Global Gaming Awards EMEA 2025: bet365 crowned ‘Online Sports Betting Operator of the Year’

Global Gaming Awards

Stoke-on-Trent-based betting company bet365 has been named as the ‘Online Sports Betting Operator of the Year’ at the Global Gaming Awards for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

The announcement came at the International Casinos Exhibition (ICE) conference in Barcelona on Monday 19 January. 

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Kaizen Gaming-owned Betano finished as runners-up, while UK bookmaker Sky Bet came in third. 

Despite being based in the UK, bet365 operates in a wide variety of markets across Europe, North America and Asia, as well as both Australia and New Zealand.

It became the first ever official betting partner of the UEFA Champions League in 2024, allowing the bookie to offer a unique betting experience in line with the prestigious tournament. 

The company also reported impressive annual revenues of over £3bn for 2023-24, where it offered bets across 96 different sports. Its live streaming capability also further enhanced user experience and stretched across more than 1.1 million different events in sports such as football, tennis and golf.

Second-placed Betano were also celebrated at the ceremony, as the Greece-based bookmaker continued to establish itself as a major player in the sports betting sphere. The platform was founded in 2018 and enjoyed expansion into several key markets across both Europe and South America.

Major UK bookmaker Sky Bet finished third in this category and was also acknowledged at the awards. As one of the most-established bookies in the UK, Sky Bet has continued to enjoy numerous partnerships with major leagues and tournaments, including its official sponsorship of the English Football League. 

The ceremony also saw technology provider Kambi listed as the ‘Sports Betting Supplier of the Year’, while BetMGM were named as the ‘Online Casino of the Year’.

The Global Gaming Awards first took place in 2014 and have since established themselves as one of the most distinguished ceremonies in the gambling industry.

The awards are separated into three regional editions; EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa); Americas; and Asia. The EMEA edition was first held in 2018.

Each ceremony is adjudicated by 50 senior industry executives who have no connection to the companies who are nominated.

Professional services firm KPMG oversees the judging process as the official adjudicator. 

Global Gaming Awards event manager Mariya Savova said: “Congratulations to all the amazing companies that were shortlisted this year, and of course an even bigger congratulations to those that won.”

“The competition is getting stronger with each passing year. To be shortlisted is a huge accolade and to win is just a phenomenal achievement.”

The Asia-Pacific edition of the awards are slated for 3 June in Manila, Philippines. Meanwhile, the Americas ceremony takes place on 6 October in Las Vegas, USA.