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SBC Awards unveil champions of betting and iGaming


SBC marked the grand 10th-anniversary edition of the SBC Awards with a spectacular celebration, honouring the exceptional individuals and companies whose unwavering commitment to delivering top-notch products and services earned them a trophy at yesterday’s ceremony.


The anniversary edition of the Awards saw the announcement of winners across 39 categories, including operators, affi liates, media, suppliers, and payment and compliance tools. The event unfolded at the stunning Caves Codorníu, boasting over 450 years of history as Spain’s oldest wine and cava producer and drew an audience of 1,000 senior executives from the betting and iGaming industry.


The ceremony was hosted by the familiar face of SBC Awards and TV personality Kirsty Gallacher, alongside former professional football player and current manager Clarence Seedorf, widely regarded as the greatest midfi elder of this generation and with a UEFA Champions League legacy to his name. Bet365 was named Sportsbook Operator of the Year, retaining last year’s title, with the brand’s affi liate program also receiving the Best Affi liate Program Award. Kaizen Gaming was awarded the titles of Casino Operator of the Year and Southern European Operator of the Year. In other operator categories, the independent judging panels awarded three titles to Betsson Group, including Innovation in Casino & Gaming Entertainment, Marketing Campaign of the Year, and Western European Operator of the Year.


In the Rising Star categories, Betiton Casino earned the Rising Star in Casino title, while the Rising Star in Sports Betting award went to Rhino.bet. STS S.A. claimed the Eastern European Operator of the Year title, while Glitnor Group secured the Northern equivalent. When it comes to esports, Betway Group


managed to outshine the competition. Sofascore (Affi liate Product Innovation), iGamingNuts (Casino Affi liate of the Year), and Better Collective (Sports Affi liate of the Year) emerged as the prominent winners in the affi liate categories, with Better Collective successfully retaining last year’s title. Flutter Entertainment was honoured with the prestigious Employer of the Year Award, while two industry stalwarts, Dan Taylor (Flutter International) and Marina Ilina (PIN-UP Global), jointly shared the Leader of the Year title. Entain Foundation US was recognised with the title of Socially Responsible Initiative of the Year. IDnow, Trustly, and Nuvei dominated the


fi eld in the Payment & Compliance categories, earning the titles of Fraud and Compliance Solution of the Year, Payment Innovation of the Year, and Payment Solution of the Year, respectively. Enteractive: Acquisition & Retention Partner Pragmatic Play: Casino/Slots Developer of the Year Oddin.gg: Esports Supplier of the Year Evoplay: Industry Innovation of the Year Spribe: Innovation in Casino Entertainment Relax Gaming: Innovation in Mobile BetConstruct: Land-Based Betting & Gaming Product Genius Sports: Live Betting Product Evolution: Live Casino Supplier Sportradar: Marketing & Services Provider of the Year Sportingtech: Multi-Channel Supplier OpenBet: Platform Provider of the Year Aviatrix: Rising Star in Casino Innovation/Software Angstrom: Rising Star in Sports Betting Innovation/Software Stats Perform: Sports Data Product Digitain: Sportsbook Supplier of the Year Vermantia: Virtual Sports Supplier BetConstruct: White Label Supplier of the Year


Push Gaming prepares for growth following MGMRI/LeoVegas acquisition


Push Gaming is set for continued growth, following the completion of its acquisition by LeoVegas Group’s investment arm, LeoVentures, a subsidiary of MGM Resort International (MGMRI).


Push Gaming’s rapid rise to prominence within the highly competitive iGaming industry is based upon its player-fi rst ethos toward slot development. This foundation has seen the production of numerous hugely successful, player-favourite titles including Razor Shark, Jammin’ Jars and Big Bamboo. These games and its entire diverse portfolio are available to play in regulated markets around the world and with the strength of LeoVegas Group and MGM Resorts International now behind it, the studio is more confi dent than ever before about its continued growth trajectory. James Marshall, Push Gaming CEO, said: “We’re extremely proud of the tireless work put in over the years that has allowed us to reach this position as a company. The acquisition is a testament to the talented team we have built along with their skills and industry insight that have led to where we are today.


“While our ownership may be new, Push Gaming will be managed independently by the same leadership and our commitment to creating the ultimate entertainment in gambling games remains unwavering. We’re more determined than ever to ensure that we deliver the very best content that stands the test of time and drives traffi c for our operator partners.


“Having the likes of MGMRI and LeoVegas Group behind us is going to open a whole new level of opportunity for us to put our content in front of even more people in a greater number of places globally and this prospect excites us massively.


“It’s business as usual but with an added spring in our step and even wider horizons than before as we take Push Gaming into this new exciting chapter.”


GIO OCTOBER 2023 5


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