ($71.7m), up 15% year over year and marking the strongest quarter in the operator's history. Building on this momentum, Codere partnered with Playtech to launch a new poker app in Mexico and strengthened its brand presence by signing Mexico international Edson Álvarez as a brand ambassador. Supported by continued product investment and strong growth in one of Latin America's most important regulated markets, Codere Online further reinforced its position as a leading digital operator in the region.
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Launched in Ontario in Q1 2025, ToonieBet uses Soft2Bet's MEGA engine to transform traditional iGaming into a highly personalized, gamified experience focused on long-term player value and engagement. ToonieBet delivered industryleading performance, achieving a 106.59% increase in GGR. This growth is driven by the platform's ability to seamlessly merge casino and sportsbook mechanics with immersive storytelling. Focused on the Ontario market, the operator has demonstrated agility in navigating a complex regulatory environment while maintaining rapid expansion. During the year, ToonieBet was also named an Official Sports Betting Partner and Official Online Casino Partner of the Canadian Football League (CFL), becoming an Official Partner of the 112th Grey Cup and further strengthening its presence among Canadian sports fans.
Class II
Land-Based Supplier of the year
ARISTOCRAT GAMING
Aristocrat Gaming maintained its position as the leading Class II supplier, ranking #1 in the Eilers Class II report every month over the past year. The company dominated both video and mechanical reels, with titles including Mr. Money Bags Makes a Mint, Hot Red Ruby Rakes in Riches and Polar High Roller Lightning Wilds among the top performers. Aristocrat also expanded its hardware portfolio with the Marquis 34" Digital Wheel, Baron Portrait and Crown Bartop cabinets, while bringing new content, including Greedy Grabbers Leprechaun's Treasure. It also brought popular Class III titles such as Bao Zhu Zhao Fu, Mo Mo Mo Mummy and Buffalo Ultimate Stampede to the Class II market.
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EVERI Everi continued to strengthen its position in Class II with a portfolio of more than 750 games, over 1,000 WAP and nearly 3,000 stepper units deployed across Tribal casinos. Titles including Smokin' Hot Stuff Wicked Wheel Grand WAP, Casper Triple Fright WAP and Double Black Diamond Deluxe all routinely perform at more than 1.5X house or higher, while Disco Inferno debuted as the #1 Top Indexing New Class II game in the May 2026 Eilers rankings. The company also unveiled its new Dynasty 55 cabinet, designed specifically for Class II players and launching with the Dynamite Pop! Diamond™ WAP theme. Everi's longstanding relationships with Tribal operators continue to underpin one of the industry's largest installed Class II footprints.
LIGHT & WONDER Light & Wonder delivered another strong year through a combination of successful game releases and product innovation. Titles including HUFF N' EVEN MORE PUFF GRAND™, WIZARD OF OZ – I'LL GET YOU MY PRETTY™, ULTIMATE FIRE LINK – TRIPLE NOVA™ and DRAGON SPIN SAGA™ generated strong operator demand across Class II markets. The company also introduced LIGHTWAVE™, the industry's first fully synchronized, bank-wide immersive display platform, designed to create immersive shared player experiences, alongside its CANVAS platform for content management and real-time operational insights. Together, these innovations further strengthened Light & Wonder's end-to-end ecosystem across content, hardware and casino floor technology.
AGS AGS is a leading provider for the Class II, with more than 10,000 units deployed across Tribal casinos in the United States. During the past year, the company entered a new ownership chapter under Brightstar while launching a refreshed brand identity and expanding its game portfolio. The Werewolf franchise became AGS' flagship Class II performer, with the new Ultra Werewolf family of games released across both Class II and Class III platforms. Beyond slots, AGS continued to grow its table products business while working to bring proven Class II content into the online space, demonstrating its continued investment in innovation across multiple product categories.
AINSWORTH
Ainsworth strengthened its Class II offering by accelerating game development through its Unity platform, enabling faster deployment of proven titles into the tribal gaming market. Popular franchises including Dragon Legacy, San Fa, Five Fortunes and Triple Troves were made available to Class II operators on timelines closely aligned with their Class III launches, allowing operators to capitalize on provenperforming content without delay.. By shortening development cycles and expanding its portfolio of proven games, Ainsworth continued to reinforce its commitment to innovation and value for Tribal gaming operators.
KONAMI GAMING
Konami further expanded into the Class II market over the past year, bringing greater content variety and provenperforming games to Tribal operators. Recent launches in Washington and Texas have been well received by both players and operators, supported by the Solstice 49C™, voted #1 Best New Core Cabinet by casino operators and ranked the industry's #1 Top Indexing Portrait Upright Cabinet. The Class II portfolio also features popular new titles including Red Fortune Rail™, Dragon Firecracker™, BOMBERMAN, Diggin' Bros.™, and Money in the Bank, the industry's #1 Top Indexing New Core Video Reel Game. By combining proven hardware, high-performing content, and a strong commitment to supporting Tribal gaming, Konami has positioned itself as a growing force in the Class II market.
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ECLIPSE GAMING SYSTEMS
Eclipse Gaming continued strengthening its position in the Class II market through a growing portfolio of high-performing games developed specifically for Tribal operators. Recent releases including Link Blast, Banana Bash, and Adventures on the High Seas have expanded across Tribal casino floors, with Chicken Pop, Link Blast Mighty Tiki, and Link Blast Ra's Legacy all ranking among the Eilers Top Performing New Class II Games. Built on the Callisto cabinet, Eclipse's latest titles combine immersive animation, interactive bonus mechanics, and innovative hold-and-spin features. The company's development capabilities were further demonstrated by Banana Bash Gorilla, which was conceived, developed, and brought to market in just 100 days, reinforcing Eclipse's ability to deliver innovative content at speed while continuing to drive strong performance for Tribal operators.
INCREDIBLE TECHNOLOGIES Incredible Technologies continued its success across Class II gaming innovations, building on both prior hardware and content achievements. Having originally launched the title in 2023, Incredible Technologies expanded upon the rollout of its True Pick Roulette game, which offers a realistic roulette feel in Class II jurisdictions where traditional ETG play is currently restricted. The Prism Skybox cabinet also became a major focus for Incredible Technologies as a “platform of the future” for the supplier. Continuing its own expansion efforts, the cabinet will feature additional titles and a broad catalog of games to help support ongoing deployments.
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VALICY
Valicy has made an immediate impact on the Class II market following Grover Gaming's $1.05bn acquisition by Light & Wonder, with former Founder and CEO Garrett Blackwelder launching the new venture in 2025 to become a major manufacturer across North America. The company unveiled its Teton LE cabinet at the IGA Tradeshow & Convention, a player-first platform engineered around how people truly play, alongside VictoryLink, a dynamic progressive system designed to unite the Valicy portfolio in a fast-paced jackpot experience. Valicy quickly expanded its Class II footprint with installations across Oklahoma, Kansas, and Washington, while its growing portfolio has demonstrated impressive early performance, with Piggy Bank Bust reaching 2.39x house average across installed locations and Glittering Fortune consistently exceeding 1.4x house average.
AURIFY GAMING In 2026, Aurify Gaming introduced the Tsunami Curve 49J and Tsunami Curve 49C cabinets, designed to maximize space, performance and player appeal on casino floors. The supplier advanced its hardware offerings for Class II, Tribal, charitable bingo HHR, electronic pulltabs and related markets, as well as streamlined base design for better floor efficiency and bank/carousel setups. Aurify Gaming’s new launches emphasize exceptional customer service and a deep library of content tailored to Tribal and specialty markets, with a focus on stunning artwork, math models and highearning games.
U AT
SEE YO
AS 2026 G E V S A L 1259 BOOTH #
NOVOMATIC AG · Global Sales +43 2252 606 220 · sales@novomatic.com · www.novomatic.com
09_2026_VisionLink_G2E_202_276mm_GGA.indd 1
11.08.26 14:47
Class III
Land-Based Supplier
of the year
ARISTOCRAT GAMING Aristocrat Gaming continued to lead the Class III market, ranking #1 across multiple Eilers performance reports throughout the past year, including Top Indexing Core Overall Game, Top Indexing Core Low Denom Video Reel Game and, for 11 of the last 12 months, Top Indexing Core Mid Denom Video Reel Game. The supplier also led the premium segment, ranking #1 in Top Indexing Premium Leased Games, Premium Lease & WAP Games, and had #1 Share of Top Performing Premium Lease & WAP Games (64.5%). Titles including Spooky Link Grand: Go Ghost, Spooky Link Grand: Yo Yeti, Phoenix Link and Buffalo Mega Stampede were among the industry's top performers, while the Baron Upright and Baron Portrait topped their respective hardware categories.The company also continued to build momentum behind its flagship franchises, with Spooky Link becoming the fastest-scaling Game Sales game in Aristocrat's history.
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NOVOMATIC NOVOMATIC continued to strengthen its position across the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, and Latin America through a growing portfolio of cabinets, linked progressives, ETG solutions and game content. Products including RISING TREASURES™ LINK, ULTRA BOOST™ 3 TREASURES LINK, BOOK OF RA™ TREASURE GODS™ and the DIAMOND X™ 1.55 Quattro cabinet expanded the company's presence across casinos in the region. The supplier also introduced new premium merchandising concepts and immersive progressive jackpot products tailored to North American players, while continuing its expansion in the VGT sector. Through ongoing investment in product development and regional growth, NOVOMATIC further increased its footprint across the Americas and reinforced its position as one of the industry's leading land-based suppliers.
IGT
KONAMI GAMING
IGT enjoyed a standout year following a renewed focus on Class III content, delivering back-to-back quarterly market share gains and strengthening its position across multiple product categories. In June, it secured 10 of the top 25 positions in the Eilers New Core Video games rankings, led by King Khufu, King Khufu Dawn, Stink Link Hawaii and Stink Link Wild West. In the premium segment, Magic Treasures Gold and Wheel of Fortune Cash on Reels drove strong performance. IGT also celebrated the 30th anniversary of its iconic Wheel of Fortune Slots franchise by launching 10 new games, while maintaining more than 90% market share in video poker. The company further expanded its omnichannel offering by bringing Cash Eruption to land-based casinos and surpassing $100m in total Powerbucks jackpots awarded in Canada.
Konami Gaming continued delivering innovation across gaming systems, hardware, and content during the past year. Its award-winning SYNKROS® casino management system expanded across all 29 Carnival Cruise Line ships, building on its deployment with Holland America Line and providing personalized rewards, cashless integration, and cruise-specific player experiences. Konami also strengthened the SYNKROS ecosystem through a new 10-year strategic partnership with Gift & Go, making it the preferred integrated gifting solution. On the product side, the Solstice 49C™ was ranked the industry's #1 Top Indexing Portrait Upright Cabinet, while Money in the Bank Bacon Blvd.™ debuted as the #1 Top Indexing New Core Video Reel Game in the Eilers & Krejcik rankings. The company also introduced new premium titles including BOMBERMAN and Red Fortune Rail™, reinforcing its commitment to delivering dependable innovation for casino operators.
LIGHT & WONDER
BLUBERI
Light & Wonder delivered another strong year through a combination of successful game releases and product innovation. Titles including HUFF N' EVEN MORE PUFF GRAND™, PIGGY BANKIN' BREAK IN'™ and DRAGON SPIN SAGA™ generated strong operator demand across Class III casinos, while ULTIMATE FIRE LINK – TRIPLE NOVA brought one of the industry's most beloved franchises into the Three-Pot space for the first time. Light & Wonder standout innovation this year is LIGHTWAVE™, the industry's first fully synchronized, bankwide immersive display platform. By integrating LCDs and Micro LED surround displays into one seamless digital canvas, LIGHTWAVE creates shared bonus events and celebration moments never before possible on a slot floor, driving player dwell time and operator floor engagement simultaneously.
Bluberi continued its rapid growth, building on the success of breakout titles including Devil's Lock, Cash Racoons, Berry Bucks and Smokin' Train. The supplier expanded its hardware portfolio with the Beacon+, Beacon Elite, Beacon+ Lighthouse and Beacon Jumbo cabinets, while securing Nevada licensure in 2025 as part of its continued North American expansion. Bluberi now holds 340 active licences across 227 jurisdictions worldwide and increased company revenue by 52% between 2023 and 2025, cementing its emergence as one of the industry's fastest-growing suppliers. The company's transformation over recent years has established Bluberi as a significant challenger in the Class III gaming market.
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INTERBLOCK EGT EGT continued to expand its presence across the Americas with major installations in Panama, Mexico, Peru and Colombia during the past year. The supplier also strengthened its position in Argentina following the opening of a new office in 2025, securing installations at venues including Bingo King Casino in San Fernando, Maverick Casinos in Neuquen province, and Slots Group casinos in San Luis province. The company's continued regional expansion reflects its growing influence across Latin America's land-based gaming market. With a focus on both established and emerging jurisdictions, EGT has continued to build a broader footprint throughout the region.
TCSJOHNHUXLEY A standout achievement for TCSJOHNHUXLEY over the past year was supporting the opening of Resorts World New York City, supplying more than 300 customized gaming tables, alongside Saturn™ Roulette Wheels, Ora Grande Displays, Wheelmate consoles, and other advanced table game technology for the first commercial casino in New York City to offer live dealer table games. The company also expanded its manufacturing operations in Mexico, while the acquisition of the Gaming Partners International dice manufacturing business added the renowned TK and Paulson brands to its portfolio. Innovation remained a key focus, with new products including Chipper Champ 3, Roulette Xtra, the A Plus Shuffler, Ora Blackjack Vue, and T-Connect, further strengthening TCSJOHNHUXLEY's leadership in live gaming technology.
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Interblock continued strengthening its leadership in ETGs through investment across product innovation, commercialization, and customer support. Building on the legacy that established ETGs as a staple of casino floors worldwide, the company further enhanced its portfolio of Stadiums, Universal Cabinets, Smart Pit, and Standalone products, delivering greater flexibility and performance for operators. Interblock also expanded the casino floor with the introduction of AMUSE, a new category of entertainment-driven gaming, with active deployments increasing approximately 170% in just three months. Beyond product innovation, the company strengthened its organization by expanding its Field Service team, enhancing technical training, opening a dedicated testing lab, and incorporating customer feedback more directly into product development, reinforcing its commitment to both customers and long-term innovation
LT GAME LT Game has emerged as a rising force in the Class III land-based gaming sector through its commitment to innovation, product differentiation, and player engagement. Its standout launch of the year, SeeSaw Craps, introduced a unique mechanical dice-launching system that combines the excitement of live craps with the efficiency of electronic gaming, creating a distinctive player experience. The company also expanded its range of multi-game solutions, slot hardware and flexible gaming platforms, further strengthening its presence across regulated gaming markets. By combining innovative product design with commercial growth, LT Game has continued to establish itself as an increasingly influential supplier in the sector.
It’s all about the games
Shortlisted X3 Land-based Supplier Class II Land-based Supplier Class III Slot of the Year FRANKENSTEIN RETURNS™ © 2026 Light & Wonder, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Digital Supplier
of the year
EVOLUTION Evolution continued to strengthen its position as a leading digital supplier in North and Latin America by focusing on new products, growing into new markets, and keeping operations smooth. During Jul’25 - Mar’26,in North America and LatAm the company increased active unique players by 10%, wagers accepted by 16%, player game rounds by 15% and GGR by 26%. Evolution expanded its US footprint with a new live casino studio in Michigan, launched MONOPOLY Live, Crazy Time in Connecticut and Red Door Roulette, while entering Rhode Island through a partnership with Bally's. In Latin America, the supplier opened its first live casino studio in Brazil and launched Crazy Time Brasil, tailored for one of the region's fastest-growing regulated markets. Continued partnerships with leading operators, including bet365 in NJ, further reinforced Evolution's leadership across the region.
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PRAGMATIC PLAY Pragmatic Play continued to strengthen its position across Latin America through a combination of high-performing content, localization and product innovation. During the past year, the supplier released more than 100 slot titles, including Sweet Bonanza 1000, Gates of Olympus Super Scatter and Big Bass Splash, alongside market-specific releases including Tigre Sortudo and Touro Sortudo. Its live casino portfolio also expanded with new game shows, localized tables and games, including Brazilian Free Bet Blackjack, Football Blitz Top Card Latino, and Brazilian Turbo Baccarat. The opening of a new $15m live casino studio in Bogotá further strengthened Pragmatic Play's presence in the region. According to iGaming Tracker, the supplier achieved a 27.4% content share across digital casino products, comfortably leading the market. In the first six months of 2026, Pragmatic Play slots occupied 80% of the top 10 positions by content share.
WAZDAN
AGS INTERACTIVE
Wazdan continued to expand its global footprint, with more than 400 games available across over 40 regulated markets and partnerships with more than 2,500 businesses. The supplier maintained a consistent release schedule of over 40 new slot titles. Its portfolio is shaped by recognizable series such as Coins™, Hot Slot™ and Mighty Wild™. Proprietary mechanics such as Hold the Jackpot™, Cash Infinity™ and Volatility Levels™, together with promotional tools including Mystery Drop™, help operators across the Americas drive engagement and retention. Backed by a mobile-first approach and strong focus on regulated markets, Wazdan continues to provide operators with differentiated content and innovative engagement tools that support long-term growth.
AGS Interactive delivered a standout year through innovation and strong omnichannel execution. The simultaneous land-based and online launch of Rakin' Bacon!® Jackpots Bonus Wheel with BetMGM demonstrated its ability to deliver seamless cross-platform experiences, driving record engagement. This achievement was supported by a broader portfolio that added nearly 40 new titles which contributed to significant performance gains.The supplier reported increases of 53.8% in unique players, 39.3% in spins and 48.8% in turnover, supported by successful titles including Straight Cash, Shamrock Fortunes, Diamond Reels and Flaming Reels. AGS also expanded its UltraTap offerings and continued strengthening partnerships across major North American jurisdictions.
OCTOPLAY GREENTUBE Greentube continued to expand across the Americas through strategic operator partnerships and market-specific content. During the past year, the supplier entered Pennsylvania with Caesars Entertainment, expanded in Ontario with bet365, strengthened its New Jersey presence through PlayStar and launched in Brazil with Brazino777. Greentube also continued executing localised strategies in Peru and Colombia by adapting legacy land-based titles for digital audiences. Its North America-focused release Rumble Riches™ Haulin' Gold™ attracted 774,353 active players following its March 2026 launch, highlighting the supplier's ability to combine recognizable franchises with locally relevant themes and strong commercial performance.
Octoplay has continued its rapid rise since launching in 2022, establishing a presence across 18 regulated jurisdictions, including New Jersey, Michigan, Ontario, and Brazil. Within just 40 months, the supplier ranked #1 for New Overall Top Suppliers and #1 for New Top Performing Slot Games in the US Eilers-Fantini report, while also breaking into the top 20 in Canada. Octoplay now delivers more than 60 new games annually, with its proprietary Jackpot Hunt engine integrated across 100+ operators, rewarding 383,000 players each month and producing more than 20,000 daily winners. The company has also developed bespoke tech for major operators including Entain and Flutter, while successfully launching with Fanatics, BetMGM, FanDuel, Superbet, bet365, Betano, and Betty. Its ability to roll out 170 games across 18 regulated markets in 40 months highlights both the scale of its infrastructure and the pace of its commercial growth.
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ENTERACTIVE Enteractive continued to establish itself as a leading player reactivation and retention specialist, helping operators maximize player engagement and lifetime value. During the past year, the company generated an average ROI of 387% for clients, delivering $87m in NGR and $545m in new deposits across 138 brands, including 51 in the Americas. More than five million player interactions across North and Latin America resulted in almost 100,000 player conversions, while its proprietary (Re)Activation Cloud platform enabled secure integrations, real-time reporting and compliance across regulated markets. Enteractive now partners with operators representing around 90% of the US online gaming market.
WHITE HAT STUDIOS White Hat Studios continued its impressive growth in the US, supplying bespoke and branded content to leading operators including FanDuel, Caesars, DraftKings, Bally's and Fanatics. Its successful 7s Fire Blitz franchise delivered $300m+ turnover, $2m+ GGR, and 760,000+ actives. Its standout title, 7s Fire Blitz Hotstepper™, topped the EKG new slot rankings and helped propel the supplier to the number one position in the US slot market by GGR share. The studio's continued momentum is reflected in more than $19bn in wagers, over 12 billion rounds played, 4.6 million unique active players and more than 160 games live.
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INTERNET VIKINGS Internet Vikings supports regulated online operators with licensed cloud hosting, infrastructure, GPU capacity, and technical services. In 2025, 60% of revenue came from expansion state infrastructure setups, showing strong demand from operators. A further 28% of business growth came from existing customers increasing their environments. A key achievement for the company was becoming the first iGaming hosting provider to launch GPU infrastructure within a licensed cloud framework, giving casino operators access to more advanced infrastructure while maintaining the standards needed in regulated markets. Continued investment in engineering and support teams further strengthened the company’s offering, with three of the top five US operators now relying on Internet Vikings for primary infrastructure.
OPTIMOVE Optimove continued to strengthen its position as a leading CRM marketing platform for the gaming industry through strong commercial growth, AI innovation, and continued expansion across the Americas. During the past year, the company grew its LatAm business by 138%YoY and increased ARR by 50%. Its platform now processes 8.4 billion rows of player data and 2 billion real-time events, giving operators digital precision at a scale. For SMBs, the OptiStart solution delivers digital campaigns with 12% open rates and 15% click rates, significantly outperforming industry averages of 8.08% and 1.99%, respectively. In June 2026, Optimove launched Optimove AI, integrating directly with ChatGPT and Claude to help operators build AI-powered marketing workflows and improve player acquisition, engagement, and retention.
Digital Product of the year
SPRIBE AVIATOR
PLAYTECH THE RACAROON™
Aviator by SPRIBE continued to dominate the global crash game category, combining its innovative real-time cash-out mechanic with exceptional commercial performance. The game now reaches more than 380 million unique players, attracts 77 million monthly active players, and processes over 200 billion bets through more than 6,000 operator integrations. Powered by AWS infrastructure, Aviator handles 420,000 bets per minute with zero latency. In Latin America, the title generated more than 20 billion bets, over €30bn ($34bn) wagered, reached 680+ operators, maintained more than 90% market share in the regional crash game segment, and captured over 44% of the overall online casino market. SPRIBE's consumer-focused marketing strategy has helped make Aviator one of the industry's most recognizable gaming brands.
The Racaroon™ quickly established itself as one of Playtech's standout releases in the US, launching across 16 licensees and 49 brands while generating more than 140 million bets within its first seven months. Featuring momentum-building mechanics, persistent multipliers, and multiple bonus features, the game delivers an engaging player experience while driving longer sessions. Its commercial success has been matched by strong industry recognition. DraftKings Casino Operations Manager Macrina Martinez described The Racaroon™ as "a must-have hit that defines the year," praising its vibrant Parisian pâtisserie theme, playful raccoon mascot, and beautifully polished visuals that create a distinctive identity that instantly grabs attention and keeps players immersed.
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GAMES GLOBAL GOLD BLITZ™ ULTIMATE Developed by Fortune Factory Studios, Gold Blitz™ Ultimate is the latest evolution of the iconic Gold Blitz™ franchise, the #1 franchise in the US. The game pairs franchise familiarity with meaningful innovation through Cash Multipliers of up to 10x, configurable bonus buys, Blitz Boost™ ante bets, and Choose Your Blitz free spins. During the past 12 months, Gold Blitz™ Ultimate became Games Global's most wagered game in the US and attracted the largest number of active players, while establishing itself as the best-performing Gold Blitz™ title of 2025. These results reflect a game built for sustained engagement, with layered mechanics and repeatable features driving strong commercial performance well beyond launch.
EVOLUTION ICE FISHING LIVE
AMUSNET BONUS PLATFORM
Ice Fishing Live demonstrated that live casino game shows continue to evolve through innovative gameplay and strong commercial results. The title combines a fast 53-segment virtual money wheel with three interactive bonus games and multipliers of up to 10x, offering payouts of up to €500,000 ($570K). During the past year, the game delivered exceptional growth across the Americas. In Latin America, bets increased by 1,138%, player rounds by 1,146%, and GGR by 466%. In North America, wagers grew by 628%, GGR by 526%, bets by 272%, and player rounds by 271%. Globally, Ice Fishing Live surpassed 23,000 players online at once, becoming only the second Evolution title after Crazy Time to reach this milestone.
Amusnet's Bonus Platform continued to enhance player acquisition and retention by providing operators with a highly customizable rewards engine across both Casino and Live Casino verticals. The platform enables automated promotions, real-time reporting and interactive mechanics including free spins, buy bonuses and regional tournaments, allowing operators to tailor campaigns to individual markets. Supported by more than 180 titles certified for Brazil, the platform has helped drive engagement across Latin America, while flagship games including 100 Golden Coins and Shining Crown consistently rank among the mostplayed titles in Mexico and Brazil.
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GEOLOCS GEOLOCATION PLATFORM GeoLocs by mkodo continued to establish itself as a leading enterprise geolocation platform across the Americas, helping operators deliver secure, compliant and frictionless player experiences. During the past 12 months, the platform supported 35+ operators, including bet365, Superbet, Betty, PlayAlberta and OLG, while processing more than 2 billion geolocation pings annually, maintaining 99.28% platform uptime, and achieving 100% client retention. GeoLocs combines browser-based geolocation, advanced spoofing and VPN detection, real-time decisioning, and location intelligence to reduce player onboarding friction while maintaining regulatory compliance. Beyond compliance, the platform is helping operators improve verification, fraud prevention, market expansion, and operational performance.
TAPPP MICROAPP PLATFORM TAPPP's MicroApp Platform solved one of the industry's biggest challenges by delivering a fully integrated live betting experience within the TV broadcast itself. During the past year, TAPPP launched single-screen betting with DirecTV Latin America and BetPlay for Colombian soccer fans, allowing viewers to track live odds and place bets without leaving the broadcast. The platform also powered contests, predictions, and live stats for the FIFAe World Cup in December 2025, reaching viewers across 176 countries. Underpinning both deployments is TAPPP's proprietary AI curation engine, which analyzes live events and surfaces betting opportunities in real time, creating a seamless connection between watching and wagering.
SOFT2BET MEGA MEGA is Soft2Bet's API-based engagement engine, replacing traditional loyalty programs with personalized, narrative-driven gamification. Interactive features such as City Builder and Stadium Builder, accessible through the Soft2Bet App, create immersive player experiences while driving measurable operator results. The platform has delivered up to 4x more screen time, 65% higher NGR, 45% higher ARPU, a 50% increase in deposited amounts, and a 30% rise in deposit frequency. It has also produced measurable results for partners, including a 106.59% increase in GGR for Canadian operator ToonieBet. MEGA also integrates RG tools directly into the player journey, combining player engagement with responsible play.
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GEOCOMPLY DEVICEGUARD DeviceGuard by GeoComply combines machine learning with advanced geolocation data to uncover sophisticated fraud networks that traditional fingerprinting tools can miss. By analyzing hundreds of unique data points per session, the platform detects multi-accounting, bonus abuse, and identity fraud without adding friction for legitimate players. During testing, DeviceGuard identified suspicious user groups with 90% accuracy, leading the operator to replace its previous fraud provider and deploy DeviceGuard across 100% of its Android, iOS, and web traffic. The platform enables operators to strengthen fraud prevention while improving player experience, accelerating payouts, and supporting regulatory compliance.
IGT PLAYDIGITAL TRIPLE CASH ERUPTION Triple Cash Eruption dominated the market upon launch. Built on the foundation of the longtime EKG #1 Slot Cash Eruption, the game delivered 10x the active players, nearly 28x the handle, and over 22x the GGR compared to the average game launch in its first 14 days. Throughout the first half of 2026, Triple Cash Eruption has consistently been in the top 5 new slot ranking in Eilers’ US Online Game Performance Reports, demonstrating a sustained, market-wide phenomenon. Triple Cash Eruption's performance reflects something deeper than a single successful title: it validates the enduring strength of the Cash Eruption franchise and IGT PlayDigital's ability to translate decades of land-based player trust into digital dominance.
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Sportsbook Supplier of the year
SPORTRADAR
KAMBI
Sportradar continued to strengthen its position as a leading sportsbook supplier through unmatched scale, premium content, and AI-powered innovation. Following the acquisition of IMG Arena, it expanded its rights portfolio by 70+ rights holders, adding approximately 38,000 official data events and 29,000 streaming events annually across 14 sports. Sportradar now supports 800+ sportsbook operators, covers more than one million events across 85+ sports, delivers over 10 billion odds changes annually, and manages approximately $45bn in betting turnover each year. The company’s Alpha Odds and Managed Trading Services help operators optimize pricing, trading, risk management, and profitability. It also leads in micro-betting and live content through its AudioVisual platform, which delivers more than 650,000 live events annually across 21 sports.
Kambi continued to strengthen its position as the sportsbook supplier of choice for major operators through significant commercial partnerships and continued product innovation. During the past 12 months, the company launched with Ontario Lottery & Gaming Corporation across its online offering and 10,000 retail locations, while also securing agreements with the Atlantic Lottery Corporation and British Columbia Lottery Corporation, extending its reach across seven Canadian provinces. Kambi also expanded across LatAm through partnerships including RedCap and Pickwin, while its AI-powered trading technology now accounts for 60% of bets across its network. Independent testing by Bettormetrics ranked Kambi ahead of all US-facing sportsbooks for uptime during major events (including March Madness and the FIFA World Cup), supported by annual liquidity of $17bn.
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OPENBET
FIRST.BET
OpenBet remains the leading third-party sportsbook technology supplier across North America, powering more operators than any other independent platform. During the past year, the company supported 22 World Lottery Association members, 200+ customers, and 100+ sportsbooks using SportCast's BetBuilder technology. OpenBet maintained 100% uptime during Super Bowl LX, while OpenBet Locator successfully supported operators throughout March Madness and processed 9.6 million geolocation checks during the year. The continued growth of NFL betting was reflected in player props, with their share of BetBuilder increasing from 11.3% in 2023 to 29.7% in 2026, a 162% increase. OpenBet also introduced Trending BetBuilder and enhanced its Neccton responsible gaming platform with AI-assisted decision-making, reinforcing its continued investment in sportsbook innovation.
FIRST.bet is accelerating across the Americas, with leading operators and platforms including OIG Group, ONDISS, Cactus Gaming and Pixbet selecting its sportsbook technology, many replacing established Tier-1 suppliers. Driving this growth is SportOS, FIRST.bet’s sportsbook operating system, which enables operators to create and control a fully bespoke frontend while FIRST.bet powers pricing, trading, risk, settlement and the complete sportsbook logic behind it. Operators gain ownership of the player experience without the cost, complexity or risk of rebuilding the engine. FIRST.bet is also integrated with leading PAM and platform ecosystems across the region, including providers with their own sportsbook products that still choose to integrate and distribute FIRST.bet, independent validation of its technology, flexibility and service.
BETBY BETBY delivered another year of exceptional growth, increasing players by 20.95%, turnover by 50.02%, GGR by 80.80%, and bets by 20.83%. The supplier introduced several industry-first innovations, including ChessFeed, the first live chess betting feed, AI-powered Betting Tips, and localized products such as eVaquejada for the Brazilian market. The company also expanded its AI ecosystem with personalized recommendations, churn prediction models, and automated market creation, while strengthening distribution across Latin America through partnerships including Mobadoo, Elantil, Calimaco, Saba Sports, Broadway Platform, and Satoshi Gaming Group.
TXODDS TXODDS transformed US college sports betting over the past 12 months through TxSCORES. Bypassing delayed media data, it deploys a unique 1:1 scout-to-analyst model, pairing in-stadium scouts with Chicago analysts to deliver live, humanverified data. Across 927 FBS football games, TXODDS achieved 98.24% uptime for score accuracy, possession, and game status, while maintaining end-play speeds of under three seconds, allowing operators to keep markets open longer. In basketball, it expanded coverage to more than 4,600 college games, representing 74% of all Division I matchups. During March 2025, the company also introduced live player props on points into every stadium scout's workflow. Delivered via TxFUSION ODDS, its zero-latency feed supported live trading, micro markets, and SGPs at peak handle without data loss.
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GENIUS SPORTS
ALTENAR Altenar continued its commercial growth through more than 60 brand launches and 30 new operator partnerships worldwide. The supplier strengthened its North American presence after receiving regulatory approval in Alberta, while continuing to expand across Latin America through strategic partnerships including Logrand and Greentube. It also joined CIBELAE - the leading IberoAmerican organisation representing state lotteries and regulated gaming operators. Innovation remained a key focus, with seven major product releases including the World Cup Lobby, Market Bundles, Bet Cards, and Tipster Module. Altenar also continued expanding across regulated markets worldwide, reinforcing its reputation for delivering flexible sportsbook solutions tailored to local operator requirements.
PLAYTECH SPORTS Playtech Sports continued expanding across Latin America through successful launches with Brasil Bet, Sportium Panama, Versus Mexico, and Caliente Peru, reinforcing its strength in adapting to diverse regulatory environments in key markets and delivering tailored solutions that empower operators to grow and compete effectively. Its fully integrated omnichannel sportsbook enables operators to connect retail and digital channels through a single wallet and unified player experience, helping improve engagement, conversion, and retention. Combining a scalable platform with localized deployment and a comprehensive feature set, Playtech Sports has continued to deliver tailored sportsbook solutions for operators across the Americas.
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Genius Sports continued to strengthen its position as one of the leading sportsbook suppliers, serving more than 300 sportsbooks, including FanDuel, DraftKings, Fanatics, BetMGM, and Caliente. Through official partnerships with the NFL, Brazilian Serie A, the Premier League, and more than 400 sports organizations, the company delivers premium data, streaming, and trading technology to operators worldwide. In the past 12 months, the company introduced Edge, its automated profit optimization software, which contributed to a 166% YoY increase in customers, 7% higher operator profit margins, and a 368% increase in bets processed. Meanwhile, BetVision, the interactive live NFL streaming product, is a first-of-its-kind mobile betting innovation that is taking the US market by storm. It transforms the smartphone from a passive viewing screen into an active, twoway betting environment.
BETCONSTRUCT AI BetConstruct AI continues to strengthen its position as a leading sportsbook supplier by combining a highly configurable platform with a strategic focus on emerging regulated markets across the Americas. Designed to give operators maximum autonomy, its sportsbook solution enables partners to tailor events, odds, markets, margins, and risk management while delivering more than 140,000 pre-match events and 90,000 live matches each month across 20+ languages. During the past year, BetConstruct AI reinforced its commitment to Latin America through a strategic partnership with Oddsgate, integrating localized solutions for the newly regulated Brazilian market, including PIX payments, Portuguese-language support, and compliance expertise. Together, these innovations continue to provide operators with the flexibility, localization, and technology needed to succeed in one of the industry's fastest-growing regions.
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Property
of the year
HARD ROCK CASINO TEJON Hard Rock Casino Tejon has enjoyed a remarkable first year, opening ahead of schedule and on budget following the largest private hospitality investment in Kern County history. The property exceeded budgeted revenue by 70% and earnings by 110%, while achieving a 4.6-star Google rating, the highest of any casino property in California. Nearly 90% of team members were hired locally, with 15% already promoted through internal development programs. Beyond its operational success, the property contributed $10m toward a new sheriff and fire substation, supported more than 30 nonprofit organizations, and earned Kern County's Favorite Place to Work and Favorite Place to Eat awards within its first five months of operation.
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GRATON RESORT & CASINO
Owned and operated by the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, Graton Resort & Casino unveiled its new $1bn expansion to guests in May, featuring a 144,000 sq ft non-smoking casino floor which includes nearly 2,000 slot machines, a poker room and high-limit slots lounge. The property also hosted the world premiere of the firstever slot games based on the Bomberman video game franchise with Konami Gaming. As part of its $1bn expansion, Graton Resort & Casino expects to bring on approximately 300 more staff members, furthering its position as one of Sonoma County’s largest private employers. Beyond gaming and hospitality, Graton is also investing heavily in entertainment, as plans are in motion to build a new live performance venue with a capacity between 3,000 and 4,000.
YAAMAVA’ RESORT & CASINO AT SAN MANUEL 2026 marks a defining milestone as Yaamava' Resort & Casino celebrates its 40th anniversary and continues to set the benchmark for gaming and integrated resort experiences in North America. The property remains the only AAA Five Diamond casino resort in the US and is home to the Forbes Five-Star Serrano Spa, the largest casino floor in the West with more than 7,500 slot machines and 150 table games, and one of the country's premier live entertainment venues. This year also saw the launch of an elevated beverage program developed with Master Sommelier João Pires and renowned mixologist Giancarlo Mancino, further enhancing the property's luxury dining experience. By continually investing in gaming, hospitality, entertainment, and culinary excellence, Yaamava' continues to raise the bar for destination resorts.
HIPÓDROMO ARGENTINO DE PALERMO Over the past 12 months, Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo celebrated its 150th anniversary while reinforcing its status as one of Latin America's premier gaming and entertainment destinations. Home to one of the region's largest casino floors, with more than 4,000 slot machines, the venue continued to invest in its gaming offering through new titles and installations from leading suppliers including IGT, Ainsworth, and Aristocrat. Its selection to host the 2027 Gran Premio Latinoamericano further underscored its operational excellence and standing as one of South America's leading racing and gaming venues.
FOXWOODS RESORT CASINO In July, Foxwoods Resort Casino became the first property outside of Las Vegas to debut Interblock’s interactive gaming portfolio as part of a new next-generation Innovation Zone. Titles featured within the new gaming zone include Destroyer: Naval Strike, Showtime Frenzy, Cosmic Crash and Battle for Earth, while the Connecticut Tribal property confirmed additional “games of this caliber” will be released “throughout the coming months.” Foxwoods Resort Casino is undergoing one of its most significant reinvestment years in 2026, with major changes aimed at diversifying its offerings beyond gaming and boosting event-based revenue. Key projects include a high stakes bingo hall, new expo center, a renovation of the property’s main entrance and additional leisure attractions.
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ATLANTIS PARADISE ISLAND Over the winter, Atlantis Paradise Island introduced exclusive beachfront dinners, highly anticipated restaurant openings and a refreshed selection of luxury retail boutiques to help further cement its position as a premier global destination. The property recently completed a $150m resort-wide transformation, including updates to the casino, guestrooms, restaurants and lounges. Atlantis Paradise Island will launch a full transformation of The Cove as the resort continues to accelerate its multi-year push to redefine luxury hospitality in the Caribbean. The resort features a 60,000 sq ft casino, including 85 table games and over 700 slot machines, helping to cement its status as a previous Property of the Year winner in 2024.
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MGM NATIONAL HARBOR MGM National Harbor debuted a new High Limit area in 2026, offering a premium and immersive gaming experience. The high-limit area features 4,000 sq ft of gaming space – bringing the total to more than 14,000 sq ft – as well as 110 slot machines and 19 table games with livedealer options. MGM National Harbor also debuted the first Ultimate Fire Link Zone in its global portfolio, a 2,400 sq ft dedicated gaming venue housing 48 Ultimate Fire Link slot machines, during the second half of 2025. MGM National Harbor generated the most revenue of any commercial property in Maryland during H1 2026, including a yearly high of $73.9m in April.
SNOQUALMIE CASINO & HOTEL Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel celebrated a $400m expansion in late 2025, with a new 10-story, 210-room hotel serving as the expansion’s cornerstone. Also featuring an expanded gaming floor, new 2,000-seat entertainment and convention center, 22,000 square feet of ballroom space and 10,000 square feet of meeting and breakout rooms, the expansion helps redefine Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel as one of the leading operators in Washington State. Last year, Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel also unveiled its newly expanded smoke-free gaming space, featuring nearly 400 slot machines in an environment “designed exclusively for non-smoking guests.” In addition to the recent expansion, each of Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel’s restaurants are smoke-free as well, helping to create an “elevated” experience for guests.
LIVE! CASINO & HOTEL PHILADELPHIA Celebrating its fifth anniversary, Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia has established itself as a leader in gaming, dining, entertainment, and community engagement. The property received its fourth consecutive Philadelphia Business Journal Partners in Philanthropy honor, recognizing its long-standing commitment to nonprofit partnerships. Over the past year, the property invested more than $1.18m in the guest experience, including an exclusive partnership with celebrity chef Jet Tila at its Pan-Asian restaurant Luk Fu, and the reimagining of its 10th Street Market food hall, featuring new concepts from renowned local chefs ahead of the FIFA World Cup. Since opening, Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia has welcomed more than 13 million guests, generated over $390m in gaming and wage taxes for Pennsylvania, and contributed nearly $15m to community donations and grants.
CHOCTAW CASINO & RESORT - DURANT As part of an ongoing refresh, the property’s Grand Casino will transition to a non-smoking environment, completed in six phases which include new carpet, walkways and lighting to give the casino a modern look. Choctaw Casino & Resort - Durant also upgraded its housekeeping operations with power-assist carts designed to improve efficiency, support team member safety and easily navigate long hallways. Following a 15-month renovation, its Grand Tower was transformed into a modern and luxurious retreat, featuring 18 suites and 329 rooms with spacious showers, contemporary furnishings, and original artwork by Choctaw artists. The property also features more than 7,400 slot machines across its gaming floor, including over 3,200 slots and table games in its nonsmoking area, Sky Casino.
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Customer Loyalty Program
of the year
J&J GAMING PLAYER PAYBACK® Player PAYBACK® on the J&J Gaming App is the central focus of the patron experience in Illinois, designed to enhance the patron journey while providing deeper insight. Through continuous, real-time data, the program tracks on-site check-ins, validates foot traffic into gaming areas and drives engagement through tiered rewards, prize redemptions, sweepstakes and customized Location Rewards and Specials & Events. Over the past year, Player PAYBACK® has evolved with the addition of Achievement Badges to incentivize repeat visitation, Refer & Earn to drive peer-to-peer acquisition, and expanded e-gift card options to increase redemption flexibility. Player PAYBACK® drove a 49.8% increase in app downloads from Q1 ‘25 to Q1 ‘26, reflecting new patron acquisition. During the same period, participating locations offering Location Rewards experienced nearly 6% YoY growth in Net Terminal Income, supported by increased daily check-ins and funds-in activity.
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MGM RESORTS MGM REWARDS MGM Rewards continued to redefine casino loyalty by introducing a series of member-focused enhancements that deliver value both on and beyond the casino floor. In 2025, it launched Milestone Rewards, giving members new benefits between tier levels, including Rollover Tier Credits that accelerate progress toward elite status. MGM also expanded its partnership with Marriott Bonvoy, extending tier matching benefits across more than 10,000 hotels worldwide, while enhancing cruise benefits with Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises, including new onboard FreePlay and expanded Annual Cruise Benefits. Additional innovations, including the launch of an MGM Rewards eGift Card and the Iconic World Elite Mastercard, provide members with even more ways to earn, redeem, and enjoy rewards across MGM's integrated resort portfolio and beyond.
CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT CAESARS REWARDS
Caesars Rewards continues to set the benchmark for customer loyalty by delivering seamless benefits across gaming, hospitality, dining, entertainment, and digital channels at more than 50 destinations nationwide. Over the past year, the program introduced the Caesars Rewards Prestige Visa Signature card, giving members accelerated paths to Tier Status alongside benefits including complimentary hotel stays, dining credits, Slot Play, and enhanced earning opportunities. Caesars also expanded redemption options through the new Caesars Rewards Shop, allowing members to use Reward Credits for Bonus Spins and Casino Bonus Cash directly within the Caesars Palace Online Casino app. By continually enhancing how members earn, redeem, and enjoy rewards both on property and online, Caesars Rewards remains one of the gaming industry's most comprehensive and innovative loyalty programs.
YAAMAVA' RESORT & CASINO AT SAN MANUEL CLUB SERRANO The signature loyalty program of Yaamava' Resort & Casino delivers highly personalized rewards, exclusive access, and elevated experiences across gaming, entertainment, dining, hospitality, and travel. Members enjoy access to more than 1,500 promotions each year, including headline-worthy prizes such as a 1987 Buick GNX hand-picked by Jay Leno, a rare replica of the infamous Ferrari from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, luxury watches and priceless memorabilia. To celebrate Yaamava's 40th anniversary, one Club Serrano member won a prize package worth more than $1.6m, including travel for life, a mortgage payoff, and a brand-new Ferrari. Members also enjoy exclusive benefits at premier partner destinations, including Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas and Monarch Beach Golf Links in California.
HARD ROCK INTERNATIONAL UNITY Unity by Hard Rock brings together gaming, hospitality, entertainment, dining, retail, and travel within a single global rewards ecosystem spanning more than 200 Hard Rock and Seminole Gaming locations. Over the past year, the program further enhanced the member experience through the full integration of Hard Rock Bet, allowing players to seamlessly earn Tier Credits across retail and online play while transferring points between digital and on-property rewards. Unity also expanded its reciprocal partnership with Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises, giving members exclusive benefits on land and at sea, while continuing to reward everyday spend through the Unity Mastercard. At the conclusion of 2025, Hard Rock Bet began Unity by Hard Rock Week, featuring double reward points and double tier credits for online casino players.
LIVE! CASINOS & HOTELS LIVE! REWARDS® PLAYERS CLUB Live! Rewards is the gold standard for casino loyalty, multi-tiered, cross-property, and built around real guest value. With over two million members and counting, the program has driven measurable retention across Live!'s five properties, rewarding members through Comps, Flex Points, and Tier Boosters redeemable across gaming, dining, hotel, and retail. The program continues to evolve through its mobile app, which features digital hotel key access, an exclusive veteran membership tier with special benefits, ensuring consistent value whether a member is in Philadelphia, Maryland, Pittsburgh, Louisiana, or Virginia.
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STATION CASINOS MY|REWARDS BOARDING PASS
my|Rewards Boarding Pass continues to be one of Las Vegas' leading loyalty programs, rewarding members across gaming, dining, hospitality, entertainment, and sports betting throughout the Station Casinos portfolio. The program further enhanced the member experience through the STN Mobile app, giving guests real-time access to rewards balances, tier status, exclusive offers, a digital Boarding Pass, and STN Cash for cardless slot funding and digital wallet functionality. Members earn and redeem points seamlessly across gaming, restaurants, hotels and amenities, while enjoying tier-based benefits ranging from complimentary hotel stays and concert tickets to cruise rewards, VIP services, and more. By combining a comprehensive rewards program with an intuitive digital experience, my|Rewards Boarding Pass continues to drive engagement and loyalty among one of the industry's strongest regional customer bases.
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FANATICS FANCASH FanCash connects betting with the wider Fanatics ecosystem. It enables users to earn and redeem value as they shop, bet, and collect across Fanatics' retail, collectibles, and sportsbook & casino businesses, seamlessly integrating loyalty across the company's diverse portfolio. Over the past year, Fanatics further enhanced the program through personalized promotions, including a 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign offering new customers up to $1,000 in matched FanCash. The company also partnered with Pointsville to launch new capabilities for FanCash distribution. Through the Pointsville platform, organizations can distribute FanCash through customized campaigns and promotions using a variety of digital and in-person delivery mechanisms - including unique codes, links, QR codes, and more.
CIRCA RESORT & CASINO CLUB ONE
VIRGIN HOTELS LAS VEGAS CHERRY REWARDS
Club One rewards members across gaming, hospitality, dining, entertainment, and sports throughout Circa Resort & Casino, The D Las Vegas and Golden Gate Hotel & Casino. Members earn and redeem points across casino play, hotel stays, restaurants, bars, and Circa Sports, creating a seamless loyalty experience across one of downtown Las Vegas' leading resort portfolios. Over the past year, Club One continued to enhance member value through exclusive promotions, tierbased rewards, and access to premium experiences across the properties. By combining generous rewards with one of Las Vegas' most distinctive integrated entertainment destinations, Club One continues to drive customer engagement and repeat visitation.
Last year, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas debuted its Cherry Rewards program, delivering a fully integrated rewards experience across gaming, dining, hospitality, retail, and resort amenities. Members earn and redeem points on almost every dollar spent throughout the resort while enjoying exclusive room rates, cabana access, and priority access to shows and concerts. The program features five reward tiers, ranging from Hello to All-Access, unlocking benefits including priority cashier access, reserved slot machines, preferred table games, and other exclusive privileges. In 2026, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas further enhanced the program with the launch of Cherry Rewards Local, an exclusive offering for Nevada residents featuring tier-based gaming point multipliers, expanded resort benefits, and exclusive dining and hotel offers, further strengthening engagement with the local market.
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Casino Services Supplier
of the year
OPTX OPTX fundamentally changed how casinos protect their slot floors from advantage play exploitation, through machine-learning models that analyze behavioral patterns across both player profiles and game-level data, separating legitimate high-value guests from those systematically beating the house. During a review spanning multiple casino properties, the OPTX platform identified $17m in advantage slot play winnings, including $5m in free play awarded to players who were exploiting true-persistence games. OPTX also identified one player who wagered $6m across more than 300 visits while generating nearly $2.4m in profit, highlighting activity traditional analytics failed to detect. By monitoring both shortterm and long-term behavioral patterns, the platform helps operators protect game integrity, marketing budgets, and the player experience with no reported false positives to date.
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PASSPORT TECHNOLOGY Passport Technology continued to strengthen its position as a leading casino technology provider through innovation across payments, automation, and loyalty. During the past year, the company introduced OmniStream, LiveCage, Bank Builder Pro, and Origins, creating an integrated ecosystem that streamlines ticket redemption, cash handling, cage operations, and AI-powered player engagement. Passport's proprietary data processing switch delivers maximum stability and minimized downtime, while its automation technologies have saved operators hundreds of thousands of dollars in labor costs and significantly reduced costly cash handling errors. By replacing manual workflows with fully integrated technologies, Passport continues to help casinos improve operational efficiency while enhancing the player experience.
GIFT&GO Gift&Go continued transforming casino loyalty at scale. Now live in 100+ casinos across North America, the platform fulfilled more than 2 million rewards during the past year, with gifts delivered in an average of 1.7 days. Operators reported 30-50% higher redemption rates, 20-30% longer time on device, and up to 40% lower operating costs through automated fulfillment. Integrated with leading casino systems including IGT, Konami, and Everi, Gift&Go's in-machine gifting solution has become a new standard for casino loyalty - transforming how operators reward players, improve efficiency and drive on-floor engagement. By bringing gift redemption directly to the slot machine, Gift&Go eliminates the friction of traditional loyalty programs and creates a seamless player experience. Guests simply insert their player card to view personalized rewards based on tier status or earned points, then redeem instantly from the machine.
CASINOTRAC CasinoTrac continued strengthening its position as a leading casino management platform, supporting more than 115 operators across 300+ properties, including over 40 Tribal nations. Built as a fully API-based platform, CasinoTrac unifies slot management, table games, player tracking, marketing, accounting, kiosks, and cashier operations within a single system. During the past year, the company introduced a patent-pending AI-driven Table Games Manager & Manager Trainer, using decades of transactional and player data to improve decision-making and floor performance. CasinoTrac also continued expanding intelligent automation and predictive insights across the platform, while record gross profit and recurring revenue growth reflected its strong commercial momentum.
IGT QUICK CUSTOM INTELLIGENCE QCI continued redefining casino floor technology through QCI Resorts, the industry's only unified real-time resort operations platform. Supporting more than 300 casino resorts and managing over $42bn in annual gross gaming revenue, QCI brings together casino management, loyalty, hotel operations, marketing, finance, and enterprise intelligence within a single system. During the past year, the company expanded its MCP-enabled Agentic AI architecture, allowing AI agents to securely interact with live operational data and enabling operators to investigate advantage play, analyze player behavior, optimize reinvestment, and receive realtime operational recommendations through natural language interactions.
IGT is a one-stop shop for everything operators need to power and modernize their casino floors. Anchored by IGT ADVANTAGE® CMS, the company's systems ecosystem has been strengthened through the integration of Everi's FinTech solutions, delivering an end-to-end suite of casino technologies that drive operator value and enhance the player journey. IGT ADVANTAGE is installed at nearly 300 casino operators across 18 countries, connecting almost 300,000 EGMs worldwide. The latest upgrade (IGT ADVANTAGE X) offers cloud deployment, an open API, and AI integration capabilities, while the Everi CashClub suite is deployed at more than 900 locations, generating over $53bn in funds to the floor from 161m financial transactions in 2025. Everi's cashless suite also processed more than $3bn in 2025 reinforcing IGT's position as one of the industry's leading casino services providers.
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MARKER TRAX Marker Trax continues to redefine casino credit through technology that delivers a faster, more secure, and fully digital experience for both operators and players. Over the past year, the company accelerated innovation through major platform enhancements, expanded strategic integrations, and increased its commercial footprint across North America. A key milestone was the launch of the Omni Platform, improving scalability, security, and operational performance, while enhancements to its patented Moolah Play® platform further streamlined the player journey from enrollment through funding. Marker Trax continues to help shape the future of frictionless, cashless casino gaming.
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NRT TECHNOLOGY
OBJECT STUDIO Native-owned technology company object studio continued strengthening its reputation as an innovation partner for the gaming industry, helping operators and technology providers turn ambitious ideas into real-world solutions. During the past year, the company delivered projects including Tavolo (a table-game intelligence platform that is transforming table-game management from periodic measurement to continuous performance management), Golden Entertainment's Giant Keno Progressive (the largest linked keno progressive introduced in a Nevada restricted gaming environment), and Bella (a next-generation loyalty and guest engagement platform). By operating at the intersection of operators, suppliers, and emerging technology, the company helps gaming organizations accelerate innovation while reducing execution risk.
NRT Technology continued advancing casino services through innovative payment, loyalty, and financial technology solutions that enhance both the player experience and casino operations. A standout development was Joingo Rewards, created in partnership with Amazon Business, which seamlessly integrates with casino management systems and enables players to redeem loyalty points for millions of products, eliminating the need for operators to manage traditional merchandise programs. NRT also introduced Instant Bank Verification (IBV) within NCC Online, allowing casinos to securely verify patron banking information in real time. With coverage across more than 95% of US and Canadian banks, IBV accelerates credit approvals, reduces wait times, and helps operators make faster, more informed credit decisions.
AGILYSYS Agilysys empowers casinos with cuttingedge hospitality technology, with Intelligent Guest Profiles representing a transformative advance in how resorts harness guest data to drive personalized service, smarter upselling and deeper loyalty. Powered by Agilysys guestsense.ai, the platform provides a unified guest data interface across all Agilysys hospitality applications, using contextual intelligence to help staff quickly identify the right guest based on real-time information. Agilysys’ platform continuously collects and shares behavioral, transactional, and preference data across applications and properties, creating a complete guest view from a "single pane of glass." By making these insights available at every touchpoint, the platform helps operators deliver more personalized guest experiences while improving operational efficiency.
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Slot
of the year
ARISTOCRAT GAMING MONOPOLY BIG BOARD BUCKS MONOPOLY Big Board Bucks arrived at G2E 2025 as one of the industry's most anticipated launches and quickly debuted at #1 in the Eilers Top Indexing Games – Premium IP report, while also ranking #3 among Top Indexing Parent Games – Premium Leased & WAP. Featuring the distinctive Skyline signage package, the game recreates the classic MONOPOLY YAAMAVA’ RESORT & experience through player-selectable tokens, Mr.AT Monopoly, Parking, houses CASINO SAN Free MANUEL and hotels, and the iconic game board. Triple metamorphic gameplay through TheExtra only Spins, AAA Five Diamond casino resort, Extra Properties, and Extra Yaamava’ & Casino Manuel Houses Resort builds toward the at BigSan Board Bucksis the premier entertainment destination in Bonus, with an additional Free GamesSouthern California and beyond. USA Today’s Best metamorphic feature A adding even more Casino outside Las Vegas and Best Casino excitement. Since launch, the title has Steakhouse, provides an just unmatched expandedYaamava’ across casino floors not in experience. With over 7,400 slots, 150 table the US but in Europe, too. games, and 5 high-limit rooms, it’s a gamer’s paradise. It hosts the biggest names in music and entertainment in the intimate Yaamava’ Theater for an experience like no other. Yaamava’ is also home to the Forbes Travel Guide 5-star Serrano spa.
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IGT WHEEL OF FORTUNE SLOTS
Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026, Wheel of Fortune Slots remains the industry's first licensed slot theme and one of its most iconic franchises. In H1 2026, IGT released seven new Wheel of Fortune games, including Wheel of Fortune Cash on Reels on the RISE55 cabinet. Additional 2026 Wheel of Fortune releases include Sunny Money on the SkyRise cabinet, and Wheel of Fortune Cash Link Reels Double Diamond on the MegaTower RISE cabinet a new jumbo cabinet that delivers big-time Wheel of Fortune fun. The franchise has created more than 1,200 millionaires, paid over $3.7bn in jackpots, and expanded to more than 300 game versions worldwide. It continues to rank among the industry's topperforming WAP games on the Eilers list, with new releases consistently achieving more than 2x house average performance.
BLUBERI SMOKIN' TRAIN
Smokin' Train quickly established itself as one of Bluberi's top-performing games, reaching 1.80x Theo vs Zone Index performance and ranking #1 in the Washington Class II market at 3.12x Theo vs Zone Index. The game reinvents holdand-spin gameplay through innovative mechanics including the Triple Bonus Feature, Pot Filler wheels, and Mystery Doors, creating fast-paced bonus rounds with multiple opportunities for larger rewards. Combining nostalgic theming with engaging gameplay and innovative bonus mechanics, Smokin' Train has delivered exceptional performance, drawing players in and keeping them engaged through its highly rewarding and entertaining design.
EGT BELL LINK
Bell Link has become EGT's flagship fourlevel progressive jackpot product, quickly establishing itself as the company's best-selling title across the Americas and other international markets. The multigame combines new releases with proven EGT favorites, enhanced by high RTP, engaging bonus features, and a jackpot system featuring two fixed and two progressive levels. The Grand and Major jackpots can also be linked with Gods & Kings Link Jackpot, creating even greater prize opportunities. Bell Link's success has led to WAP installations with major operators including Atlantis in Sint Maarten and BBT in Panama, further demonstrating its strong player appeal.
GAMING ARTS WILD TEMPLE – PANDA & TIGER
Launched in 2025, Wild Temple™ Panda & Tiger was designed to deliver consistent, long-term performance through engaging gameplay rather than relying on highvolatility moments. Features including Cash-on-Reels, Monkey Bucks, Temple of Riches, and jackpot-driven free games create steady player progression and sustained engagement. The game's performance is reflected in 12 consecutive months on the Eilers Top Indexing Overall Games – Emerging Suppliers report, demonstrating consistent success across casino floors and making it one of Gaming Arts' strongest-performing titles.
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ZITRO BRAVE DRAGON
Launched exclusively on Zitro's FANTASY premium cabinet, Brave Dragon quickly became one of the company's top-performing games, ranking #1 in the February 2026 Eilers & Krejcik US Report for new games and consistently outperforming global floor averages. The title combines three dragonthemed Bonus Links and the innovative player-controlled Lucky Cell mechanic - offering a "pick your luck" experience which allows players to manually move a position to trigger instant bonuses. Optimized for the FANTASY cabinet with vibrant 4K graphics and premium presentation, Brave Dragon has become one of the standout performers in Zitro's portfolio, consistently delivering strong results across casino floors worldwide.
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NOVOMATIC ULTRA BOOST™ 3 TREASURES LINK
This is one of NOVOMATIC's most successful premium linked progressives of the past 12 months. Combining the recognizable Grand Eagle™ theme, which players are naturally drawn to, with the proven appeal of the ULTRA BOOST™ feature and three progressive jackpot pots, it delivers multiple opportunities for anticipation, engagement, and jackpot wins. A defining element of the product is its immersive merchandising package and interactive video wall experience. Dominated by the striking presence of a soaring eagle brought to life through dynamic animation and larger-than-life imagery, the installation creates a dramatic focal point on the casino floor. The product has enjoyed huge success across North American casinos, becoming a standout performer within NOVOMATIC's expanding premium portfolio through its combination of distinctive presentation, engaging gameplay, and broad player appeal.
KONAMI GAMING BOMBERMAN SLOTS BOMBERMAN slots have become one of Konami's standout successes across the US and abroad, ranking among the industry's highest-indexing overall parent themes. The world's first casino games inspired by the iconic BOMBERMAN video game franchise, the series combines more than 40 years of brand recognition with an entirely new credit collection feature centered around the franchise's signature bomb mechanic. BOMBERMAN BLAST™ and BOMBERMAN BOOM™ made their world premiere at Graton Resort & Casino in December 2025. Featuring triple metamorphic bombs, cash-on-reels prizes, bonus upgrades, and GRAND jackpot opportunities, the series successfully blends nostalgia with innovative gameplay to deliver one of the industry's most distinctive new slot experiences.
LIGHT & WONDER FRANKENSTEIN RETURNS FRANKENSTEIN RETURNS™ brings the latest chapter of Light & Wonder's popular MONSTERS™ series to life through the innovative LIGHTWAVE™ experience. Breaking the barrier between slot machines and overhead signage, the game delivers synchronized bonus features, celebrations, and attract sequences across a fully integrated 170-inch cross-bank display, creating both a personal and communal player experience. Combining industryleading content with cutting-edge 4K LCD and Micro LED technology, FRANKENSTEIN RETURNS™ seamlessly extends gameplay beyond a single machine through dynamic cross-bank content and location-aware graphics. The result is one of the most visually immersive slot experiences on today's casino floor, redefining how players engage with premium land-based gaming.
FBM XING FÚ FORTUNE MONEY TREES
Xing Fú Fortune Money Trees has quickly established itself as one of FBM's standout slot titles, earning recognition as one of the top-performing games in Latin America by Eilers & Krejcik before making its successful US debut. First launched at the Chickasaw Nation-owned Border Casino in Oklahoma before expanding into Florida, the Asianinspired game features a unique link bonus built around the Prosperity, Strength, and Fortune Money Trees, delivering an engaging mix of bonus experiences and four progressive jackpots. Following the positive debut of the single-game version, FBM introduced a multi-game configuration for the Mexican market, adding Power and Wealth themes with different betting options while retaining the feature set and unpredictability that have driven strong player engagement and retention.
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Product Innovation of the year
INTERBLOCK AMUSE AMUSE introduces a new category of entertainment-driven gaming, expanding the traditional casino floor beyond slots, live table games, and ETGs. The portfolio transforms familiar casino play into immersive experiences where players sink enemy ships, encounter invading UFOs, and launch rockets into space. Designed to entertain first, each title combines wagering with cinematic themes, interactive bonus features, and social gameplay that appeal to both seasoned players and new audiences. Since debuting on the Las Vegas Strip in May 2026, AMUSE has expanded to 30+ properties across the US, with deployments increasing approximately 170% in three months. One installation recorded more than 340,000 games played in under two months, while per-unit wagering on its flagship title increased 230% between months two and six, demonstrating sustained player engagement and repeat play.
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GALAXY GAMING MONOPOLY TABLE GAME PROGRESSIVES MONOPOLY Table Game Progressives represents a breakthrough in branded table game innovation, combining one of the world's most recognizable licenses with scalable progressive technology. Developed with Hasbro, the product transforms classic table games through a dynamic paytable mechanic, where MONOPOLY bonus awards randomly multiply 3x to 10x, increasing anticipation without changing the core game. Integrated MONOPOLY theming, familiar iconography, and simple bonus mechanics appeal to both casual and experienced players while driving incremental wagers and extended play. Since launch, the product has demonstrated strong operator adoption, expanding branded progressives beyond slots into live table games.
INCREDIBLE TECHNOLOGIES SUPERSYNC PROGRESSIVE
SuperSync Progressive provides operators unprecedented customization and configurability to create a property-wide progressive. It links up to 100 games across multiple game families and cabinets, while allowing operators to configure reset values from $4,000 to $105,000 with automatic odds scaling. Available at any bet level, SuperSync enables operators to tailor jackpot frequency and values to suit different floor environments, creating greater player excitement while remaining easy to configure and manage. Its operator-friendly controls allow properties to generate more frequent jackpot celebrations or build larger headline prizes, making the system adaptable to everything from smaller casinos to large destination resorts.
PAYSAFE PAY WITH CRYPTO
Following research showing 83% of US bettors want to fund wagers using cryptocurrency or stablecoins where permitted, Paysafe launched Pay with Crypto in April 2026. Powered by MoonPay, the solution enables players to fund sportsbook accounts directly from their crypto wallets within seconds through a seamless cashier integration. Paysafe's research also found 64% of American bettors own cryptocurrency, while multiple operators are already integrating the product across regulated sports betting, DFS, and iGaming. As more jurisdictions embrace crypto funding, Pay with Crypto gives operators a simple way to meet evolving consumer payment preferences while remaining within regulated environments.
PAVILION PAYMENTS TAP2PLAY™ Tap2Play™ addresses one of the biggest barriers to cashless gaming adoption: friction. Unlike many cashless solutions, it enables secure funding through a simple tap or QR code interaction at the slot machine, without requiring players to download an app or complete lengthy enrollment. Players authenticate on their phone and securely fund play in seconds, eliminating trips to an ATM, kiosk, or cage while gaining immediate access to funds exactly where they want to play. By integrating with existing gaming infrastructure, Tap2Play helps operators streamline funding at the point of play, reduce cash handling, and meet growing consumer demand for intuitive digital payment experiences.
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RUSH STREET INTERACTIVE & SIGHTLINE PAYMENTS BETRIVERS DEBIT BetRivers Debit, by RSI and powered by Sightline Payments, is the world's first integrated banking solution for regulated gaming. Traditional payment journeys force repeated deposit and withdrawal cycles, creating up to $1.75bn in excess annual costs and driving payment costs up to 4.5x those of traditional e-commerce. BetRivers Debit breaks that cycle by allowing eligible patrons to deposit once and use their funds to wager or spend anywhere Visa® is accepted, without a traditional withdrawal step. A player with $1,000 in their wagering account can buy a $20 lunch with their BetRivers Debit card and see the balance update in real time, with no withdrawal step required. The solution reduces transaction costs, strengthens KYC and AML oversight, supports RG, and gives players immediate access to their wagering funds.
ARISTOCRAT AWAGER Awager’s innovative digital product is changing the way casinos reach players and the way players interact with their favorite casinos and games. By visiting their favorite casino's website, players can experience an authentic, land-based casino experience online. Awager's state-of-the-art technology enables live-streamed physical slot machines and ETGs from dedicated studios, combining authentic camera views, real-time sound, and an interface that gives online players a genuine casino experience. Awager products are accessible through partner online casinos and gaming platforms, livestreamed from casinos across the US and Canada. Players can choose from live slot machines and ETGs, enjoying full machine control as if they were on the casino floor. Awager helps operators create a seamless bridge between the retail and online gaming experience.
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AINSWORTH JUST CHILLIN' Just Chillin' represents a breakthrough in game development through Ainsworth's use of AI-assisted math modeling and graphics generation. The new development approach accelerates production, improves creative efficiency, and brings games to market faster while maintaining quality. The innovation has already delivered commercial success, with Just Chillin' reaching #12 on the Eilers & Krejcik Top New Core Games list. The methodology is now being expanded across additional titles, marking a broader shift in Ainsworth's game development strategy. The success of Just Chillin' demonstrates that AI-assisted development can deliver both greater efficiency and strong commercial performance.
CAMMEGH MERCURY 360 Cammegh's Mercury 360 intelligent roulette wheel was further enhanced through a collaboration with MGM Resorts to create a US-specific configuration tailored to the demands of North American casino floors. Developed for high-volume environments, large gaming spaces, and challenging climates, the platform features a 32-inch double-sided display system that maximizes visibility and player engagement across expansive casino floors. It also incorporates Cammegh's proprietary Voustone composite bowl technology, engineered to deliver greater dimensional stability and consistent ball performance in environments such as Nevada's extreme desert climate. By working directly with one of the world's leading casino operators, Cammegh has adapted its flagship roulette platform to deliver meaningful operational and player benefits for the North American market.
INSPIRED ENTERTAINMENT CASH BANK™ MECHANIC Cash Bank™ has redefined player engagement in North America, creating a recognizable slot mechanic built around visible rewards, progression, and characterdriven gameplay. Titles including Wolf It Up Again™ and Bigger Piggy Bank™ rank among the region's top-performing online slots, helping Inspired reach its highest-ever position of #4 supplier in the Eilers US Online Game Performance Report during Q1 2026 with three games in the Top 25 Slots and two Cash Bank titles among the market leaders. The mechanic has been successfully adapted across multiple themes and brands, demonstrating its versatility, longevity, and strong commercial performance. Its continued evolution across seasonal and branded releases has established Cash Bank as one of the industry's most recognizable slot mechanics.
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Responsible Business of the year
ARISTOCRAT
BMM INNOVATION GROUP
Aristocrat continued to deepen the integration of sustainability across its global operations during FY25, building on its leadership in responsible gameplay through its Empowering Safer Play (ESP) strategy. The company made significant progress across all six ESP goals, including launching the Know Your Max website in the US, expanding Flexi Play to more than 11,000 enabled machines, commencing accreditation of its iLottery business under the WLA Safer Gambling Standard, and establishing research partnerships with UNLV's AI Research Hub and ICRG. Aristocrat also remained committed to decarbonization aligned with the 1.5°C pathway, transitioning its Australian head office to 100% renewable electricity, while continuing to invest in its people and communities, with 31.9% women across its global workforce, more than 25% of US leadership positions held by minority groups, and $3.9m invested in community initiatives.
BMM continues to redefine responsible business in the global gaming industry through its mission to transform gambling compliance and protect all who gamble. Through BMM Testlabs, BIG Cyber, and RG24seven Virtual Training, the company helps regulators, suppliers and operators create safer gaming environments while strengthening player protection across the Americas. During the past year, BMM expanded its responsible gaming and compliance education through RG24seven, offering free and low-cost training covering Responsible Gaming, Anti-Money Laundering, Human Trafficking Awareness, Compliance, and Tribal Gaming. The company also advanced cybersecurity readiness through BIG Cyber's 360-degree security solutions. Beyond that, BMM continued to support Tribal gaming organizations, veterans' charities, first responders, employee development, and community initiatives across the region.
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ESPORTES GAMING BRASIL Grupo Esportes Gaming Brasil demonstrated its commitment to responsible business by delivering social and environmental initiatives alongside its major sponsorships throughout 2026, like the one provided during Carnival when the operator supported the Projeto Costura Cidadã in Olinda, where more than 80 women received training and income opportunities through textile production. The company also provided equipment and infrastructure for licensed street vendors, while recyclable waste collectors received protective equipment, training and a daily bonus. In addition, Esportes Gaming Brasil expanded its environmental program by implementing carbon offsetting measures and responsible waste management across its Carnival activations.
WYNN RESORTS
Wynn Resorts advanced its environmental, social, and governance priorities in 2025 through significant investments in its people, communities, and environmental sustainability. The company expanded employee development through Wynn University, leadership programs, and its scholarship initiative, which has awarded more than $1.4m to over 110 students since 2018, while recognizing long-serving employees with stock grants during Wynn Las Vegas' 20th anniversary. Across North America, Wynn contributed more than $20.6m in charitable donations and $2.6m in in-kind support, while employee-led fundraising benefited more than 300 nonprofit organizations. The company also advanced its environmental goals through increased waste diversion, with Encore Boston Harbor diverting 57% of waste and Wynn Las Vegas diverting 49% from landfills, while continuing its progress toward net-zero emissions by 2050.
HARD ROCK INTERNATIONAL From annual sustainability initiatives and LGBTQIA+ advocacy during Pride Month to its annual PINKTOBER campaign raising awareness and funds for breast cancer research, Hard Rock’s commitment to people and planet is woven into the fabric of the brand year-round. Over the past year, Hard Rock and Seminole Gaming expanded their global PlayersEdge RG program, increasing access to player education, self-awareness, and support tools, including the Almond Digital Health app and budgeting tools for slot players. The company also strengthened its global anti-human trafficking program, becoming the first gaming company to be recognized by ECPAT International as a Top Member of The Code, while training more than 143,000 team members. The Twentyfour-Seven QR code, now active across 38 properties, further expands access to support resources for vulnerable individuals.
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YUHAAVIATAM OF SAN MANUEL NATION
The Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation continues to set the standard for responsible business through transformative philanthropy, economic empowerment, and cultural stewardship. Building on a legacy of more than $475m in charitable giving, including $34m over the past year, the YSMN continues to create opportunities through its four giving pillars focused on education, community wellbeing, and preserving Indigenous culture. During the year, it awarded a landmark $10m grant to SAC Health, expanding healthcare access for underserved communities in San Bernardino. As one of the largest employers in the region, the Nation has generated $3.2bn in statewide economic impact while continuing to preserve Indigenous traditions and strengthen communities through gaming and strategic partnerships.
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FANDUEL In 2026, FanDuel transformed responsible gaming communications through Play With a Plan, a research-backed campaign that encourages customers to make informed decisions to manage their play. Supported by a national media campaign, it promotes tools such as My Spend and deposit, wager and time limits, with the goal of normalizing responsible play as an everyday best practice. This campaign builds on positive results in 2025, including a 41% yearover-year increase in RG tool usage resulting in the highest rate in company history. FanDuel further strengthened its leadership by welcoming Erin Andrews as an RG Ambassador. Andrews' partnership brings a new dynamic to FanDuel's existing RG Ambassador program, strengthening its ability to connect with a broader audience of sports fans.
SUPERBET
BOYD GAMING As part of its efforts to help local communities, Boyd Gaming Corporation donated more than $215,000 to non-profit organizations across the US through its 18th annual Trees of Hope charitable competition. The 2025 holiday competition involved 175 non-profit organizations across 10 states, with participants decorating trees at Boyd Gaming properties nationwide. The operator also supports its own employees through the Boyd Gaming Team Member Crisis Fund, as well as organizations such as American Red Cross, Global Gaming Women and the ICRG. Boyd Gaming routinely assists with natural disaster relief funds across various US states, including helping organizations based in Hawaii.
Throughout 2026, Superbet continued to strengthen its commitment to responsible business by expanding its player protection framework and investing in consumer support. The company strengthened its player protection framework through a dedicated responsible gambling hub and enhanced customer support. Superbet also achieved an 8.1/10 rating on Reclame Aqui, Brazil's largest independent consumer reputation platform, while responding to more than 99% of customer complaints, reflecting its commitment to transparency and customer care. Beyond player protection, the Super Foundation continued to support health, education, and sport, including sponsoring the first-ever South American stop of the Grand Chess Tour Finals in São Paulo.
BETMGM Over the past year, BetMGM has continued to demonstrate industry leadership through a responsible gambling strategy that combines public awareness, player education, proactive intervention, employee engagement, treatment access, research investment, and industry collaboration. Rather than treating responsible gambling as a regulatory obligation, BetMGM has embedded responsible gambling throughout the player experience and across the organization. Through initiatives including a second national campaign featuring Connor McDavid, expanded GameSense education, enhancements to its Markers of Protection framework and continued investment in independent research, BetMGM has delivered meaningful progress across multiple dimensions of player protection, including measurable increases in the adoption of responsible gambling tools.
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Industry Influencer
of the year
BENNIE MANCINO With more than three decades of experience in casino operations and table games, Bennie Mancino has built his influence on deep industry knowledge, trusted relationships and a genuine commitment to advancing gaming. Through his highly engaged LinkedIn presence, Bennie shares insights, operational expertise and commentary that regularly encourages discussion among gaming professionals. He has expanded that influence through B in the Know, interviewing executives, innovators and thought leaders on topics spanning table games, casino operations, technology, AI, sports betting, security and leadership. Bennie’s ability to bring people together, share practical knowledge and give industry voices a platform has made him a respected connector and educator whose influence reaches across the gaming community.
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BRIAN CHRISTOPHER Brian Christopher has helped redefine the relationship between casino gaming and digital content, building BCSlots into one of the industry’s most recognizable creator brands. Through engaging slot content and a highly active community, he has introduced casino entertainment to millions of viewers while demonstrating the growing power of creator-led engagement. His influence now extends well beyond social media. Brian has collaborated with Gaming Arts to co-create his own slot machines, is a DraftKings Casino ambassador, and has developed branded BCSlots Cruises with Carnival and Princess. With millions of followers and views across his platforms, Brian has played a significant role in bringing slot gaming to new audiences and establishing content creators as an influential part of the wider gaming industry.
PAUL SPEIRS-HERNANDEZ Paul Speirs-Hernandez has spent decades helping shape both the companies and the people behind the gaming industry. Through Steinbeck Communications, he has worked with some of gaming’s most prominent organizations, helping brands and executives communicate their stories and establish influential industry voices. Through Red Wagon Institute, Paul extends that impact directly into leadership development, team building, sales and communications training for operators, suppliers and regulatory organizations. A regular industry speaker and internationally published writer, he has also been particularly active in supporting the development of future Tribal gaming leaders. By combining communications expertise with leadership development, Paul has created a distinctive platform for influencing how gaming organizations communicate, collaborate and develop the people who will lead the industry forward.
DUSTIN GOUKER Dustin Gouker has established himself as one of the most respected independent voices covering sports betting, online gaming and regulation in the US. Through years of reporting, analysis and commentary, he has helped industry professionals and wider audiences understand complex developments at the intersection of gaming, legislation, technology and sports. His knowledgeable and independent perspective has made him a trusted source on many of the biggest issues shaping the sector, with his expertise increasingly reaching audiences beyond the gaming industry. Most recently, Dustin was among the experts featured in Netflix’s 2026 documentary Instadocs: The Prediction Games. Known for cutting through industry noise and bringing clarity to complex topics, Dustin continues to inform debate and help shape important conversations around the direction of the US gaming industry.
FRANCINE MARIC Francine Maric, better known as Lady Luck HQ, has established herself as one of the leading voices in casino content and one of the industry’s most prominent female gaming creators. Through entertaining and relatable slot and casino content, she has built a community of more than one million YouTube subscribers while expanding her influence across multiple social platforms. Her standing within the industry was further demonstrated through an exclusive ambassador partnership with FanDuel Casino, encompassing content, customer events and responsible gaming education. By combining significant reach with an authentic connection to her audience, Lady Luck HQ continues to broaden the appeal of casino entertainment and demonstrate the increasingly important role creators play in connecting gaming brands with consumers.
HILLARY MCAFEE Hillary McAfee has established herself as an engaging and increasingly influential voice within the gaming industry, using digital media to bring industry conversations and personalities to a wider audience. As owner and host of MaxBet Podcast, Hillary has interviewed executives and innovators from across gaming, creating candid conversations around the people, ideas and issues shaping the sector. Her influence extends beyond the podcast through an active LinkedIn presence, regular commentary for industry media and appearances as a moderator and speaker at major gaming events. She also supports the advancement of women across the industry through her work with Global Gaming Women. By combining gaming expertise, marketing knowledge and an authentic approach to content, Hillary has built a platform that informs, connects and gives a voice to the people shaping the future of gaming.
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MELISSA AARSKAUG
VAL MARTINEZ As the founder of Betting Ladies, Val Martinez has created a platform dedicated to making sports betting more approachable, engaging and inclusive for women. In an area of gaming that has traditionally been marketed predominantly toward men, Val has built a community centered around education, conversation and confidence, helping women better understand and participate in sports betting. Through content, events and community building, she is challenging traditional perceptions of what a sports bettor looks like while demonstrating the opportunity that exists when the industry speaks authentically to underserved audiences. Her work through Betting Ladies represents an important contribution to diversifying the sports betting conversation and bringing new voices and perspectives into the industry.
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Melissa Aarskaug has built a reputation for connecting people and encouraging meaningful conversations around leadership, technology and professional development. Alongside an extensive career within the gaming technology and cybersecurity sectors, she founded Executive Connect, a platform bringing senior executives and entrepreneurs together to discuss transformation, leadership and the challenges shaping modern business. Through the Executive Connect Podcast, Melissa has interviewed more than 100 changemakers, using storytelling and open conversation to share knowledge and amplify different perspectives. Her work as a speaker, mentor and community builder, combined with her experience within gaming, has enabled her to create valuable connections across industries and encourage leaders to think differently about how they develop themselves, their teams and their organizations.
STEPHEN MATT MORROW
DANIEL OLIVEIRA Daniel Oliveira, better known as Daniel Fortune, has emerged as one of Brazil’s most influential gaming content creators, building a significant social media following while using his platform to promote player education and responsible gaming. Rather than simply showcasing online gaming, Daniel regularly educates his audience about the risks associated with gambling, how to identify regulated platforms and why betting should be viewed as entertainment rather than a source of income. He became the first iGaming influencer and affiliate to partner with EBAC, which supports people experiencing problem gambling, and has engaged with Brazil’s Secretariat of Prizes and Betting and Conar on responsible gaming and advertising. His influence has also led to partnerships with major regulated operators, including Superbet, where the collaboration focuses on player education and safer gambling. Through his content, partnerships and advocacy, Daniel is demonstrating the positive role influencers can play in Brazil’s rapidly evolving gaming market.
Stephen Matt Morrow, also known as Vegas Matt, has rapidly become one of the most recognizable personalities in casino entertainment, building a huge and highly engaged audience around his distinctive approach to gambling content. Combining high-stakes play with humor and great storytelling, he has made casino gaming entertaining and accessible to audiences far beyond traditional gambling enthusiasts. His influence has led to partnerships with major industry brands, including an exclusive ambassador agreement with FanDuel Casino encompassing digital content, responsible gaming education and customer events, as well as partnership with Virgin Voyages and Peppermill Reno. Through his enormous digital reach and growing presence within the industry itself, Vegas Matt has demonstrated the increasingly powerful role creators play in connecting gaming brands and products with consumers.
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Executive
of the year
PETER ARCEO YUHAAVIATAM OF SAN MANUEL NATION
With more than 30 years of gaming experience, Peter Arceo has become a defining leader within Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation’s expanding gaming and hospitality enterprise. As Chief Gaming Officer, he provides strategic direction across Yaamava’ Resort & Casino and Palms Casino Resort, helping deliver a consistent, worldclass gaming experience across both properties. His influence also extends into the Tribe’s wider hospitality portfolio, which includes Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club, Monarch Beach Golf Links and the recently acquired Mission Inn Hotel & Spa. As Yaamava’ celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2026, Arceo continues to guide its gaming strategy while strengthening the wider enterprise’s position within North American gaming and hospitality. His ability to combine operational expertise, market knowledge and long-term strategic thinking has made him a highly respected Tribal gaming executive.
JOSEPH HILLIER IGAMING ONTARIO
As President and CEO of iGaming Ontario, Joseph Hillier has demonstrated strong leadership in player protection through the successful introduction of BetGuard, the organization’s coordinated, market-wide self-exclusion system. Launched in May 2026, BetGuard gives players a single process to opt out of all 70+ regulated iGaming sites in Ontario, preventing access to existing accounts, the creation of new accounts and marketing communications. As the first centralized self-exclusion system of its kind in North America, its implementation required close coordination across government partners, operators and responsible gambling experts. Under Hillier’s leadership, BetGuard achieved full operator participation and has strengthened responsible gaming safeguards across Ontario’s regulated market. 76 GLOBALGAMINGAWARDS.COM
CARSTEN KOERL SPORTRADAR
Having built Sportradar into a global sports technology leader, Founder and CEO Carsten Koerl continues to drive its next phase of growth through strategic expansion, investment and innovation. Koerl led the landmark acquisition of IMG ARENA’s sports betting rights portfolio, adding relationships with more than 70 rightsholders and expanding Sportradar’s access to properties including Grand Slam tennis, MLS, PGA TOUR and UFC. He has also accelerated investment in AI-powered technology, including 4Sight, while expanding the company into adjacent opportunities such as iGaming. The strategy has delivered strong results, with Sportradar generating approximately €1.29bn (US$1.5bn) in revenue and nearly €297m (US$346m) in adjusted EBITDA in 2025. Through continued investment in premium content, technology and innovation, Koerl remains a defining force in the global sports data ecosystem.
MANDI HART SIGHTLINE PAYMENTS
As Head of Product at Sightline Payments, Mandi Hart has played a central role in advancing how payments are delivered across regulated gaming. She led the development and launch of Sightline Debit, an integrated payments solution designed to reduce operator costs and withdrawal-driven churn while maintaining the security, visibility and auditability required within regulated gaming. Hart worked closely with operators, banking partners and regulatory stakeholders to bring the product to market across multiple jurisdictions, while her wider leadership has helped Sightline maintain 99.9% uptime during major product launches. Beyond product development, she has become a respected industry voice on payment modernization and compliance, sharing her expertise at industry events across the globe.
RICHARD SCHWARTZ RUSH STREET INTERACTIVE
As CEO of Rush Street Interactive, Richard Schwartz has built one of the Americas’ most successful online gaming businesses through a disciplined, player-first approach to growth. In 2025, RSI delivered record revenue of $1.13bn, up 23% year-over-year, while adjusted EBITDA increased 66% to $153.7m and net income reached $74m. The company has also established a significant presence across Latin America, with monthly active users in the region surpassing 493,000 by Q4 2025, up 47% year-over-year. That momentum has continued into 2026, with RSI raising its full-year revenue and adjusted EBITDA guidance while expanding further across the Americas, including BetRivers’ launch in Alberta. Through consistent investment in technology, customer experience and operational efficiency, Schwartz has demonstrated that significant top-line expansion can be achieved alongside rapidly improving profitability.
IVORY KELLY TRIBAL COUNCIL FOR RESPONSIBLE GAMING
With more than 25 years of experience in Tribal gaming regulation, Ivory Kelly has become a leading advocate for responsible gaming and player protection across Indian Country. As founder and CEO of the Tribal Council for Responsible Gaming, she is working to strengthen RG practices while ensuring solutions respect the sovereignty and individual requirements of each Tribal nation. Among her most significant initiatives is the development of a Tribal-wide self-exclusion program that simplifies the process for players while allowing participating Tribes to maintain authority over their own policies. Kelly also brings extensive expertise in Tribal Internal Control Standards, compliance and technology-driven responsible gaming solutions, regularly sharing resources and knowledge to help Tribal organizations strengthen their safeguards. In 2025, her contribution was recognized by IGA, which named her Regulator of the Year. Through TCRG, Kelly is helping demonstrate how responsible gaming, Tribal sovereignty and sustainable industry growth can work together.
DAWN CLAYTON THUNDER VALLEY CASINO RESORT
Dawn Clayton has been instrumental in the growth of Thunder Valley Casino Resort and, in August 2026, made history as the first CEO in the property’s 23-year history. The newly created position recognizes both her proven leadership and the Tribe’s confidence in her ability to guide Thunder Valley through its next phase of growth. Clayton joined the resort as VP of Casino Operations in 2010 and became General Manager in 2013, spending the following 13 years overseeing day-today operations while helping deliver some of the property’s most significant investments, including its hotel expansion, and the growth of its entertainment business. Now responsible for both operations and long-term strategy alongside the United Auburn Indian Community Tribal Council, Clayton brings more than four decades of gaming and hospitality experience to the role. Having started her career as a craps dealer, her progression to CEO of one of Northern California’s leading casino resorts reflects an exceptional career built on operational expertise, trusted leadership and a deep understanding of the industry.
MACKENZIE HAUGH GLI During more than 25 years at GLI, Mackenzie Haugh has progressed from hands-on engineering roles to Chief Delivery Officer, giving him an exceptional understanding of gaming technology, regulatory compliance and customer needs. Today, he oversees GLI’s global delivery strategy, technical execution, information security services, project performance and delivery quality. Haugh has focused on modernizing how GLI operates, challenging legacy processes, reducing bottlenecks and introducing greater data-driven decision-making while maintaining the rigorous standards expected of the organization. He has also strengthened GLI’s customer-centric delivery model through clearer ownership and closer client alignment. Combining technical expertise with commercial awareness and regulatory understanding, Haugh continues to influence how one of gaming’s most important testing and certification organizations delivers value to the global industry.
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ROBIN VILLAREAL GILA RIVER RESORTS & CASINOS Robin Villareal has broken barriers in both gaming and technology as the first Native American female Chief Information Officer of Gila River Resorts & Casinos. Her journey from a front-line position to the executive team reflects an exceptional understanding of casino operations and the role technology can play in improving both the guest and team member experience. As CIO, Villareal has led major technology advancements and supported development projects across Gila River’s portfolio, helping the enterprise evolve while maintaining a strong connection to its Tribal values. Beyond her operational responsibilities, she is a passionate advocate for mentorship and leadership development, creating opportunities for others and encouraging more Native professionals to pursue careers in gaming and technology. Her combination of technical leadership, operational experience and commitment to developing future talent makes her a powerful role model within Tribal gaming.
JOE BILLHIMER CORDISH GAMING GROUP
As Chief Operating & Development Officer for Cordish Gaming Group, Joe Billhimer has helped guide one of the industry’s most recognizable casino portfolios through a significant period of expansion. Under his leadership, Cordish Gaming has doubled in size in recent years, strengthening the Live! Casinos & Hotels brand across the Mid-Atlantic and Southern US while advancing new projects in Virginia. Billhimer combines commercial growth with a deeply rooted belief in community-first leadership, an approach developed over decades in the casino industry. His career achievements were recently recognized through induction into the Mississippi Gaming Hall of Fame, including recognition of his leadership following Hurricane Katrina and his commitment to team members and economic recovery. By balancing development, operational excellence and community responsibility, Billhimer continues to demonstrate the impact thoughtful casino leadership can have both inside and beyond the property.
DAVID LOPEZ AGS ADAM GREENBLATT BETMGM As CEO of BetMGM, Adam Greenblatt has led the company through one of the most significant transformations in its history, shifting the business toward sustainable growth and profitability while strengthening its position across US online gaming. In 2025, BetMGM generated $2.8bn in net revenue, up 33%, and $220m in adjusted EBITDA, representing an improvement of nearly $500m year-over-year. Online sports betting became contribution-positive for the first time, while iGaming revenue grew 24%. Greenblatt has also strengthened BetMGM’s omnichannel proposition in Nevada and overseen continued innovation across casino and sports betting. Beyond financial performance, he has been a vocal advocate for the regulated gaming model, publicly challenging unregulated prediction markets and emphasizing consumer protections. His leadership has successfully combined commercial discipline, product growth and a clear commitment to the long-term health of regulated gaming.
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During more than a decade as President and CEO, David Lopez has helped transform AGS while building one of the gaming industry’s most distinctive workplace cultures. Following AGS’ acquisition by Brightstar in 2025, Lopez guided the company through another important transition, sharpening its strategy across slots, table games, shufflers, HHR and online gaming while preserving the people-first culture at the heart of the organization. In 2026, AGS was named among the Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in the Nation for the tenth consecutive year, an achievement supported by independent employee feedback. Through transparent communication, development programs, recognition initiatives and a strong emphasis on accountability, Lopez has created an environment where employees are empowered to perform. His leadership demonstrates that commercial performance and a genuinely people-focused culture can successfully go hand in hand.
SIOBHAN LANE LIGHT & WONDER
As CEO of Gaming at Light & Wonder, Siobhan Lane oversees the company’s global land-based gaming business, combining a strong focus on product performance with a leadership philosophy centered on high-performing teams and culture. Under her leadership, the business has continued to build momentum, with its North American premium installed base growing for 23 consecutive quarters and increasing by 2,550 units yearover-year in Q1 2026, while Gaming Operations revenue increased 38%. Alongside her executive responsibilities, Lane has taken on another significant leadership role as President and Board Chair of Global Gaming Women, helping advance, mentor and connect women across the gaming industry. With nearly two decades of land-based gaming experience, Lane combines commercial leadership with a commitment to developing the next generation of industry talent.
RYAN COMSTOCK AINSWORTH
Ryan Comstock’s appointment as CEO of Ainsworth in May 2026 marked the latest chapter in a 14-year career with the supplier, during which he has progressed from finance leadership through to COO, and ultimately Chief Executive. His deep understanding of the business has enabled him to lead a period of organizational change, strengthening Ainsworth’s leadership team and sharpening its focus on product performance and growth. That strategy is already delivering results, with Dragon Legacy achieving the #1 and #2 positions in EKG’s Top New Core Video Games rankings, alongside strong performance from titles including San Fa, Five Fortunes and Triple Troves. Through a combination of continuity, talent development and renewed strategic focus, Ryan is helping position Ainsworth for its next phase of growth.
ANDREW BURKE BLUBERI
Since becoming CEO in 2020, Andrew Burke has led one of the gaming supplier sector’s most impressive turnaround stories, transforming Bluberi from a company emerging from bankruptcy into a profitable and rapidly expanding supplier. He rebuilt the leadership team, attracted experienced industry talent and established a distinctive culture centered around creativity, collaboration and the company’s “New School” philosophy. Between 2023 and 2025, Bluberi’s revenue increased 52%, while its licensing footprint expanded significantly. A major milestone came in late 2025 when Bluberi entered Nevada. Today, the company holds hundreds of active licenses across North America, reflecting Burke’s long-term strategy of combining compelling products, talented people and disciplined expansion.
ERIC HESSION CAESARS DIGITAL
As President of Caesars Digital, Eric Hession has overseen the continued transformation of Caesars’ online gaming business into an increasingly significant and profitable part of the wider organization. In 2025, Caesars Digital generated $1.41bn in net revenue, up 21% yearover-year, while adjusted EBITDA more than doubled from $117m to $236m. The momentum has continued into 2026, with the division delivering record first-quarter net revenue of $374m and adjusted EBITDA of $69m. Under Hession’s leadership, Caesars has continued to enhance its sports betting and iCasino products, investing in proprietary games, improved bonusing, live dealer content and a digital wallet now available across numerous states. By combining disciplined growth with continued product innovation and the strength of the Caesars brand and loyalty ecosystem, Hession has helped establish Caesars Digital as a major force in US online gaming.
NADIA POPOVA EGT
During 15 years with EGT, Nadia Popova has played an instrumental role in transforming the company into an increasingly global gaming supplier, with particular influence across Latin America. As Chief Revenue Officer and Vice President of Sales & Marketing, she has helped establish and expand EGT’s presence across Panama, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, the Caribbean and other regional markets. Over the past year, Popova has led the company’s latest phase of South American expansion through the opening of offices in Brazil and Argentina, developing marketentry strategies and appointing experienced local leadership. The Argentina operation has already secured numerous installations, while EGT has integrated its games with several Brazilian betting platforms and continues to pursue significant land-based opportunities. Popova’s combination of long-term regional knowledge and commercial leadership has been fundamental to EGT’s growing footprint throughout the Americas.
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ELIZABETH MAYA CANO CORNAZAR LANA RIVERA GRATON RESORT & CASINO
Lana Rivera has built an exceptional career in gaming, progressing from her first role as a card dealer to President of Graton Resort & Casino, where she now oversees all business functions at one of California’s leading Tribal gaming properties. After becoming General Manager in 2019 and President in 2023, Rivera was one of the key executives who spearheaded Graton’s ambitious $1bn expansion, one of the most significant developments in the property’s history. The project, which opened in May 2026, substantially expands the resort’s gaming and entertainment offering and introduces an entirely smoke-free new casino wing, responding to evolving guest preferences. Rivera brings decades of operational experience to her leadership, including 15 years as General Manager of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa. Known for remaining closely connected to both guests and team members, she combines hands-on operational expertise with strategic leadership, helping position Graton for its next chapter of growth.
ARTHUR NIGGEMANN BETANO (KAIZEN GAMING)
Arthur Niggemann has played a key role in establishing Betano as a leading gaming brand in Brazil and is now applying that experience across the wider Americas. As Marketing Manager for Brazil, Niggemann helped strengthen Betano’s local positioning through high-impact campaigns across both sports betting and online casino, including the “Confia” concept, developing a distinctive brand that connects with Brazilian audiences. His success led to his promotion in July 2025 to lead Betano’s marketing across the Americas, encompassing Latin America and Canada. In his expanded role, Niggemann is responsible for supporting the brand’s continued growth through localized marketing strategies that reflect the cultural and sporting characteristics of each market. By combining a deep understanding of local audiences with ambitious regional strategy, he is helping shape how one of the industry’s most prominent international operators builds meaningful connections with players across the Americas.
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As Executive President of Cornazar, Elizabeth Maya Cano has become one of the most influential voices representing Colombia’s licensed gaming industry. Leading the national trade association for gaming operators, she plays an important role in regulatory and industry discussions, advocating for operators as they navigate challenges ranging from regulatory change and taxation to banking access and wider economic pressures. She has also helped bring Colombia’s experience as one of LatAm’s most established regulated gaming markets to international conversations, including at major industry events. Her leadership extends beyond policy and regulation. She leads a predominantly female team at Cornazar and is a passionate advocate for greater female representation across the industry, with her contribution recognized at the LIFE Awards in Medellín. Through her combination of industry expertise, advocacy and people-focused leadership, she continues to champion a strong and responsible legal gaming sector in Colombia.
ERICA PINTO JAMUL INDIAN VILLAGE
Erica Pinto has dedicated more than 27 years to serving the Jamul Indian Village of California and made history in 2015 when she became the Tribe’s first female Chairwoman. Under her leadership, the Tribe has continued to strengthen its economic position while investing in healthcare, community programs and opportunities designed to benefit future generations. Pinto has played an important role in guiding the growth of the Tribe’s enterprises, including gaming, while remaining a strong advocate for Tribal sovereignty and self-determination at the regional and state levels. Her leadership extends beyond commercial success, with a focus on ensuring economic development translates into lasting benefits for Tribal citizens and the wider community. Through decades of service, she has established herself as an influential and respected voice within Tribal gaming and government.
BROOKS PIERCE INSPIRED ENTERTAINMENT As President and CEO of Inspired Entertainment, Brooks Pierce has led the company through a strategic transformation toward a more scalable, digitally focused business. Under his leadership, the company has prioritized digital growth, optimized its portfolio and strengthened its balance sheet, with the results increasingly evident in its financial performance. In Q1 2026, Inspired generated $57.2m in revenue and $23.7m in EBITDA, achieving a 41% margin. Its Interactive division was a standout performer, with revenue increasing 38% and EBITDA rising 53%, demonstrating the strength of the company’s growing recurring digital business. Pierce has also reduced net leverage to approximately 3.0x while maintaining a clear focus on operational discipline. Known for bringing clarity to complex challenges and aligning teams around defined priorities, he has positioned Inspired as a more resilient and increasingly digital gaming supplier.
JORDAN LEVIN OPENBET
Jordan Levin has led OpenBet through a defining period of transformation, successfully navigating its management buyout while reinforcing the company’s position as a major sportsbook technology, content and services provider. Under his leadership, OpenBet has expanded further across regulated markets, including launching with TQJ in Brazil, while continuing to strengthen its presence across North America. Levin has also advanced the company’s regulatory and responsible gaming capabilities, including an upgraded Neccton solution and Fanatics’ adoption of the full Protect suite in the US, while championing responsible innovation through OpenBet’s AI Centre of Excellence. At the same time, he has guided the business through a period of significant corporate change surrounding Sportradar’s acquisition of IMG ARENA. By balancing commercial expansion, innovation and regulatory integrity, Levin has positioned OpenBet strongly for its next phase of growth.
DR. ALICIA LECHTENBERGER PASSPORT TECHNOLOGY
Since joining Passport Technology as Vice President of Sales and Marketing in January 2026, Dr. Alicia Lechtenberger has made an immediate impact on the company’s commercial strategy and organizational development. She restructured sales territories, recruited new talent, introduced structured coaching and performance reviews, led a comprehensive rebrand and established Passport’s first structured RFP management process. The results have been significant: qualified sales opportunities increased more than 36%, product demonstrations surged 200%, close rates improved from 15% to 19%, and RFP win rates increased from 12% to 25%. Lechtenberger brings more than two decades of experience with companies including IGT, Bally Gaming, Konami Gaming and Aruze Gaming, alongside a Ph.D. specializing in Casino Gaming from UNLV. She also actively develops future industry talent through mentorship with Global Gaming Women and UNLV.
MOR WEIZER PLAYTECH
Mor Weizer has led Playtech through a defining period of strategic transformation while accelerating the company’s focus on opportunities across the Americas. He has driven a strategy that saw US revenue nearly double year-over-year, supported by expansion into West Virginia, Delaware and Connecticut and deeper relationships with major operators including FanDuel, Hard Rock Digital and Delaware North. In Brazil, he has overseen Playtech’s growing presence through its GaleraBet partnership and the opening of a new São Paulo Live Casino studio delivering locally tailored content. Weizer has also remained a strong advocate for safer gambling innovation, with Playtech continuing to invest in solutions including BetBuddy. His leadership has successfully combined major corporate transformation with continued investment in some of the Americas’ most important emerging and established gaming markets.
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