Nominations are now open for the fifth annual Casino Guru Awards, with the submission window running until 15 February 2027. This year’s awards introduce a new category, Player Protection Advocate of the Year, designed to highlight individuals actively working to enhance player safety and reduce gambling-related harm.
New Focus on Player Protection
The addition of the Player Protection Advocate of the Year award reflects Casino Guru's commitment to responsible gambling. This new category aims to recognise professionals making significant contributions in policy development, industry best practices, and fostering collaboration between organisations to promote safer gambling environments.
Expanded Award Categories
The 2027 ceremony will feature 13 categories, including recognitions for social responsibility, transparency, company culture, and leadership in responsible gambling. Categories such as Woman Leader of the Year, Rising Star in Responsible Gambling, Young Changemaker Award, and Company Culture Shaper, which were introduced in the previous edition, remain part of the lineup. Both companies and individuals are eligible to nominate themselves or others by submitting the official nomination form and any supporting materials.
Judging Process and Ceremony Details
A panel consisting of Casino Guru experts and external industry professionals will review submissions, which include nomination letters and supporting evidence. The process will also involve online interviews with shortlisted candidates. Most award winners will be selected by the panel, while the Players’ Choice and Voice of the People awards will be decided through public voting. Shortlisted nominees will be revealed on 1 March 2027, with public voting and judging running from 30 April to 7 May. The winners will be announced at an invite-only ceremony at Casino Maltese in Malta on 26 May, coinciding with the NEXT Summit Valletta 2027.
Why This Matters for the Industry
The introduction of the Player Protection Advocate of the Year category signals a growing emphasis on responsible gambling and player safety within the industry. For operators, affiliates, and suppliers, this development highlights the increasing importance of policy innovation and collaboration to address gambling-related harm. Recognition in these areas can enhance reputational value and demonstrate commitment to sustainable business practices, which regulators and stakeholders are scrutinising more closely.
Key takeaways
- Nominations for Casino Guru Awards 2027 are open until 15 February 2027.
- A new Player Protection Advocate of the Year category has been introduced.
- The awards will be judged by a panel and include public voting for select categories.
- Winners will be announced at Casino Maltese, Malta, on 26 May 2027.