SBC Awards 2026: Kanggiten and Betsson Lead Industry Award Shortlist

The gambling industry is eagerly looking forward to the autumn of 2026. The 13th edition of the SBC Awards is set to take place at the MEO Arena in Lisbon on Thursday, October 1, 2026. This ceremony will serve as the grand finale of the SBC Summit 2026. A total of 1,200 industry professionals are expected to attend as trophies are handed out across 38 diverse categories. This event is more than just about fame; it serves as a critical benchmark for an industry evolving rapidly through technological advancements.

The recently unveiled shortlist reveals a highly competitive field. Kanggiten leads the way with an impressive nine nominations. They are followed closely by heavyweights such as Betsson Group and Sportradar, each securing seven nominations. Other notable contenders include Kaizen Gaming with six nominations, alongside companies like BetConstruct AI, Evoplay, GR8 TECH, Playtech, and Soft2Bet, which have all received five nominations. The categories range from core operator awards to payments, compliance, marketing, and data solutions.

Numbers and facts

A detailed look at the nominations illustrates the fierce competition within the global gaming scene. Kaizen Gaming, for instance, is aiming for its third consecutive win in the Operator of the Year - Large category. They face tough opposition from firms like LeoVegas Group, Codere Online, and Megapari. Meanwhile, Betsson Group returns to defend its title as Casino Operator of the Year. This level of consistency suggests that maintaining high quality in this sector requires sustained effort over many years.

Interestingly, there appears to be an overlap in the 2026 event schedule. While the global gala takes place in Lisbon in October, the SBC Awards Europe are scheduled for April 30, 2026, in Malta. At the Malta event, 35 categories will be awarded, with Betsson receiving seven nominations and Sportradar six. The Lisbon event, however, remains the primary focus as the concluding celebration of the global summit.

"Making the SBC Awards shortlist is never easy, but it’s also one of my favourite moments in the entire process. It truly shines a light on the incredible work happening across our industry, whether it’s household names returning to defend their titles or newcomers enjoying a breakthrough year." - Rasmus Sojmark, CEO and Founder of SBC

Background

Since their inception over a decade ago, the SBC Awards have become a staple in the industry calendar. The entries are judged by a panel of experts looking at innovation, customer satisfaction, and technical reliability. A significant focus this year is on the payments and compliance sector. GeoComply is looking to retain its title for Fraud & Compliance Solution of the Year. In the payment category, well-known names like PayPal, Trustly, and Worldpay are vying for the Payment Solution of the Year award.

Additionally, on the eve of the main gala, September 30, 2026, the Affiliate Leaders Awards will take place. This event specifically highlights excellence in performance marketing. This underscores how closely the world of marketing is now integrated with core gaming platforms. The MEO Arena will host approximately 1,200 experts specializing in data, platforms, and game development.

Why it matters for German players

For German players, international awards like these serve as a hallmark of quality and reliability. When providers like Betsson or payment firms such as Trustly and PayPal are nominated, it confirms their global standing. However, since the 2021 State Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV 2021), Germany operates under a strict regulatory framework. Players should always check the GGL whitelist.

Many internationally recognized firms offer excellent software but may limit their presence in the German market due to strict local rules. In Germany, a 1,000 Euro monthly deposit limit and a 1 Euro per spin limit for virtual slots are mandatory. The LUGAS system also monitors these limits centrally. Playing at an internationally recognized casino that lacks a GGL license means forgoing the legal protections provided by German law. Global prestige is no substitute for national regulation.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

Casinos with a German license benefit indirectly from these awards because they often utilize software from nominated providers. If companies like Playtech or Sportradar win awards for their platforms or data products, that quality trickles down to the legal German market. The GGL whitelist ensures that only the highest standard operators are allowed. For German operators, partnering with companies recognized globally for compliance and security is vital. Many nominees also compete in social responsibility categories, ensuring a safer environment for users. However, German licensees must ensure that any innovation from these suppliers strictly adheres to GGL requirements, such as game speed and transparency of odds.