The 5th edition of the Global Gaming Awards Asia‑Pacific has revealed its official shortlist ahead of the ceremony during SiGMA Asia 2026 in Manila. The awards will celebrate outstanding achievement across the Asia‑Pacific gaming sector, bringing together operators, suppliers and innovators to honour excellence, innovation and leadership. Held alongside SiGMA Asia, the event provides a platform for industry stakeholders to reflect on achievements, discuss market developments and engage with peers from across the region.
Award categories
The 2026 shortlist spans ten categories, recognising excellence across operators, suppliers, products and individuals:
- Casino Operator of the Year — Rewarding operators of integrated resorts delivering exceptional customer experience across all properties.
- Casino Supplier of the Year — Recognising suppliers driving development of casino properties.
- Digital Operator of the Year — Acknowledging operators leading innovation in digital gaming.
- Digital Casino Supplier of the Year — Recognising suppliers advancing online casino solutions.
- Integrated Resort of the Year — Honouring resorts, new or established, that push the boundaries of customer experience.
- Casino Product of the Year — Recognising products enhancing players’ experience or improving operators’ efficiency.
- Table Game Product of the Year — Rewarding table games or ETGs that stand out on the casino floor.
- Corporate Social Responsibility of the Year — Recognising companies with exceptional commitment to CSR.
- Digital Sports Betting Supplier of the Year — Highlighting suppliers advancing sports betting.
- Executive of the Year — Honouring executives whose leadership drives the industry forward.
GGA judges
The winners are selected by a panel of senior industry executives with deep regional expertise. Judges include:
- Akiko Takahashi — EVP, Chief of Staff to Chairman & CEO, Melco Resorts & Entertainment
- Jim Tan — Chief Business Development Officer, DSTGAMING
- Eddie Au — COO, LT Game
- Michael Hu — President, Asia Pacific, Interblock
- Betty Zhao — Senior Vice President of International Operations, Aruze Gaming Global
- Ben Lee — Managing Partner, iGamiX
- Joe Pisano — Founder & CEO, Jade Entertainment and Gaming Technologies
- Ken Jolly — Managing Director, Asia, Light & Wonder
- Rebecca Kingswell — Managing Director, APAC, TCSJOHNHUXLEY
- Rod Hackman — SVP Casino Operations, Hann Casino Resort
- Jerry Chan — EVP-Casino Operations, Okada Manila
- Jeffrey Fong — VP Business Development-Asia, BMM Testlabs
- Jaclyn Wood — CEO, Global Players Network
- Alex Leese — CEO, Pronet Gaming
- Naomi Richards — Director, Gaming, The Star Gold Coast
- Harmen Brenninkmeijer — Executive Chairman, NYCE International
- John Gomes — Vice President Electronic Gaming, SJM Resorts
- Oscar Brodkin — Managing Director, APAC, Sportradar
- Tracey Winslow — Global CRO, TransAct Technologies
- Eva García — Marketing Director, Zitro
- Mariana Manchina — Director, Philippines, EGT
- Gal Ehrlich — CEO, BETER
- Amarilio Costa — Country Manager, Philippines, FBM
- David Natroshvili — Founder & CEO, SPRIBE
- Kyle Wiltshire — CEO & Co-Founder, TESTA
- Jennifer Innes — CEO, Betting Jobs
- Kurt Gissane — Chief Revenue Officer, Aristocrat Gaming
- Hui Jing Chuah — Executive Director, RGB
- Michael Barsin — Sales Manager, Asia, AINSWORTH | APEX | NOVOMATIC
The Awards are hosted by Gary Roudette, Founder & CEO of Global Gaming Awards, alongside Rick Arpin, Las Vegas Managing Partner and KPMG US Gaming Leader. Gary Roudette established the Global Gaming Awards to recognise and celebrate the dedication, excellence and innovation that drive the industry forward. The Awards represent the highest benchmark of achievement in global gaming and are distinguished by their transparency, publicly disclosing the reasons behind every nomination to ensure credibility and trust. Each company may be shortlisted only once per category, with a limit of one executive per company, ensuring a fair and impartial process.
Rick Arpin and KPMG US have served as the official voting adjudicator since the Awards’ launch in Las Vegas in 2014. KPMG independently reviews voting systems, ensures judges do not vote in categories where conflicts exist, and verifies that winners and runners-up are determined accurately. Their long-standing involvement across EMEA, the Americas and Asia-Pacific reflects both their commitment to the gaming sector and the integrity of the Global Gaming Awards. Reaching the final shortlist is considered a significant achievement for any company or individual.
SiGMA Asia Awards
In addition, the SiGMA Asia Awards will take place on 01 June at the Forbes Ballroom – Conrad Manila (Level 3). This ceremony honours the influencers, operators, and providers driving change in gaming and affiliation. Attendees can expect an elegant reception to connect with peers before dinner, a charitable auction supporting underserved communities globally, and a fun quiz with prizes including luxury items. The event is open to Platinum ticket holders, table sponsors, and paid seat guests, with a dress code of lounge or suit attire.Delegates are encouraged to explore the SiGMA Asia 2026 agenda, which includes sessions on trending topics such as digital gaming, regulatory updates, technology innovations, and sustainable industry practices. The Summit offers a platform for knowledge sharing and discussion on the challenges and opportunities shaping Asia‑Pacific gaming.
