Global Gaming Awards 2024 Lecture Notes

Opening Remarks

• Introduction by Simon Thomas, Executive Chairman of Hippodrome Casino
• Gratitude expressed to attendees, both in-person and online
• 2023 was an eventful year for the gaming industry in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMA)

Key Industry Developments in 2023

• Integrated Resort Concept
  • Debuted in Europe (Cyprus)
• United Arab Emirates
  • New regulatory body for national lottery and commercial gaming
• UK Gambling Commission
  • Published long-awaited white paper
• Other Regulatory Developments
  • Sweden, Italy, and Hungary amended their gambling regulations
• Online Industry in Africa
  • Substantial growth and expansion into regulated markets
• Innovation and Technology
  • Use of AI by companies
• Key Focus: Responsible Gaming, CSR, and ESG

Specific Honors and Mentions

• Simon Thomas noted for his contributions to the UK casino sector
• Mention of Hippodrome Casino's social responsibility initiatives
• Highlight of Magic Mike Live show and various facilities at Hippodrome Casino

Sponsor Recognition

• Thank you to sponsors: Interblock Gaming, Digitain, EGT, Galaxis, Brag Gaming, etc.
• Sponsors have no influence on nominations or awards
• Special acknowledgment to Bet Construct as the lead partner

Judging and Fairness

• KPMG's role in adjudicating the voting process
• Shortlisted companies are results of extensive research, expert consultation, and self-nominations
• Voting by 50 industry leaders
• Companies nominated only once per category

Award Categories and Winners

• Retail Operator of the Year: Paddy Power
• Online Sports Betting Operator of the Year: Bet365
• Sports Betting Supplier of the Year: Sportradar
• Casino of the Year: Hippodrome Casino
• Casino Supplier of the Year: Light & Wonder
• Online Casino of the Year: LeoVegas
• Online Casino Supplier of the Year: Pragmatic Play
• Online Slot of the Year: Money Train 4 by Relax Gaming
• Affiliate Program of the Year: Bet365 Partners
• Platform Provider of the Year: Softswiss
• Service Provider of the Year: Continent 8 Technologies
• Payment Solution of the Year: Trustly
• Product Launch of the Year: Treasure Island by Pragmatic Play
• Breakthrough Company of the Year: Spribe
• Social Responsibility of the Year: Betsson Group
• Executive of the Year: Erwin van Lambaart of Casinos Austria

Closing Remarks

• Thanks to all participants, sponsors, and the Hippodrome Casino
• Upcoming events: Sigma Asia in Manila (June) & Las Vegas (October)