Ten companies have been recognized for their contribution to the development of the industry with the newly established “Golden Spades” awards

 

The gambling Oscars – Golden Spades Awards were presented for the first time on the glamorous “Gaming Industry Gala Dinner” in Hyatt Regency Sofia. Over 250 representatives from Bulgarian and global gambling companies attended the festive event.

“ I hope that this will be a significant step in our common journey. This event not only provides an opportunity for us together up as a community but also to share ideas, inspirations, and achievements”, said during the gala dinner Milen Totev, chairman of the Association of Organizers of Gambling Games and Activities in Bulgaria (AOGGAB), who are organizers of the gala dinner with the media support of BETNEWS.BG.

In his words, such an event cannot pass without awards. “Thank you for being with us, and we hope that this gathering will be remembered with positive emotions. And may this event become our shared tradition,” he noted.

According to him, such event can not pass without awards. “Thank you for being with us and we hope that this gathering will be remembers with positive emotions. What’s more we hope that event will become our shared tradition” said Milen Totev.

The gala dinner had several objectives- to unite us and to recognize the best among the best and to create a platform for valuable contacts and future partnerships. The main goal of the event was to set a personal example to the society that we need to be responsible. Therefore, 20 % of the price of the cover charges from the gala dinner were donated to the gambling addiction prevention.

Leading companies in the industry were honored for their contribution to the development in the industry in the country. The awards were presented in ten categories– Best Bulgarian Company Abroad of the year. Best Foreign Company in Bulgaria of the year, Online operator of the year. Best provider of the year., “Slot Machine of the year”, Land-Based operator ( with up to 15 venues), Land-Based operator (with more than 15 venues) “ Casino of the year, Debut of the year and a special award for individual achievements.

 

 

The award for “Best Bulgarian Company Abroad” went to EGT. The trophy was accepted by the Sales manager Biserka Draganova, and presented by the vice chairman of AOGGAB Gavril Chetrafilov. Other nominees in the category included EGT Digital, 7777 Gaming, and Amusnet.

The title of “Best Foreign Company in Bulgaria” was awarded to Merkur. The award was accepted by Aristotelis Kofas from Merkur Gaming, presented by the Chairman of AOGGAB, Milen Totev. Other contenders for the award included IGT, Novomatic, Apex, and Advansys.

“8888“ won the award “Online Operator of the Year,” triumphing over competitors such as Alphawin, Winbet, Inbet, Sesame, and Efbet. Elena Shaterova accepted the prize on behalf of the company.

In the category for “Provider of the Year,” Amusnet triumphed with the “Golden Spades” award, and the award was accepted by the Director of Marketing and Communications, Liliya Chatalbasheva. The other contenders for the award included EGT Digital, 7777 Gaming, 7Mojos, and Wazdan.

Apex secured the title of “Slot Machine of the Year,” dominating the voting among the other nominees EGT, Zitro, IGT, and Merkur. Kubilay Yözer from the Marketing and Sales department of Apex was the one to receive the award.

“Golden Spades” for Land-Based operator of the year (with up to 15 venues) was presented to Continental, and the award was received by the owner of the gambling hall chain, Dobromir Ivanov. The nominees in the category were Slybet, Flamingo, Largo and Circle

The award for Land-Based operator of the year (with more than 15 venues) won Sesame. The trophy was accepted by the manager Marieta Tsekova. The other nominies in the category were Bulbet, Imperia, Efbet and Magicbet.

The award “Casino of the year” at the gala dinner went to Platinum, and the award was accepted by the CEO Krasimir Tokushev. Nominies in the category were also Princess, Merit, Imperial and Monte.

Bell Link got the “Golden Spades” award in the category “Debut of the year”. The Sales Manager Biserka Draganova accepted the award from the chairman of AOGGAB Milen Totev. The other nominies in the categories were GeWeTe, Wazdan, Magicbet and Elitbet.

The special award for individual achievements was presented to the chief legal officer of AOGGAB, Kiril Gruychev. He received a certification for contribution in to advocacy for the rights and interests of the gaming industry and mediating with governmental institutions.

 

 

Over 100 participants of AOGGAB had the opportunity to submit their nominations for the awards in the different categories. However, they were not allowed to nominate themselves or the companies they represented. Nominations were submitted through a specially created electronic nomination form, and the award winners were chosen by a jury composed by members of the AOGGAB management.

The awards aim to popularize gambling operators, create a unified community, stimulate the adoption of innovative practices, promote loyal competition, and adhere to ethical rules.

Among the guest performers of the event were the acress and singer Militsa Gladnishka and the Band “Camino”. The Host of the Gaming Industry Gala dinner  was Stelian Dimitrov, PR of AOGGAB and creator of BETNEWS.BG.