The Global Regulatory Awards: Vixio Recognises Gambling Compliance in 2023

On Wednesday 30th November, we held our seventh prestigious gambling compliance awards, the Global Regulatory Awards (GRAs), at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London, which was attended by more than 350 members of the global gambling industry. 

What are the Global Regulatory Awards?

The independently judged GRAs recognise and celebrate the achievements of individuals, teams and organisations across the gambling industry who have excelled in compliance, corporate social responsibility, and safer gambling.

Since the inaugural awards took place in 2017, the event has grown, with the number of nominations increasing yearly. This year we received yet another record number of submissions, surpassing our previous record by more than 35%. Winners are decided by an independent panel of expert judges, ensuring impartiality and fairness.

“Tonight we celebrate and are inspired by those individuals and teams who have pushed the boundaries a little bit further to make our industry safer and more trustworthy. Your legacy is written for you and we believe that, collectively, we can pave the way to the future…the only limitation is our courage, will and determination.”

- Roseanne Spagnuolo, Chief Content Officer, Vixio, during her motivating and uplifting opening speech at the Global Regulatory Awards 2023

Why are these compliance awards important?

Compliance and responsible gambling initiatives are critical requirements for those who operate in the sector. Keeping on top and making sense of the constantly changing regulatory landscape is crucial and falls on the shoulders of teams and individuals who exist in a pressurised environment. The Global Regulatory Awards recognise and celebrate individuals and teams who work tirelessly to set new standards in the industry. The awards showcase best practices and are one of the few opportunities to recognise, publicly acknowledge and reward the hard work of those in the industry.

The Global Regulatory Awards provide a platform to publicly recognise individuals and firms for their hard work and achievements across the broad spectrum of gambling and supporting professional services. Plus, it enables an organisation that wins an award to demonstrate its commitment to responsible gambling clearly.

Who were the winners?

Awards were given at the annual awards ceremony to winners across 21 categories. Big winners on the evening included Entain and Flutter Entertainment, who won two awards each. Gauselmann walked away with the prestigious Compliance Team of the Year award, and this year Vixio recognised Julian Harris of Harris Hagan with the Compliance Lifetime Achievement special award.

The full list of Global Regulatory Award 2023 winners:

Award for Outstanding Individual Contribution to Responsible Gambling: Martin Lycka, Entain

Best Regulatory Law Firm of the Year: CMS

Best Regulatory Lawyer or In-House Counsel of the Year: Andy Danson, Bird & Bird

Award for Commitment to Compliance by an Affiliate Company: Better Collective

Regulatory Initiative of the Year: iGaming Ontario

Head of Regulatory Affairs / Government Relations of the Year: Charmaine Hogan, Playtech

RegTech Provider of the Year: Mindway AI

Compliance Rising Star Special Award: Dan Spencer, EPIC Risk Management

Award for Outstanding Contribution to Safer Gambling: Entain 

Outstanding Contribution to Safer Game Design: Light & Wonder 

Compliance Professional of the Year: Sara Condo, IGT 

Outstanding Contribution to Sports Betting Integrity: Flutter Entertainment

Responsible Gambling Service or Solution Provider of the Year: Phase Red Suicide First Aid Training: BetKnowMore UK & NCSPET

AML / MLR Officer of the Year: Ross Ferguson, Genting Casinos 

Legal Team of the Year: Kambi

Compliance Innovator of the Year: Docaposte

‍Chief Compliance Officer of the Year: Ashley Padget, Flutter Entertainment

 Responsible Approach to Advertising or Marketing Award: Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation

 Payment Service or Solution Provider of the Year: Paysafe Group

 Compliance Lifetime Achievement Special Award: Julian Harris, Harris Hagan

 Compliance Team of the Year: Gauselmann Group

"A big thank you to everyone who attended last night's Global Regulatory Awards event in London. For the last seven years, Vixio has been proud to host independently judged awards.  Our selection process ensures that each winner is the best in class and has displayed clear dedication to trustworthy gambling and regulatory compliance, so huge congratulations to all the winners.” 

- Mike Woolfrey, CEO, Vixio.

We'd like to thank the category sponsors, which included BetConstruct, Docaposte, DraftKings, eCogra and San Manuel Tribal Gaming Commission, and a special recognition to Kaizen Gaming, the Responsible Gambling partner for this year’s GRAs, ensuring the night started with a celebratory champagne drinks reception.

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Want to be involved in next year’s GRAs? Stay updated with next year's ceremony through following us on the Vixio Linkedin page, or get in touch to speak to a member of the team.

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