The Global Gaming Awards Americas 2024 are just around the corner, bringing excitement and recognition to the top players in the gaming industry. This year’s event will honor the most exceptional achievements in gaming across the Americas, with 15 categories celebrating innovation, leadership, and growth in this dynamic field.
In a newly released episode of the Shortlist Show, Gambling Insider’s Editor Tim Poole joined Mariya Savova, the Event Manager of the Global Gaming Awards, for an in-depth discussion. Together, they dive into the nominees, industry-shaping moments, and the ever-evolving gaming landscape over the past 12 months. The episode serves as both a preview of the nominees and a reflection on key industry developments, from DraftKings’ major acquisitions to FanDuel’s rise as the leading iGaming operator.
With the winners set to be announced on October 7 during a special luncheon at The Venetian Las Vegas, anticipation is already building. As always, the Global Gaming Awards promise to spotlight the best in the business, showcasing why they are considered the industry’s most prestigious accolades.
A Year of Milestones and Game-Changing Moves
The past 12 months have been pivotal for the gaming industry, with several high-profile acquisitions, market expansions, and regulatory developments. Tim Poole and Mariya Savova reflect on these highlights in the Shortlist Show, offering insights into what made this year stand out for the industry at large.
The Closure of The Mirage
The iconic Mirage, a landmark in Las Vegas history, officially closed its doors this year, marking the end of an era. The Mirage has been synonymous with the transformation of the Las Vegas Strip into the entertainment hub it is today. Its closure is not just a real estate transaction but a significant cultural moment for the industry, especially considering its longstanding impact on hospitality and gaming.
DraftKings’ Strategic Acquisitions
One of the year’s biggest moves came from DraftKings, which expanded its portfolio with the acquisition of Simplebet and Jackpocket. This double acquisition signals DraftKings’ ambitions to strengthen its position in the U.S. market, particularly in micro-betting and lottery sectors. By adding Simplebet’s micro-betting technology and Jackpocket’s lottery app to its offerings, DraftKings is setting itself up to become a more holistic platform for sports fans and casual players alike.
Brazil’s Rapid Developments in Gaming
Brazil continues to be a focal point for gaming companies globally. Recent developments, including evolving regulations and growing market interest, have made Brazil an exciting space for both online and land-based operators. As Latin America’s largest economy, Brazil’s potential to become a significant market for sports betting and iGaming has kept it at the forefront of industry conversations.
FanDuel’s Dominance in iGaming
Another standout moment from the past year is FanDuel’s emergence as the number one iGaming operator. FanDuel’s combination of sports betting and iGaming has helped it secure the top spot, outpacing its competitors and setting a high bar for innovation, customer engagement, and market penetration. This success reflects the broader trend of convergence between sports betting and online gaming, as operators strive to offer comprehensive digital experiences.
Celebrating the Best in the Business
The Global Gaming Awards Americas 2024 will feature 15 categories, each recognizing excellence across different facets of the industry. These categories have been carefully curated to reflect the diversity of the gaming landscape, from land-based casino operations to digital innovation and customer engagement.
Land-Based Operator of the Year
This category recognizes the most successful and innovative operators in the land-based casino space. Nominees in this category have demonstrated operational excellence, strategic growth, and exceptional customer service in the competitive landscape of physical casinos.
Digital Operator of the Year
As the digital gaming space continues to expand, this award highlights operators that have excelled in online casinos, sports betting, and iGaming platforms. Key factors include user experience, market share growth, and technological advancements that set these operators apart.
Product Innovation of the Year
The gaming industry thrives on innovation, and this category celebrates the most groundbreaking products and technologies introduced over the past 12 months. From new games and betting platforms to enhanced user experiences, nominees in this category are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in gaming.
Casino Product of the Year
This award focuses on the best new products or updates that have enhanced the land-based casino experience. Whether it’s a new slot machine, table game, or a technology that improves operations, this category showcases the leaders in casino product innovation.
Slot of the Year
With slots remaining a staple of both land-based and online casinos, this category highlights the most popular and innovative slot games. The nominees have demonstrated creativity, player engagement, and commercial success in the competitive world of slot machines.
Sports Betting Operator of the Year
The sports betting sector has seen massive growth, especially in North America. This award recognizes the operators that have excelled in offering top-tier sports betting experiences, including market-leading odds, customer service, and technological innovation.
Online Sports Betting Product of the Year
Focusing on the digital sports betting space, this category honors the best products and platforms that have enhanced the online betting experience. Whether through mobile apps, in-play betting, or unique wagering options, nominees here have shaped the future of online sports betting.
Responsible Business of the Year
In an industry where ethical practices are critical, this award shines a light on companies that prioritize responsible gambling and social responsibility. Nominees have demonstrated leadership in promoting safe gambling practices, customer care, and sustainable business models.
Customer Loyalty Program of the Year
Customer retention is vital for success in the gaming industry. This category rewards the most effective and innovative loyalty programs that keep players engaged and rewarded. From points systems to exclusive member benefits, these programs have demonstrated their value in building long-term customer relationships.
Payment Solution of the Year
With seamless payment systems being a critical component of both land-based and online gaming, this award recognizes the best payment solutions in the industry. Nominees have streamlined transactions, improved security, and enhanced the overall player experience with their offerings.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of the Year
Beyond profit, gaming companies are increasingly judged by their contributions to society. This category honors companies that have made significant impacts in areas like environmental sustainability, community engagement, and employee welfare.
Industry Supplier of the Year
This award focuses on the companies that provide the essential technology, equipment, and services that keep the gaming industry running. Nominees have demonstrated excellence in delivering the tools and support operators need to succeed.
Rising Star of the Year
Recognizing up-and-coming companies, this category is all about future potential. Nominees here have shown rapid growth, innovation, and the ability to disrupt established players in the industry.
Executive of the Year
Leadership plays a crucial role in the success of any company, and this category honors the individuals who have made significant contributions to their organizations and the broader industry. Nominees are chosen based on their vision, strategic direction, and ability to drive growth.
Game of the Year
Finally, this award recognizes the best game launched in the past year. Whether it’s a digital or land-based game, nominees here have captivated players and driven commercial success with innovative mechanics, graphics, and storytelling.
The Shortlisting and Voting Process: Ensuring Fairness and Credibility
What sets the Global Gaming Awards apart from other industry accolades is the rigorous shortlisting and voting process. Every company nominated has earned their spot for a specific reason, and these decisions are not made lightly. The shortlisting process is based on a combination of industry performance, innovation, and impact.
The winners are determined by a panel of 100 senior industry executives, each with a deep understanding of the Americas market. This panel brings together decades of experience, ensuring that the voting process reflects the knowledge and expertise of the industry’s most influential leaders.
Additionally, KPMG in the Crown Dependencies acts as the official voting adjudicator, providing oversight and ensuring that the process is transparent and fair. The involvement of KPMG, a globally recognized audit firm, lends further credibility to the awards, assuring nominees and winners alike that their achievements are being judged with the utmost integrity.
Save the Date: Winners to be Announced During G2E Week
The winners of the Global Gaming Awards Americas 2024 will be revealed on Monday, October 7, during a luncheon ceremony at The Venetian Las Vegas. This event will take place during G2E week, the premier trade show for the gaming industry. With only a limited number of tables available, those interested in attending should act quickly to secure their spots.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, with new markets opening up and technology driving innovation, the Global Gaming Awards offer a unique opportunity to celebrate the companies and individuals who are leading the charge. Whether through product innovation, responsible business practices, or exceptional leadership, this year’s nominees reflect the best of what the industry has to offer.
From the closure of The Mirage to DraftKings’ major acquisitions and FanDuel’s rise to dominance, it’s been a year of significant milestones for the gaming industry. The Global Gaming Awards will once again recognize those who have not only adapted to these changes but also thrived within them.
Stay tuned for the winners and enjoy the anticipation as we celebrate the achievements of the past year and look forward to what the future holds for gaming across the Americas.