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The European iGaming Awards 2026 celebrated excellence in online gaming on January 19 at Hotel Porta Fira in Barcelona, with Betsson Group, Optimove, and SOFTSWISS among the major winners. The ceremony, held alongside ICE Barcelona, recognised achievement across innovation, industry performance, and individual contribution with more than 30 awards presented throughout the evening.
Award Ceremony Highlights Excellence in iGaming
The European iGaming Awards took place on Monday evening, January 19, 2026, at Hotel Porta Fira in Barcelona, positioned adjacent to the Fira Gran Via exhibition centre hosting ICE Barcelona. Organised by Datateam Business Media—publishers of Gaming International Online and Casino International—the ceremony brought together operators, suppliers, and industry professionals for an evening recognising achievement across the online gaming sector.
The awards programme evaluates submissions across three main categories: Innovation Awards, People Awards, and Industry Awards, alongside Best Of categories recognising overall performance. An anonymous panel of industry experts reviewed all nominations to select winners based on innovation, impact, and contribution to the sector.
The ceremony provided a platform for industry recognition while fostering networking among key players shaping the future of iGaming. Winners were announced throughout the evening across multiple categories spanning technology innovation, game development, operational excellence, and individual achievement.
Learn more about the European iGaming Awards at europeanigamingawards.co.uk.
The Evening at Hotel Porta Fira
Attendees gathered at Hotel Porta Fira, a venue known for hosting major industry events during ICE Barcelona week. The ceremony format featured winner announcements across all categories, with selections made following detailed evaluation of submissions demonstrating innovation, operational excellence, and professional achievement.
The event coincided with the opening of ICE Barcelona 2026, the global gaming industry’s largest trade show, creating opportunities for winners to celebrate achievements while connecting with industry professionals attending the three-day conference.
Complete Winners List – European iGaming Awards 2026
✨ Innovation Awards
Sustainability Award (Operator): Betsson Group
Sustainability Award (Supplier): Play’n GO
Best Esports Innovation: ESportsBattle and Esports Odds Feed – BETER
Best Live Casino Innovation: AI in Live Casino – Imagine Live
Best Sportsbetting Innovation: 4Sight – Sportradar
2025 Innovation of the Year: Optimove’s Positionless Marketing Platform – Optimove
Most Innovative Supplier: Elantil
Most Innovative Slot Game: Assembl’em – Slingshot Studios
Most Innovative Online Casino Operator: Bally’s Interactive
👤 People Awards
Outstanding Contribution Award: Lee McFarland – Behind The Gloves
Rising Star Award: Daisy White – Rdentify Connect
🏢 Industry Awards
Best Advertising & Marketing Campaign: N1 Puzzle Promo – N1 Partners Group
Charity Award: The DAR Bjorn Charity Gala – BGaming
Best Diversity & Inclusion Employer: Betsson Group
Best Customer Service Award: Continent 8 Technologies
Safer Gambling Award: Betsson Group
PR Agency of the Year: Press Box PR
Up and Coming Brand of the Year: GeoLocs
🏅 Best Of Awards
Best Supplier: Digitain
Best Online Casino Operator: Betsson Group
Affiliate Company of the Year: MelBet Partners Affiliates
Best Game Developer: Greentube GmbH
Best Online Poker Supplier: EvenBet Gaming
Sports Betting Platform of the Year: BETBY
Best Game Design of the Year: Playbook Football – Playbook Fusion
Best Software Supplier of the Year: EGT Digital
Slot Game of the Year: Golden Winner Grand Chance – Inspired Entertainment, Inc.
Game of the Year: Fortune Factory Gold Blitz Ultimate – Games Global
Best iGaming Platform Supplier: SOFTSWISS
Best Slot Game Provider: 18Peaches
Best Live Event Marketing Campaign: The Golden Boomerang Awards 2025 – Boomerang Partners
Best Payment Solutions Provider: Yaspa
Best Affiliate Program of the Year: Fair Sky Partners
Notable Achievements
Betsson Group claimed four awards throughout the ceremony, including Best Online Casino Operator, Sustainability Award (Operator), Best Diversity & Inclusion Employer, and Safer Gambling Award. The Swedish operator’s multiple wins reflected commitment to responsible operations, workplace culture, and industry leadership.
Optimove secured the Innovation of the Year award for its Positionless Marketing Platform, representing recognition for advancement in customer relationship management technology. SOFTSWISS received Best iGaming Platform Supplier, while EGT Digital claimed Best Software Supplier of the Year.
In gaming content, Games Global’s Fortune Factory Gold Blitz Ultimate won Game of the Year, with Inspired Entertainment’s Golden Winner Grand Chance securing Slot Game of the Year. Technology innovation awards recognised Imagine Live for AI in Live Casino, Sportradar for 4Sight sportsbetting technology, and BETER for esports content development.
People awards highlighted both established achievement and emerging talent, with Lee McFarland of Behind The Gloves receiving Outstanding Contribution recognition and Daisy White of Rdentify Connect earning Rising Star honors.
About the European iGaming Awards
The European iGaming Awards specialise in recognising innovation across the online gaming sector. Organised by Datateam Business Media, the awards evaluate operators, suppliers, and professionals across categories including game innovation, technology development, customer service, marketing, responsible gambling, and individual achievement.
The next edition is scheduled for Monday, January 18, 2027, in Barcelona, coinciding with ICE Barcelona 2027. For more information, visit europeanigamingawards.co.uk.
Full photo gallery: https://europeanigamingawards.co.uk/2026-gallery/
Source: European iGaming Awards
