The European, Middle Eastern, and African (EMEA) gaming industry pulsates with innovation, competition, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Recognizing and celebrating those who contribute most significantly to this vibrant landscape is where the prestigious Global Gaming Awards (GGA) EMEA step in. Held annually, the GGAs shine a spotlight on the brightest stars across various gaming sectors, rewarding their achievements and inspiring further growth within the industry.
The 2024 edition, which will take place on the 5th of February in London, marks another significant chapter in the awards' illustrious history. The winners for each category will be revealed at an invite-only event at The Hippodrome Casino in London on Monday, 5 February. The event will be live-streamed from 3pm for those who can't be in attendance.
With a focus on the past 12 months, the event will acknowledge the exceptional efforts of operators, suppliers, individuals, and companies that pushed boundaries, delivered exceptional experiences, and demonstrably elevated the industry.
Award Process
The GGA EMEA nominations undergo a meticulous vetting process, ensuring the integrity and prestige associated with the awards. Self-nominations are submitted, followed by careful review by independent industry consultants.
A distinguished judging panel comprising 50 C-level executives then meticulously evaluates each contender. KPMG in the Crown Dependencies independently adjudicates the entire voting process, guaranteeing fairness and transparency.
EMEA Award Categories
The Global Gaming Awards EMEA recognize and celebrate the top performers in the gaming industry across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa region. The 2024 ceremony encompasses 16 diverse categories and recognizes achievements in various key areas.
Here's a breakdown of all the award categories:
Operator Awards
- Retail Operator of the Year: This award recognizes the best land-based casino operator in the EMEA region. The winner will be judged on many criteria, including the quality of their gaming facilities, customer service, innovation, and overall brand experience.
- Breakthrough Company of the Year (New category): This award is new for 2024 and honors a rising star in the EMEA gaming industry who has made a significant impact in the past year. The winner could be a new company that has launched a successful product or service, or an established company that has made a major innovation.
- Online Sports Betting Operator of the Year: This award speaks for itself. Here, the gambling site considered the best online sports betting platform in the EMEA region goes home with this award. Several top online sites like 1xbet are judged and scrutinized based on the breadth of their sports betting offering, the quality of their odds, their user experience, and their customer service.
- Casino of the Year: This award recognizes the most outstanding casino, either land-based or online, in the EMEA region. The judges will consider key aspects such as quality of their games, their customer service, their atmosphere, and their overall brand experience.
- Online Casino of the Year: This award honors the best online casino platform operating in the EMEA region. Important factors of nominated casinos such as the breadth of their game selection, the quality of their software, their user experience, and their customer service will determine who gets the award.
Supplier Awards
- Sports Betting Supplier of the Year: This award recognizes the best provider of sports betting technology and services to the EMEA market.
- Casino Supplier of the Year: The leading suppliers of casino games, platforms, and other solutions to the EMEA region stand a chance to get recognition for their good work. This award is dedicated specifically for this purpose.
- Online Casino Supplier of the Year: This award honors the top provider of technology and services specifically for online casinos operating in the EMEA region.
- Online Slot of the Year: Slots are commonly played in every casino and every year there’s a slot that stands out from the pack. This GGA award recognizes the most popular and engaging online slot game released in the EMEA region during the past year. Other factors such as the game’s graphics, its gameplay, its bonus features, and its popularity with players will be key in deciding the final winner.
Technology & Services Awards
- Payment Solution of the Year: This award recognizes the best and most reliable payment solution provider for the EMEA gaming industry. The winner will be judged on different attributes most notably the security of their payment platform, the speed and efficiency of their transactions, and their customer service.
- Services Provider of the Year: This award honors the leading provider of non-gaming related services, such as marketing, legal, or compliance, to the EMEA gaming market. The quality of services, expertise, and track record of success are all factors that determine who goes home with this award.
- Product Launch of the Year: This award recognizes the most successful and impactful new product launch in the EMEA gaming industry during the past year. The winner will be judged on the innovation of the product, its market impact, and its overall success.
Industry Recognition Awards
- Affiliate Program of the Year: This award recognizes the best affiliate marketing program promoting gambling operators in the EMEA region. The major determinants for any casino to win this award include the quality of their traffic, their conversion rates, and their overall effectiveness.
- Social Responsibility Award: This award honors an operator or supplier that has made significant contributions to promoting responsible gambling practices in the EMEA region.
- Social Responsibility Award: Only the most reputable gambling centers that have made significant contributions to promoting responsible gambling practices are considered for this award. The judges will look at several factors such as their commitment to responsible gambling initiatives, their player protection measures, and their overall contribution to raising awareness of responsible gambling to determine the winner.
- Platform Provider of the Year: This award recognizes the leading provider of online gaming platforms used by operators in the EMEA region. The winner is decided using the security and reliability of their platform, the scalability and flexibility of their platform, and their customer service.
- Executive of the Year: This award recognizes the most outstanding individual leader who has made a significant positive impact on the EMEA gaming industry during the past year. The winner will be judged on a number of criteria, including their leadership skills, their contributions to the industry, and their overall impact on the business.
EEMA 2024
As earlier stated, the winners of all categories will be announced at an invite-only event at The Hippodrome Casino in London on February 5th, 2024. Alternatively, there will be a live stream for those unable to attend the meeting in person. You can find the full list of nominees for each category on the Global Gaming Awards website.
