iGaming North America Award Winners Announced
After a hugely successful launch in 2015 the iGaming North America 2016 awards were presented during a prestigious ceremony on the third day of the iGaming North America Conference to a crowd of industry executives.
The awards are unique in iGaming as they are are run on a non commercial basis and by multiple companies in the gaming space which includes iGaming Business, The Innovation Group, eGaming Brokerage, Lewis Roca Rothberger and BolaVerde Media Group which ensures fairness and independence within the process.
A full list of nominees, winners and judge's comments are below:
Best Social Gaming Operator
Nominees:
- DoubleDown Casino
- GAN
- MyVegas
- Playtika
- Rocket Games
- Ruby Seven Studios
- Zynga
WINNER: MyVegas
The judges were extremely impressed with the growth of MyVegas over the last 12 months across a number of metrics from acquisition to conversion and retention. Their innovative use of marketing channels and driving brand strength through real world events with their partners all help to make MyVegas the Social Gaming Operator of 2016.
Best Payments System
Nominees:
- Neteller (paysafe)
- PayNearMe
- Paypal
- Sightline Payments
- Vantiv
WINNER: Sightline Payments
For a second year running the judges have decorated Sightline Payments with this prestigious award. The judges agreed that Sightline have solved real and significant gaming specific challenges with a genuinely innovative product that works within the rules so players can deposit with legitimate licensed sites. They felt their solution was truly unique and solution focused in terms of development.
Best Fantasy Sports Provider
Nominees:
- DraftKings
- DraftDay
- FanDuel
- Star Fantasy Leagues
WINNER: Star Fantasy Leagues
Star Fantasy Leagues is one of the earliest entrants to the market and has shown that its technology is highly reliable and constantly evolving. The judges were impressed with their approach to scalable and flexible technological development and their pragmatic approach to iGaming, regulation and public relations.
Best Platform Supplier
Nominees:
- Flower City Gaming (Star Fantasy Leagues)
- GAN
- IGT
- Income Access
- NYX Gaming Group
- Scientific Games Lottery
- Neteller (paysafe)
WINNER: NYX Gaming Group
The judges agreed the success NYX had with Resorts and Golden Nugget in New Jersey itself justifies them winning this award however their success goes well beyond this. Their commitment to the US iGaming market is unparalleled and they have truly deepened their proposition and market share in North American iGaming through innovation, investment and commitment to delivering a high quality offering.
Best Innovation in North American
Nominees:
- Flower City Gaming (Star Fantasy Leagues)
- DraftDay
- Fast Fantasy
- GeoComply
- Phrazzing Games
- Spin Games/Respin LLC
- Traffic Generation
WINNER: Spin Games/Respin LLC
Judges were impressed how Spin Games had merged the mobile and land based worlds within the boundaries of regulation driving both a disruptive and innovative product. They felt the product was ideal for millennial users that are comfortable with multitasking with their devices while on-property which is key for future growth.
Best Marketing Campaign
Nominees:
- Borgata
- Draftkings
- Golden Nugget Online Casino
- Mohegan iGaming
- Resorts iGaming
- Tropicana/Virgin
Special Recognition: Tropicana/Virgin
WINNER: Resorts iGaming
From a standing start Resorts have grown rapidly in the NJ market reducing the gap from the established competitors through original, creative and innovative campaigns. The judges were particularly impressed with their “Where the Winners Play” campaign which moved away from a games and brand approach and as a result drove blended CPAs that surpassed the industry averages by more than 30%
Operator of the Year
Nominees:
- Borgata
- Caesars Interactive
- Draftkings
- Golden Nugget Online Casino
- Pala
- Resorts iGaming
- Tropicana/Virgin
WINNER: Golden Nugget Online Casino
The Judges have awarded Golden Nugget Online Casino for a second year running after extremely strong growth in the last 12 months with online growth outstripping their offline growth. They were particularly impressed with the investments that have been made in improving the product range, user experiences and marketing making it the number one iGaming operator in North America.
Congratulations again to all the winners!