Now firmly established as one of the global gaming industry’s most prestigious and respected diversity-focused awards, the Awards continues to recognise and celebrate outstanding contributions to equality, diversity, inclusion, and employee wellbeing across the industry.

The 2026 judging panel brings together a diverse group of industry leaders, experts, and advocates, each selected for their deep knowledge, experience, and commitment to driving meaningful change within gaming and technology.

Since its launch in 2010, the awards have celebrated both individuals and organisations demonstrating exceptional dedication to fostering inclusive workplaces and advancing representation across all levels of the gaming industry.

The 2026 edition is expected to attract a record number of entries, reflecting the growing industry-wide commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

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Philippine Gaming Sector Achieves $6.6 Billion Revenue Milestone

Record-breaking performance defined 2025 for the Philippine gaming sector, which posted gross gaming revenue of PHP410.48 billion, representing a 24.8-percent increase year-on-year. Land-based operations accounted for 49 percent of total revenues, while e-Games contributed 38 percent to the sector’s performance. The electronic gaming segment experienced explosive expansion, with revenues surging 309.2 percent to PHP135.7 billion. Licensed casinos, by the same token, recorded PHP201.8 billion in revenues, reflecting a 2.7-percent decline.

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation reported revenues of PHP111.72 billion for full-year 2024, marking a 40.7-percent increase from PHP79.38 billion in 2023. PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro Tengco confirmed the Philippines now generates the second-largest gaming revenue in Asia after Macau, exceeding Singapore’s gaming receipts.

Momentum continued into 2025, with first-quarter gross gaming revenues reaching PHP104.12 billion, a 27.44-percent increase compared with the same period in 2024. The e-Games and e-Bingo segment contributed PHP51.39 billion, representing 49.36 percent of total first-quarter revenues and establishing itself as the industry’s leading revenue driver for the first time. Licensed casinos generated PHP49.28 billion during the quarter, accounting for 47.32 percent of industry totals.

Online Platforms Overtake Traditional Casinos as Top Revenue Generator

Electronic and online gaming platforms claimed market leadership in 2025, officially overtaking traditional casinos as the Philippine gaming sector’s largest revenue contributor. Chairman Alejandro Tengco confirmed that online gaming “is no longer a supplementary segment but has now become the leading driver of overall GGR growth”.

The shift represented a fundamental transformation in player preferences. PAGCOR-operated casinos experienced a 21.0-percent revenue decline to PHP12.52 billion, while licensed casinos contracted 9.6 percent to PHP182.50 billion. Tengco attributed the downturn to “the gradual change in player behavior, with more customers opting for digital and online gaming platforms”.

Digital platforms demonstrated resilience despite facing regulatory headwinds. The sector expanded by 30.0 percent even after implementing stricter digital payment controls and e-wallet delinking measures during the third quarter. PAGCOR reported a “sharp decline” in income following these adjustments, which targeted improved transaction traceability and player protection.

Mobile devices emerged as the primary medium for online gambling, driven by widespread smartphone penetration and affordable data plans. Live-dealer games, which replicate physical casino experiences through real-time video streaming, proved particularly popular among Filipino players. Operators optimized their platforms specifically for mobile users, delivering seamless gaming experiences across devices.

How Regulatory Reforms Impact Sustainable Growth

Regulatory authorities restructured the Philippine gaming sector’s oversight framework through decisive policy interventions aimed at addressing systemic vulnerabilities. PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro Tengco emphasized 2026 that the rapid expansion of digital gaming exposed regulatory gaps traditional systems could not manage. The government banned Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations by the end of 2024 after linking offshore gaming to fraud and money laundering.

PAGCOR intensified reforms across licensed online operations, shifting toward player-centric regulation. Licensed operators now face enhanced know-your-customer and identity verification standards, mandatory responsible gaming tools including self-exclusion and betting limits, and stricter advertising controls protecting minors and vulnerable groups. Financial safeguards were strengthened through payment channel restrictions and a new minimum guaranteed fee for operators.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas proposed additional controls limiting fund transfers to online gaming accounts at 20 percent of average daily balance. Payment service providers must implement a daily time window not exceeding six hours for processing gambling transactions. Heavy usage triggers a mandatory 24-hour cooling-off period, while users receive pop-up alerts warning of gambling risks. Financial institutions must disable lending options when e-wallets link to gaming accounts.

PAGCOR continues decoupling its regulatory and commercial functions to strengthen independence and align with international best practices.

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US Sports Betting Revenue Drops 6.4% Despite Overall Gaming Growth

Commercial gaming revenues climbed 4.6% year over year in February, driven by strength across both retail and online casino operations. Traditional casino revenues rose 3.9%, aided by a solid 5% growth in table game revenues. The table game performance marked the first increase since October, signalling potential recovery for retail casinos following a lackluster 2025.

Meanwhile, iGaming revenues jumped 25%, with online casinos generating $976.30 million. This figure represents nearly 25% of the $4.00 billion produced by traditional casinos, demonstrating the accelerating shift toward digital gaming platforms. The combined strength of casino revenues proved sufficient to offset declining sports betting performance.

Sports betting revenues totalled $1.17 billion, representing a 6.4% decrease from February 2025. The hold percentage contributed to this decline, coming in at 9.24, down 73 basis points from the prior year. More concerning for operators, handle decreased for a fourth consecutive month, indicating reduced betting activity beyond just unfavorable outcomes. The sustained handle decline points to structural challenges facing state-licensed sportsbooks rather than temporary market fluctuations.

Why Are Sportsbooks Experiencing Revenue Decline?

Hold percentage fluctuations emerged as the primary driver behind sportsbook revenue struggles. The nation’s licensed operators combined for a 6% hold rate in March, down from 8% the previous year. This decline stemmed from unexpected outcomes during March Madness, where higher seeds won 82% of tournament games, the highest rate in history. When favourites win consistently, sportsbooks lose money as public betting patterns align with actual results.

DraftKings reported a Q1 hold of 9.5%, falling short of the 10.4% structural hold expected under typical conditions. In similar fashion, state-level data revealed dramatic swings. New Jersey sportsbooks posted a hold of only 5.2% in December, compared to 8.5% the prior year. New York experienced parallel challenges, with revenue dropping to a six-month low in February as hold percentages compressed.

Seasonal factors compounded the revenue pressure. February handle fell 25% from January as college and professional football seasons concluded. Missouri demonstrated how promotional spending artificially inflates early performance, with operators distributing $33.10 million in free bets during January, down from $125 million in December. Consequently, the state’s hold dropped from 13.9% to 11.3% as promotional activity normalized.

Market maturation signals suggest the days of exponential growth have ended.

How Prediction Markets Are Disrupting State-Licensed Sports Betting

Prediction markets emerged as an unexpected competitive threat to state-licensed sportsbooks, operating under federal Commodity Futures Trading Commission oversight rather than state gambling regulations. Platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket derive approximately 90% of their volume from sports-related contracts, directly competing with traditional operators without paying state taxes or adhering to local licensing requirements.

The Trump administration’s CFTC adopted a permissive stance toward prediction markets, allowing platforms to expand offerings in states where mobile sports betting remains illegal. This regulatory gap prompted Mississippi Senate Gaming Chairman David Blount to oppose mobile sports betting legalization, citing prediction markets’ erosion of potential state revenue. Traditional operators responded swiftly, with DraftKings launching its own prediction market product.

Legal challenges multiplied as states fought back. Eight jurisdictions, including Maryland, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Illinois, Ohio, Nevada, and Montana, issued cease-and-desist letters or opened investigations. Arizona escalated the conflict by filing criminal charges against Kalshi. At least 20 lawsuits argue prediction markets offer unregulated gambling through regulatory loopholes.

Bipartisan legislation from Republican Senator John Curtis and Democrat Adam Schiff seeks to ban sports-related prediction market contracts. Paradoxically, some lawmakers now view prediction markets as motivation to legalize traditional sports betting and capture tax revenue currently lost to federally regulated platforms.

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The expansion sees Betsson further integrate Future Anthem’s Sustainable Play technology across additional regulated markets, leveraging real-time behavioural monitoring to identify sessions that may signal elevated risk. Through AI-driven insights delivered directly into Betsson’s responsible gaming workflows, the solution enables timely, proactive and personalised interventions that support safer play at scale.

Designed to integrate seamlessly with existing operator frameworks, Sustainable Play enhances player protection without disrupting the core entertainment experience. The expansion with Betsson reflects growing industry demand for data-led responsible gaming solutions that can operate effectively across diverse regulatory environments.

Eduards Jakubovs, Head of Responsible Gaming at Betsson Group, said: “Bringing Sustainable Play to the forefront of more player experiences is a key priority for us. Expanding our use of this technology ensures we’re consistently proactive in how we support our players, with the speed and insight needed to make a real impact.”

Ian Tibot, Chief Commercial Officer at Future Anthem, said:“Expanding Sustainable Play with a long-standing partner like Betsson demonstrates how AI-powered behavioural intelligence can be applied at scale to strengthen responsible gaming practices. It shows how operators can enhance player protection while continuing to deliver engaging, high-quality experiences.”

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Light & Wonder has announced it has been awarded a new 10-year contract by the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) to supply and fully operate its next-generation CONNEXUS® Central Communication System for the state’s video gaming market. The award comes after a public competitive bid process.

Under the new agreement, Light & Wonder will deploy its latest Connexus Central Communication System (CCS), delivering a modern, scalable platform designed to meet the IGB’s current and future regulatory needs. The solution offers robust enforcement capabilities to ensure the integrity of video gaming within the state, while incorporating state-of-the-art information security processes to protect system integrity and data security.

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Bonsai Dragon Blitz is designed for quick immersion, using multiple simple cash prize awards and frequent feature triggers to keep engagement high. A key philosophy in the game’s design was reward transparency. There are no prizes locked behind super-rare features, ensuring the 10,000x potential is felt in every session. Random modifiers via Bonsai Chests maintain a sense of mystery, keeping the potential of every feature high.

Set against a stunning classical theme with a modern look, the medium-to-high volatility, 4,096-way slot combines traditional aesthetics with cutting-edge mechanics, as the dragon’s fire promises a rapid route to rewards.

Tony O’Mahony, Chief Product Officer at Relax Gaming, said: “Bonsai Dragon Blitz was a huge hit on our Dream Drop network and the demand was clear to make this one available to even more operators and players.

“Given the initial success, we didn’t try to reinvent the game here; we kept the gameplay straightforward, the triggers frequent, and the prizes visible, delivering a modern classic that we believe will be an even bigger hit across our entire network.”

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Three fishermen face off in this 5×3 slot, where matching symbols can net base game wins of up to 200x. Landing 3-5 scatters triggers the bonus game with 10-20 free spins, while catching two scatters also has the potential to activate the feature at random.

During the feature, fisherman wilds collect all money symbols that hit on the same spin, awarding cash values of up to 5,000x. Every fourth wild landing awards 10 additional spins and a money symbol multiplier, starting at 2x and increasing to 3x and 10x for subsequent retriggers.

Newly introduced golden coins enhance bonus game excitement, transforming into green, red or blue tokens, each activating a unique modifier. Green doubles all wins with a 2x multiplier, red increases the number of money symbols in play, and blue adds extra wilds to the reels.

Big Bass Trophy Catch expands one of Pragmatic Play’s most enduringly popular series, following the release of Big Bass Raceday Repeat. 

Sharon McHugh, Director of Public Relations at Pragmatic Play, said: “Big Bass Trophy Catch expands Pragmatic Play’s ever-popular Big Bass universe with three dynamic modifiers that bring a fresh energy to the bonus game, offering new ways to unlock 5,000x win potential.”

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Entain Q1 Trading Update for 2026 Reveals Strong Volume Growth

Volume growth emerged as the primary driver behind the Entain Q1 trading update for 2026, with the company reporting an 8% increase in customer activity across its global operations. This momentum stemmed from refined player management strategies that prioritized engagement quality over user acquisition scale.

Online NGR excluding US operations reached 6% growth on a constant currency basis, supported by volume expansion despite challenging year-over-year sports margin comparisons. Q4 results specifically illustrated this dynamic, with volume growth of 9% on a constant currency basis offset by a 1.4 percentage point sports margin drag, resulting in 3% Online NGR growth for the quarter.

BetMGM’s performance highlighted the shift toward value-driven engagement. iGaming NGR per Active climbed 12% year-over-year, while Handle per Active for sports surged 23%. Average Monthly Actives declined 9% year-over-year, reflecting disciplined acquisition and ongoing player management rather than broad-based customer loss.

The CEE region contributed solidly, with NGR rising 5% on a constant currency basis. Online operations in the region advanced 6%, while retail declined 1%. Croatia delivered double-digit volume growth through the second half, partially offset by sports margin comparisons that showed a 2.8 percentage point headwind.

UK&I Leads Regional Performance with Double-Digit Online Growth

The UK&I division outpaced other regions in the Entain Q1 trading update for 2026, posting NGR growth of 13% that exceeded internal forecasts. Online operations drove this expansion, advancing 15% on a constant currency basis through sustained double-digit volume increases that translated into further market share gains.

Both verticals contributed to the UK&I surge. Gaming NGR climbed 18% on a constant currency basis, while sports operations registered 7% growth on the same measure. Player values and engagement metrics reflected product improvements implemented across the UK&I digital estate, supporting the division’s position as a standout performer in the Entain Q1 trading update.

Stella David CEO of Entain

The retail segment presented a contrasting picture. UK&I retail NGR declined 2% on a constant currency basis, though like-for-like performance remained flat when accounting for estate changes. This stability indicated market share maintenance despite broader headwinds facing physical betting locations.

Management noted the UK&I business consistently performed ahead of expectations throughout the period, with the division regaining market share lost in previous quarters. The online strength in UK&I helped offset softer performances in other international markets, cementing the region’s role as a growth anchor for the Entain Q1 trading update for 2026.

Stella David, CEO of Entain, commented:

“We entered 2026 with strong momentum which has continued in Q1, with strong volume² growth across our diversified portfolio. This further demonstrates our ongoing strategic execution and strengthening operations, and also highlights the growth embedded in our globally scaled business.

Our strong and resilient business has started the year well, and we continue to build on this momentum. Our sharper focus and optimisation initiatives reinforce our conviction in delivering sustainable growth and improving cash generation. Entain remains well positioned to be a long-term industry winner, seizing the many opportunities ahead, and I am confident in our future.”

What Does Entain’s Updated Guidance Signal for FY26?

BetMGM revised its FY26 revenue expectations downward, signaling moderated top-line growth across the joint venture. The company adjusted Net Revenue guidance to GBP 2.30-2.46 billion from the previous GBP 2.46-2.54 billion range, while maintaining Adjusted EBITDA expectations of GBP 238.25-277.96 million albeit toward the lower end. The revision reflects year-to-date performance and softer growth projections in online sports, where player-friendly results and heightened promotional activity pressured margins.

Entain confirmed its broader FY26 outlook despite the BetMGM adjustment. The company expects Online NGR growth of 5-7% on a constant currency basis excluding US operations, with Online Underlying EBITDA margin projected between 23-24%. This margin guidance incorporates efforts to mitigate approximately 25% of the UK online gambling tax increase implemented from April 2026.

From 2027 onward, Entain upgraded its tax mitigation expectations to offset over 50% of the incremental UK burden through group-wide optimization. BetMGM remains on its pathway to delivering GBP 397.08 million of Adjusted EBITDA in FY 2027, with cash distributions to parent companies comprising fees and excess cash above the GBP 79.42-99.27 million minimum requirement. Entain reaffirmed confidence in generating at least £500 million of annual adjusted cashflow from 2028.

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Chris Bird

1xBet has announced the appointment of Chris Bird and Quirino Mancini as strategic consultants, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to responsible gaming, transparency, and evidence-based player protection across its international operations.

The appointments form part of 1xBet’s ongoing effort to strengthen its global integrity and social responsibility initiatives as the brand continues to operate across more than 35 jurisdictions worldwide.

Both consultants will contribute to the development of long-term frameworks designed to support research, policy dialogue, and practical tools aimed at improving player safety and promoting sustainable industry practices.

Supporting a Data-Driven Approach to Player Protection

The appointments build on the success of the Player Protection Index Series, an independently commissioned research programme examining responsible gambling frameworks across multiple regions, including Western Europe, Africa and Latin America.

Since its launch last year, the series has been welcomed by industry stakeholders as a valuable contribution to the global conversation around player safety, helping to promote greater transparency, earlier intervention strategies, and stronger collaboration between operators, regulators and research institutions.

Bird and Mancini will support the continued development of this work alongside broader initiatives designed to enhance education, research, and responsible gaming practices.

International Experience and Sector Expertise

Chris Bird brings extensive experience across international sport, sponsorship and strategic development. A former senior executive at Manchester City Football Club, Bird has worked across sport, media and community initiatives, with particular expertise in building partnerships that combine commercial growth with social impact.

Quirino Mancini is a recognised authority in gaming law and regulation and was a former President of the International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL) and is a serving member of the Executive Committee. His work focuses on regulatory policy, compliance and the evolution of responsible gambling standards across international markets.

Together, they will support the ongoing development of 1xBet’s player protection initiatives and broader social responsibility programmes.

Global Partnerships and Community Impact

Quirino Mancini

1xBet’s commitment to responsible engagement in sport and gaming is reflected through its international partnerships and community initiatives. The brand is an official partner of leading global sports organisations including FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and FIBA, while also supporting grassroots initiatives aimed at education, participation, and responsible engagement in sport.

Among these initiatives are:

1xCup – an amateur football tournament in Nigeria involving more than 4,000 people offline and online, providing opportunities for young athletes while supporting strict responsible marketing guidelines.

Waziri 1xCup is a grassroots multi-sport tournament in Kenya that brings together local teams, fans, and communities across football, basketball, and rugby. The 2025 final attracted over 6,000 spectators, while title sponsor 1xBet supports local communities through food distribution, wheelchair donations, assistance with starting small businesses, tailored kits, and the provision of sports equipment and boots for both men’s and women’s teams.

1xBalance – a multilingual platform combining educational resources and practical tools to promote responsible betting behaviour while helping audiences understand the risks of gambling. It features an interactive test to reveal your betting style, a Safe Bet Calculator to set safe stakes, and a tips & blog section with short, practical advice, helping users play more consciously and manage risks effectively. In 2025 alone, the initiative reached more than 289 million people across Africa, providing accessible resources in English, French, and Portuguese.

Through these programmes, 1xBet continues to emphasise the principle that betting should be treated as a form of entertainment rather than a source of income, promoting awareness and responsible participation in emerging digital markets.

Building a Global Social Responsibility Framework

As part of their work with the brand, Bird and Mancini will also contribute to the development of a broader international social impact framework designed to support research, transparency, and collaboration across the responsible gaming ecosystem.

This framework will help bring together 1xBet’s existing research programmes, educational initiatives, and community partnerships under a coordinated global structure.

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During Q1, Soft2Bet launched five brands: Lodur in Sweden; Zinx in Romania; Betinia, Betoro and QuickCasino in Denmark. The launches reflect a localized approach to growth, aligned with player behavior and regulatory environments.

In parallel, the company strengthened its regional presence through four key sponsorships. In Canada, Soft2Bet secured partnerships with the Oshawa FireWolves, and Rock League Curling. In Romania, the company renewed its partnership with football club CFR Cluj. In Denmark, brand visibility was reinforced through the Betinia League and CampoBet Division.

Soft2Bet also advanced its market portfolio for Q2 2026. The company has submitted a license application in Alberta, Canada, and is looking into Spain and Portugal, further strengthening its position in European and North American markets.

Looking ahead, Soft2Bet will offer players a gamified tournament module for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The product is designed to extend user engagement beyond traditional sportsbook formats through interactive mechanics.

Soft2Bet enters Q2 2026 with a clear focus on disciplined market growth, product development, and long-term positioning in markets.

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