2025 Categories & criteria
The categories for the EGR Europe Awards 2025 have been developed following a thorough research process to ensure they reflect the fast-moving nature of the sector and allow B2C companies the opportunity to outline the work undertaken in specific European markets.. Each category has its own set of criteria to ensure that entering companies can fully demonstrate why they deserve to win and so that judges can decide on the true standout firm in each category.
OPERATOR & AFFILIATE CATEGORIES
Operators and Affiliates will have the opportunity to be celebrated for their efforts in delivering market-specific results, a chance for the industry to celebrate the intricate and demanding work required to understand the unique needs of customers across the continent. B2C categories at the EGR Europe Awards will be split across 5 regions, with each trophy going to the company that best serves the needs of one or more markets within that region.
Central and Eastern Europe
[Czechia, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Ukraine, Liechtenstein, Slovenia, Georgia]
Affiliate of the year
Operator of the year
Responsible gambling initiative of the year - (Open to Operators & Affiliates only)
Rising star - (Open to Operators & Affiliates only)
The Balkans and Southern Europe
[Croatia, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Greece, Cyprus, Romania, Moldova, Malta]
Affiliate of the year
Operator of the year
Responsible gambling initiative of the year - (Open to Operators & Affiliates only)
Rising star - (Open to Operators & Affiliates only)
The Nordics and Baltics
[Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania]
Affiliate of the year
Operator of the year
Responsible gambling initiative of the year - (Open to Operators & Affiliates only)
Rising star - (Open to Operators & Affiliates only)
Western Europe
[Portugal, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Austria, Luxembourg, France, Germany, Switzerland]
Affiliate of the year
Operator of the year
Responsible gambling initiative of the year - (Open to Operators & Affiliates only)
Rising star - (Open to Operators & Affiliates only)
UK and Ireland
Affiliate of the year
Operator of the year
Responsible gambling initiative of the year - (Open to Operators & Affiliates only)
Rising star - (Open to Operators & Affiliates only)
SERVICE CATEGORIES
Service providers will have the chance to be recognised for the technology and innovative solutions on offer across Europe, reflecting the ever-evolving requirements for the industry to offer new and exciting products as well as sustainable and responsible practices for the improvement of the European industry.
European acquisition and retention partner
European casino content supplier
European casino platform supplier
European compliance technology supplier
European corporate services supplier
European crash games supplier
European payments and fraud solutions company
European safer gambling supplier
European software supplier
European sports betting supplier
GENERAL CATEGORIES
These categories are open to all business-types to recognise the efforts in improving industry standards across Europe both internally and externally.
European employer of the year
European ESG initiative of the year
OPERATOR & AFFILIATE CRITERIA
Affiliate of the year
This award recognises the affiliate that has provided exemplary excellence within the Western European market, either across multiple markets or one singular market. The award will highlight the affiliate who has provided stellar traffic generation and ROI for operators in one or more of the markets in this region, strong partnership strategies and quality acquisitions. Scale across these markets will not be the determining factor but rather evidence of clear understanding of target customers and proven results for operator partners.
Note : Affiliates active in any number of markets within this region are eligible to enter for this category.
Key criteria include:
- Differentiation and quality of offering
- Quality of traffic
- Innovation
- Strong partner relationships
Operator of the year
This award recognises the operator that has provided exemplary operational excellence within the Western European market, either across multiple markets or one singular market. The award is not for the operator with the farthest reach in this region, but rather the one who has displayed market-leading innovation, strong product performance and recognition of the specific needs of the target customer in one or more of the markets in this region. Entrants must outline the specific markets in which they are evidencing their growth and performance, with clear examples of the products and services on offer which deliver strong results and customer satisfaction.
Note : Operators active in any number of markets within this region are eligible to enter for this category.
Key criteria include:
- Operational excellence within specific regions outlined in this section
- Quality and diversity of product
- Growth and commercial success
- Strength of brand and marketing
- Understanding of specific customer needs
Responsible gambling initiative of the year
This award will recognise the most effective responsible gambling initiative in place to ensure the improved safety and experience of customers in this region. Entrants should outline the procedures implemented across their product output with understanding of the needs and behaviours of customers in this region, and the ways in which responsible gambling tools are in place to contribute to the betterment of industry responsibility in this region.
Note : Companies active in any number of markets within this region are eligible to enter for this category.
Key criteria include:
- Age verification
- Problem gambling assistance
- Problem gambling safeguards
- CRM and problem gamblers
- KYC procedures
- Advancement of research in gambling
Rising star
The Rising star award rewards an operator of up to two years in existence that, despite being new to the market, is rapidly growing and establishing itself as a force to be reckoned with. Innovation will be a major factor in the judging process, as well as specific recognition of the customer needs and trends in this specific region, and early signs of commercial success will also be taken in to account.
Note : this category is only open to companies launched in the last two years. New operators active in any number of markets within this region are eligible to enter for this category.
Key criteria include:
- Operational excellence within specific regions outlined in this section
- Quality of product
- Evidence of growth and early commercial potential
- Strength of brand and marketing
- Understanding of specific customer needs
SERVICE CRITERIA
European acquisition and retention partner
This award will be given to the company which has excelled as a customer onboarding and retention partner to egaming operators in Europe during the past 12 months. Entrants will need to provide evidence of commercial success and positive feedback from their clients, detailing the specific methods and tools that produce outstanding results in one or more European markets.
The award is not necessarily to the company with the widest scale, but rather to the company that has delivered outstanding results with tailored solutions for operators within Europe.
Key criteria include:
- Business growth
- Delivery of brief
- Flexibility
- Understanding customer needs
- Reaction to market challenges
- Reliability of service
European casino content supplier
This award will be given to the supplier that has offered the most innovative casino content over the past year that has allowed European operators to serve the specific needs and trends of their target market. Judges will award the prize for the quality and performance of the casino software and related technology, customer service, and the company’s commercial success, with special consideration given to innovation and understanding of market trends.
The award is not necessarily to the company with the widest scale, but rather to the company that has delivered outstanding results with tailored solutions for operators within Europe.
Key criteria include:
- Product development
- User interface and experience
- Innovation
- Understanding customer needs
European casino platform supplier
This award will be given to the supplier that has offered the most effective casino platform over the past year to serve the needs of operators in Europe. Judges will award the prize for the quality and performance of the casino platform and related technology, customer service, and the company’s commercial success, with special consideration given to innovation and understanding of specific trends and customer needs in the European market.
The award is not necessarily to the company with the widest scale, but rather to the company that has delivered outstanding results with tailored solutions for operators within Europe.
Key criteria include:
- Scalability and integration
- Stability and flexibility
- Understanding customer needs
European compliance technology supplier
Judges will reward the company that has provided the most effective and innovative technology that enables operators to ensure compliance across their business and contributing to the improvement of compliant and sustainable practice across Europe. Judges will look for the quality and performance of technology, customer service, commercial success and innovation in areas such as KYC, geolocation and cybersecurity.
The award is not necessarily to the company with the widest scale, but rather to the company that has delivered outstanding results with tailored solutions for operators within Europe.
Key criteria include:
- Scalability and integration
- Stability and flexibility
- Understanding customer needs
European corporate services supplier
The judges will reward the provider which has provided a market-leading service or solution for gaming operators in Europe to enable improved in-house processes and output. Entrants will need to provide evidence of understanding specific needs of operators in Europe, as well as positive feedback from clients.
The award is not necessarily to the company with the widest scale, but rather to the company that has delivered outstanding results with tailored solutions for operators within Europe.
Key criteria include:
- Business growth
- Delivery of brief
- Reaction to market challenges
- Reliability of service
European crash games supplier
Judges will award the prize to the supplier of the most innovative crash games catering to the European market, paying close attention to user experience, quality of performance and theme and product reach.
The award is not necessarily to the company with the widest scale, but rather to the company that has delivered outstanding results with tailored solutions for operators within Europe.
Key criteria include:
- Commercial success
- Understanding of customer needs
- Product development and innovation
- Gamification tools
European safer gambling supplier
Judges will award the prize to the supplier that has offered the most outstanding solutions for improved responsible gambling over the past year, contributing to the improvement of player protections across the continent. Judges will award the prize for the quality and performance of RG tools and related technology, customer service, commercial success and with special consideration for innovation and understanding of specific customer needs across Europe.
The award is not necessarily to the company with the widest scale, but rather to the company that has delivered outstanding results with tailored solutions for operators within Europe.
Key criteria include:
- Product/service development
- Understanding of customer needs
- Innovation
- Reaction to market challenges
- Integration and delivery
European software supplier
The judges will reward the supplier who has delivered a consumer-focused software solution that is supporting the requirements of egaming operators across Europe to improve UI and customer experience. Entrants should outline how the solution is best serving the specific needs of operators across Europe, with special consideration for innovation and understanding of market trends and needs.
The award is not necessarily to the company with the widest scale, but rather to the company that has delivered outstanding results with tailored solutions for operators within Europe.
Key criteria include:
- User interface and experience
- Product quality
- Commercial success
- Product innovation and differentiation
- Positive feedback from customers
European sports betting supplier
This award recognises the supplier which has provided innovative and efficient technology to the online wagering sector across Europe over the past 12 months. Examples include but are not limited to sportsbook platforms, mobile app development, pricing and risk management, sportsbook data, and marketing software.
The award is not necessarily to the company with the widest scale, but rather to the company that has delivered outstanding results with tailored solutions for operators within Europe.
Key criteria include:
- Back office/reporting
- Quality of overall service
- Product innovation
- Understanding customer needs
European payments and fraud solutions company
The judges will reward the supplier who has provided an effective consumer-facing payments or fraud solution for egaming operators across Europe. Entrants will need to provide evidence of catering to the specific regulatory requirements of the markets involved, as well as understanding the needs of operators and customers for safe, compliant and user-friendly transactions.
The award is not necessarily to the company with the widest scale, but rather to the company that has delivered outstanding results with tailored solutions for operators within Europe.
Key criteria include:
- Innovation
- Reliability of service
- Product quality
- Positive feedback from clients
GENERAL CRITERIA
European employer of the year
This award will recognise the company that can demonstrate its commitment to organisational performance improvement through investment in the recruitment, personal and skills development, and motivation of every individual employee. Special consideration will be given to the company that can show evidence of a clear plan towards integrating a strong company culture right across the business.
Note : Companies active in any number of markets in Europe are eligible to enter for this category.
Key criteria include:
- Staff retention and employee engagement
- Positive leadership and management
- Incentive and benefit schemes
- Quality of training initiatives
European ESG initiative of the year
This award recognises the company who has demonstrated commitment and implemented robust strategies towards company ESG goals, with particular attention paid to the needs and betterment of the specific market of operation. Entrants should show evidence of measurable improvement in areas of DEI in the workplace and for customers as well as responsible and sustainable practices for players and the wider gaming community in the region.Entrants must outline the specific markets in which they are evidencing their initiatives and performance, with clear examples of the work across the last 12 months which has delivered measurable improvements in areas of ESG.
Note : Companies active in any number of markets in Europe are eligible to enter for this category.
Key criteria include:
- Clear evidence of focussed ESG strategies
- Transparency of reporting and accountability
- Demonstrating responsible leadership within the industry
