The Global Gaming Awards are set to return to the Asia-Pacific region for their fifth consecutive year on June 2, celebrating the very best performers in gaming over the past 12 months. The Awards are powered by Global Gaming Insider and feature a rigorous and transparent judging process independently adjudicated by KPMG US.

For a half-decade, the Global Gaming Awards APAC have been a staple across the region, and represent an achievement every entity in gaming sets out to obtain. The Global Gaming Awards serve as the only industry Awards to publicly disclose the reasons behind every nomination, ensuring credibility and trust throughout the entire process. Prior to the Global Gaming Awards APAC 2026 ceremony on June 2, the Shortlist was finalized in late March, with the full list to become available to the public on May 10. To maintain fairness, each company can only be shortlisted once per category, meaning organizations with multiple brands are only allowed one representative in any given category.

Winners are then selected by an exceptional panel of senior industry executives with deep expertise in the Asia-Pacific gaming market, but Judges are excluded from voting in any category where a conflict of interest may exist. The Global Gaming Awards APAC 2026 will honor companies in categories such as Casino and Digital Operator of the Year, Integrated Resort of the Year and, of course, Executive of the Year. 

One category which routinely emphasizes its importance across gaming is the Corporate Social Responsibility of the Year award, given to the company which showcases the greatest commitment to CSR over the past 12 months. CSR efforts extend further than just operating in a fashion which creates a positive social impact, but highlighting the need to put player safety and reducing harm at the forefront. 

Mariya Savova, Marketing Director, Global Gaming Insider, said: “Corporate Social Responsibility isn’t just a buzzword, it’s fundamental to how leading organizations define success. What this category highlights is that true impact goes beyond good intentions; it’s about embedding sustainable practices, player protection and community support into the core of the business. The companies recognized here are those setting the standard for a safer, more sustainable future for gaming.”

The Corporate Social Responsibility of the Year Award Shortlist features a group of the most recognizable names in the Asia-Pacific region, including the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Galaxy Entertainment Group and Aristocrat Gaming. Not to be overshadowed are operators like MGM China and Melco Resorts & Entertainment, as well as organizations such as DigiPlus, The Lottery Office and IDX Games.

And the nominees are...

The Hong Kong Jockey Club expanded its long-term sustainability strategy in 2025 with the opening of its Nature Conservation Center, reinforcing its environmental commitment beyond racing operations. The Club also hosted the Asian Racing Conference, calling for global collaboration amid industry headwinds. Through conservation leadership and international dialogue, HKJC demonstrated measurable social impact and sector stewardship.

Galaxy Entertainment Group’s philosophy of “what is taken from the community is to be used for the good of the community” was supported in 2025 with a series of events and donations from the operator, while several CSR announcements were made every month. Recent examples from Galaxy Entertainment Group include the 15-year anniversary celebration of its Youth Achievement Program, its Community Caring Program hitting 10 years of service and a three-day coffee festival to support local small and medium enterprises across Macau.

Aristocrat Gaming became a leading example of diversity and inclusion in 2025, reinforcing its commitment to building a more sustainable and all-encompassing industry for Asia-Pacific gaming and beyond. In 2026, Aristocrat was named principal sponsor of the ANZCHAM International Women’s Day event, helping drive meaningful industry dialogue around diversity, equity and inclusion. Having achieved a neutral gender balance throughout its workforce, Aristocrat Gaming continues to focus on increasing female representation, especially in executive and fellow leadership roles. 

MGM China also continues to support a healthier and more resilient Macau by equipping the area’s youth with enhanced financial knowledge, strengthening families through shared learning methods and supporting high‑risk occupations with preventive knowledge. Over the past year, MGM China programs have engaged with approximately 5,000 residents, including training more than 130 students as Responsible Gaming Ambassadors in partnership with City University of Macau. 

After gaining recognition in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook as an Industry Mover and earning BREEAM “Excellent” certification for Studio City Phase Two, Melco continues to set high standards for CSR in the APAC region. The operator also put forth major renewable energy and waste reduction initiatives over the past 12 months, while taking the time to recognize various responsible gambling programs. 

Elsewhere, DigiPlus showcased CSR leadership across APAC through its rebranded DigiPlus Foundation, delivering healthcare, education, disaster relief and empowerment programs across the Philippines. With over 900,000 beneficiaries served and nearly 10,000 inclusive wishes granted up to this point, DigiPlus has consistently made a notable and meaningful community impact in the APAC region. 

The Lottery Office’s 2025 CSR program in Australia helped deliver significant impact across a range of charitable initiatives, including a strong focus on health and environmental causes. The operator donated over AU$55,000 (US$37,644) to Canteen to support young people affected by cancer and AU$35,000 to the Sea World Foundation, helping the rescue of four humpback whales during the 2025 migration season. in the APAC region was displayed through its IDX Green Commitment, which plants a tree for every X‑Trend board sold.

Each tree is also tracked for transparency, while IDX Games additionally engages local APAC communities with education and volunteer events. IDX Games continues to achieve measurable CSR contributions by combining environmental impact with stakeholder engagement. 

Savova added: “All of the companies mentioned above are truly deserving of recognition, each demonstrating commitment and leadership within the CSR space. We also recognize that there are many more organizations making a positive impact across the industry and we look forward to shining a light on even more of this important work at the Global Gaming Awards in the years to come. For now, we’re excited to celebrate this year’s nominees and their contributions on 2 June.”

The Global Gaming Awards APAC 2026 ceremony will be held in the same week as the SiGMA Asia Summit in Manila, which drew approximately 16,000 delegates from around the world as part of last year’s show. 

The conference would go on to feature over 250 speakers, 300 exhibitors and sponsors, and 3,100 operators, as 87% of total attendees confirmed they were likely to return for the 2026 event. 

The Shortlist represents an incredible achievement any company or individual in gaming should be extremely proud of, and acts as a key representative of their accomplishments over the past 12 months. The Corporate Social Responsibility of the Year category for this year is just one example. There is so much to look forward to!