The Prestigious Gambling Awards "Golden Spades 2024" were Held in Sofia for the Second Year in a Row

The event was supported by the President of the European Gaming Federation and leading gambling associations in the Balkans.

On November 26, 2024, the second edition of the prestigious “Gaming Industry Gala Dinner” took place at the Hyatt Hotel in Sofia, organized by the Association of Organizers of Gambling Games and Activities in Bulgaria (AOGGAB). The event, held under the motto “Balkan Connection,” brought together nearly 260 guests, including leading gambling companies, associations, and experts from the Balkans and Europe.

Golden Spade Awards 2024: The leaders of the Gaming Industry

The “Golden Spades awards 2024” recognized 12 leading companies in the gaming industry for their innovations and achievements in 2024. In addition to the main categories, a special award for individual contribution to the development of the gaming industry was presented.

Key Winners:

Most Successful Bulgarian Company Abroad: Amusnet
Most Successful Foreign Company in Bulgaria: IGT
Slot Machine of the Year: Novomatic
Land-Based Operator of the Year (with up to 15 venues): Flamingo Bet
Land-Based Operator of the Year (with more than 15 venues): WinBet
Casino of the Year: Casino Golden Eye
Debut of the Year: TopWin.bg
Payment Solution of the Year: CountR
Online Operator of the Year: WinBet
Online Supplier of the Year: Pragmatic Play
Online Platform of the Year: EGT Digital
Corporate Social Responsibility of the Year: Telematic Interactive

Special Award:

The Special Award for Individual Contribution to the Gaming Industry was presented to Mr. Simeon Tsonev for creating the largest poker festival in the Balkans, the “Smart Poker Tour.”

Gaming Industry Gala Dinner 2024: Official Guests and Balkan Partners

The event welcomed key figures from the European and Balkan gaming industries:

Jason Frost – President of the European Gaming and Amusement Federation (EUROMAT)
Dragan Skrbic – Chairman of the Serbian Gaming Association (AGOS)
Filip Želavić – Secretary-General of the Croatian Gaming Association (HUPIS)
Søren Dano – General Manager of Casino Apollonia, North Macedonia
Jacqueline Mecinas – Editor-in-Chief of the Spanish media outlet Info Play and organizer of the “Responsible Gaming Awards” in Madrid.

Symbolic Rose Ceremony: Symbol of Balkan Unity

The event opened with an impressive rose ceremony, symbolizing the connection between the past and future of the Balkans. The ceremony paid tribute to Bulgaria, the host country, renowned for its rose plantations and centuries-old traditions. This act emphasized the collaboration and innovation uniting the region and driving industries towards a sustainable future.

Collaboration and Social Responsibility

As a token of appreciation for their participation and support for responsible gaming, each guest received a donation certificate and a “Golden Spades” pin. These gestures highlighted the industry’s commitment to preventing gambling addiction and fostering social responsibility.

International Partners and Sponsors

The “Gaming Industry Gala Dinner 2024” was supported by leading companies, ensuring the event’s success. The sponsors of the event included:

The media partners Info Play, Gioko News, InterGame, Sportal Media Group, Hilife, and Business Class played a vital role in promoting the achievements of the gaming industry and expanding the event’s reach.

“Gaming Industry Gala Dinner 2024”: Opportunities for Growth

The event not only recognised the best in the industry but also laid the foundations for new business partnerships. It highlighted the commitment of the Balkans and Europe to collaboration and innovation in the gaming industry, focusing on building a brighter and more socially responsible future for the sector.

The “Gaming Industry Gala Dinner 2024” solidified its position as one of the most significant events in the region, opening new perspectives for the future development of the industry.