Each year, the Global Gaming Awards Americas showcase the latest gambling innovation and expansion across multiple verticals associated with the industry. One that has managed to routinely generate noticeable growth in recent years is the digital side of gaming, even in spite of rather tepid iGaming expansion in the US up to this point. While land-based gaming provides consistent stability, the new launches commonly introduced by digital suppliers and operators help represent the industry’s ever-expanding capabilities. 

Perhaps best exemplifying the growing positivity of iGaming’s reputation was the final tally for Digital Supplier of the Year nominations, which represented an all-time high for the Global Gaming Awards Americas. Now heading into its 13th year since origin, the Awards will once again be hosted at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, with the official Shortlist set to be announced on September 1. 

Breaking records

The record number of submissions for Digital Supplier of the Year not only marks yet another 12 months of impressive growth for the category, but the overall strength that has formed on a year-in, year-out basis. In 2025, White Hat Studios took home the Digital Supplier of the Year award, having provided new content for operators such as DraftKings, BetMGM and FanDuel while also reporting a 136% increase in gross gaming revenue (GGR). For the ceremony planned on September 28, there is clearly no shortage of organizations who could potentially find themselves honored at the Global Gaming Awards Americas. 

Mariya Savova, Global Gaming Insider Marketing Director, said: “While online casino gaming is currently regulated in just eight US states, it has already established itself as one of the industry’s most valuable and resilient verticals. Unlike sports betting, it delivers consistent year-round revenue, making it an incredibly attractive market for suppliers. 

“When you also consider the momentum we’re seeing across Canada and LatAm, it’s no surprise this category attracted a record number of submissions. What’s particularly exciting is the diversity of companies entering, from slot studios and live casino providers to CRM specialists, geolocation technology and player engagement and retention solutions. It really showcases the breadth of innovation driving digital gaming across the Americas.”

While iGaming’s growth across the US has only reached eight states at the time of writing, little has been done to slow the success generated by respective operators currently licensed in each market. Across states such as New Jersey and Pennsylvania, iGaming revenue consistently increases year-over-year, assisted by the latest innovation offered by the same suppliers vying for the award set to be handed out on September 28. Maine was the most recent addition to the US iGaming scene, following Governor Janet Mills’ decision to allow Tribal governments across the state to begin conducting online gambling operations. 

In New Jersey, iGaming managed to maintain its number one revenue position during May 2026, having produced $276.3m for growth of 11.9%, while casino win rose by 0.1% for a total of $265.6m. As part of a record monthly revenue for May, iGaming slots in Pennsylvania accounted for $202.5m and increased 14.3%, while total online gambling revenue rose 9.4% to $254.8m.

Unprecedented growth 

Of course, much of the success witnessed by iGaming operators in the US is also a factor of consistent triumphs for suppliers, helping to bring new games and titles to the vertical seemingly every month. New growth is expected to be seen from outside the US as well, given the anticipated market launch of iGaming in Alberta and the early results from Brazil’s online gambling market in South America. 

Speaking on iGaming’s latest innovation – and an additional reason as to how Digital Supplier of the Year nominations have reached such heights – the use of familiarity has become quite common in the development of new titles. Highlighted by the various arrivals of new Monopoly titles, producing games which utilize branding from television shows or films is not an updated concept across the industry, but one which has quickly become a reliable success for digital suppliers. 

While coming up with fresh and previously unthought of ideas is a staple of the gaming industry, using titles which feature branding already recognized by gamblers can speed the process of trying a game for the first time. Whether it’s musical artists, television shows, films or board games, the use of recognition and familiarity has grown in popularity across the past 12 months and continues to expand as the industry prepares for G2E in Las Vegas this September. 

For a category which has been growing in strength for quite some time already, 2026 represents an unprecedented year of success for digital suppliers. The category has not only stood out at the Global Gaming Awards Americas for over a half-decade, but helped the event become widely regarded as the most prestigious and trusted awards in the sector. The rise in prominence for Digital Supplier of the Year has mirrored that of the Global Gaming Awards, becoming a mainstay for operators, suppliers and key executives involved with gaming. 

Savova added: “Without revealing too much ahead of the shortlist announcement, one trend that really stood out in this year’s submissions from online slot providers in particular, was the continued convergence of land-based and online gaming. 

“Several companies highlighted that they have successfully brought legacy land-based titles into the digital space, creating seamless experiences for players across retail and online channels. It’s a clear indication that omnichannel is no longer just a buzzword, but a strategy that’s delivering real results.”

With the shortlist for the Global Gaming Awards Americas 2026 set to be announced on September 1, Digital Supplier of the Year has easily become one of the most anticipated categories across gaming. As digital suppliers continue to pump the iron on gaming innovation and online expansion, the strength of the category will only keep flexing its muscles in Las Vegas at the Global Gaming Awards Americas.