The past twelve months have been a defining period for the gaming industry across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, marked by rapid technological progress, landmark regulatory shifts and extraordinary growth across both established and emerging markets.  

Europe’s momentum was underpinned by strong results from online gaming in regulated markets, thanks to innovations in personalisation, live casino and omni-channel engagement. Land-based gaming also continued to evolve with major refurbishments reshaping visitor experiences. Meanwhile, AI-driven security tools, payments innovation and responsible gaming technologies became central pillars of operational strategy for operators of all sizes. 

In the Middle East, momentum accelerated with several suppliers gaining UAE licences and the launch of the country’s first fully licensed iGaming platform, opening the door to a new era of regulated expansion. Africa also strengthened its position as one of the most dynamic regions in the global gaming landscape with rising investment in digital platforms, mobile-first experiences and localised content, supported by strong consumer demand. 

Across all three regions, suppliers remained at the forefront of progress. The past year saw the release of cutting-edge slot and table innovations, more sophisticated aggregation platforms and enhanced sportsbook solutions. Whether building deeper omni-channel ecosystems or refining responsible gaming tools, suppliers continued to partner closely with operators to deliver more value and drive sustainable growth. 

One of the most encouraging developments of 2025 has been the industry’s continued commitment to responsibility with operators and suppliers across EMEA investing heavily in player protection. Although the sector is fiercely competitive, it remains united in recognising that long-term growth is only possible when player wellbeing comes first. 

The achievements of the past year come to life in the following pages, where we profile each category and highlight the outstanding companies and leaders who make up the Shortlist for the Global Gaming Awards EMEA 2026. Their accomplishments demonstrate not only commercial success, but also creativity, resilience and a commitment to moving our industry forward. 

The Global Gaming Awards have become the most respected honours in this region as they represent the pinnacle of industry recognition - voted on by peers, supported by the sector’s biggest brands, and built on rigorous judging and transparency. To be shortlisted is a mark of excellence, to win is to join a select group of leaders shaping the future of gaming across EMEA. 

To all those shortlisted this year: congratulations and thank you for inspiring progress across our industry! 

Mariya Savova, Event Manager, Global Gaming Awards