Worldwide Gaming Honors 2017: And the Winners Are…

The 2017 Worldwide Gaming Honors were an evening to recall in Sin City, with an unprecedented dozen firms receiving the sought-after accolades.

The elite of the gaming sector assembled at the Venetian Ballroom to witness who would be declared the finest in the field. Following periods of nominations, narrowing down, and evaluation, the victors were ultimately announced, commencing this year’s Worldwide Gaming Expo with flair.

Immense gratitude is extended to our category patrons: IGT, NetEnt, SB Tech, Betradar, AGS, UltraPlay, Agilysys, Ganapati Malta, Authentic Gaming, NYX, Microgaming, Scientific Games, and Konami. These awards would be unattainable without their backing. We also express appreciation to our main sponsor, BetConstruct, for their assistance in making this year’s Awards the tremendous triumph it became.

Thank you as well to our Nominations Panel, our Judging Panel, and KPMG for arbitrating and acknowledging the diligent efforts of all our participants over the preceding twelve months.

The Worldwide Gaming Honors 2017 were a magnificent festivity of all that is exceptional about the gaming industry’s ongoing expansion and advancement. We trust you relished this year’s ceremony and eagerly anticipate seeing you all once again in 2018!

**Terrestrial Operator**
**Victor: Wynn Resorts**

Wynn Resorts secured the sought-after Land-Based Operator of the Year accolade, primarily due to an exceptional year culminating in the triumphant launch of Wynn Palace. This victory was a notable surprise, halting MGM Resorts International’s three-year winning run.

bet365 remains a dominant force in the internet gaming sphere. The enterprise was acknowledged as the leading Digital Operator, lauded for its pioneering methodology and dedication to a premium user encounter. With a vast customer base worldwide, bet365 has solidified its position as an industry frontrunner.

Regarding products, IGT’s Cardless Connect was the standout in the land-based division. This novel smartphone-powered loyalty scheme, already deployed effectively within MGM’s M life program, is transforming how gambling venues engage with their clientele.

In the digital domain, Evolution Gaming’s Dream Catcher received recognition as the Digital Product of the Year. This distinctive game seamlessly merges technology and gameplay to deliver a truly captivating and inventive player experience.

This innovative offering has captivated the world of live gaming, transforming how individuals engage with games such as Wheel of Fortune.

**Client Retention Initiative**

**Victor: MGM Resorts International – M life Rewards**

Gaming establishments were prominent among the finalists, with MGM Resorts International securing the top spot for the fourth consecutive year. Their M life initiative, which grants patrons rewards for practically every dollar expended at MGM’s 15 properties, is extensively acknowledged as the most favored program in Las Vegas. The M life Mastercard enhances an already comprehensive package, and the unique M Life Moments encounters truly distinguished MGM in the eyes of the adjudicators.

**Online Acquisition Strategy**

**Victor: LeoVegas Affiliates**

Affiliate marketing is gaining increasing significance in the expansion of the internet gaming sector, and this classification acknowledges the marketing strategies and offerings that directed the greatest volume of visitors to digital operators throughout the preceding year. LeoVegas ultimately secured victory after attaining the position of second-place contender to Unibet in 2016.

**Terrestrial Sector Provider**

**Victor: Scientific Games**

Adjudicators for this accolade evaluated the provider’s comprehensive product assortment, in addition to novel business volume and fiscal performance. Scientific Games experienced a remarkable year.

Worldwide, companies in controlled sectors are eager to collaborate with this organization for its entertainment material, technological advancements, personalization options, and managed solutions, which persist in captivating modern users in novel and exhilarating ways.

**Online Sector Provider**

**Recipient: NYX Gaming Group**

NYX Gaming Group secured a sought-after accolade as a leading force in the internet gaming product provision sector. Both NYX Gaming Group and OpenBet were finalists the previous year; nevertheless, the significant merger substantially enhanced NYX’s sports betting provision capacity, assisting it in obtaining the Online Sector Provider of the Year designation.

**Physical Gaming Advancement**

**Recipient: IGT – SPHINX 4D**

IGT continually pushes the limits in the gaming sector with pioneering offerings for the brick-and-mortar market. Demonstrating the provider’s dedication to advancement, IGT’s SPHINX 4D game generates a superior gaming encounter. Our adjudicators were astounded by this game, considering it a genuine innovator in the domain.

**Online Gaming Advancement**

**Recipient: Betgenius – Esports Trading**

Betgenius received the Online Gaming Advancement of the Year award for its esports trading platform. A true trailblazer in esports trading, the company provides an impressive 50 live markets spanning 15 games.

Amidst the explosive expansion of competitive gaming and its viewership, Betgenius is forging a path for astute businesses to capitalize on this phenomenon.

## Guardians of Fair Play

**And the accolade is bestowed upon: Sportradar**

This cycle, both digital and brick-and-mortar enterprises were vying for the honor. Sportradar clinched the victory for its unwavering commitment to combating match manipulation in the realm of sports wagering. They have been conducting workshops and educational sessions, illuminating the intricacies of how match-fixing transpires within the gambling sector and providing specialized guidance on how to prevent these unethical practices from tarnishing the industry’s reputation.

## Spearheading Progress in the European Landscape

**And the award is presented to: Mor Weizer**

This year, Mor Weizer garnered recognition for his exceptional stewardship of Playtech. The company’s earnings surged by nearly 20% in 2016, and they are confidently venturing into new domains. Playtech boldly entered the UK horse racing arena, secured a long-term partnership with Warner Bros, and became the trailblazer in capturing the online gambling market within the Czech Republic.