The SiGMA Central Europe Awards 2025 brought the heart of the European iGaming industry into sharp focus, highlighting both established powerhouses and rising stars across B2B and B2C. As one of SiGMA’s most strategically positioned regional ceremonies, the Central Europe edition has gained a reputation for surfacing meaningful trends: emerging suppliers, shifting operator dynamics, and the companies that are leading innovation across Europe’s fastest-growing regulated and grey markets.
This year’s awards painted a vivid picture of an industry in transformation — with a notable surge in recognition for platform innovation, AI-driven tools, regional leadership in Italy, and new-generation game mechanics. The B2C categories, meanwhile, underscored the increasing importance of user experience, mobile-first casino products, and the expanding role of affiliate partnerships.
Below is a structured overview of the key winners and what they signal for the months ahead.
B2B Highlights: Technology, Creativity and Operational Excellence
The B2B segment of the SiGMA Central Europe Awards 2025 demonstrated just how quickly suppliers are innovating to retain a competitive edge. Many categories reflected high demand for platform flexibility, smart risk tools, localisation, and aggregator ecosystems capable of scaling into new markets.
Platform & Aggregation Take Center Stage
- Microgame took the Platform Provider Italy category, reinforcing its dominance in one of Europe’s most tightly regulated markets.
- SoftGamings secured Best Platform Provider, strengthening its position as a modular, rapidly deployed solution for multi-vertical operators.
- Alea and EGT Digital stood out with awards for Most Innovative Aggregator and Fastest Growing Aggregator, illustrating the ongoing race to build powerful content hubs that can scale across multiple jurisdictions.
Innovation Defines the Winners List
AI-powered tools and next-generation engagement systems were among the strongest themes of 2025:
- K36 was awarded AI Pioneer in Platform Innovation, signalling the acceleration of AI-driven operational automation.
- SmartSoft, honoured for Game Mechanics Innovator, continues to lead the charge in shaping new gameplay formulas.
- Imagine Live won Live Dealer Technology Award, highlighting the growth of hyper-realistic and interactive live experiences.
Sports Betting & Data Solutions Strengthen Their Position
- BETBY took Best Sportsbook Provider, consolidating its reputation as one of the most technically agile sportsbook solutions.
- BetConstruct won Innovative Sportsbook Solution, marking yet another expansion of its product capabilities into new betting formats and verticals.
Recognition for Leadership & Industry Impact
- Vardges Vardanyan of Digitain received the prestigious Outstanding Contribution to Gaming award.
- Novomatic Italia was named B2B Industry Leader Italy, reflecting its deep regional footprint and strategic influence.
- InOut Games won Industry Rising Star, a signal that new game concepts and fast execution are reshaping player expectations.
Full List of B2B Winners – SiGMA Central Europe Awards 2025
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Live Casino Rising Star | SMARTBET |
| Best Payment Provider | 0xProcessing |
| Best Slot Game Provider | PopOk Gaming |
| Best Customer Support Tech | Voiso |
| Best Platform Provider | SoftGamings |
| Best Marketing Campaign | Hungry for Success by SOFTSWISS |
| Best Payment Security Solution | Payment Center |
| Most Innovative Aggregator | Alea |
| Best Casino Provider | Pragmatic Play |
| Anti-Fraud Innovation of the Year | Frogo |
| Best Workplace | Altenar |
| Innovative Sportsbook Solution | BetConstruct |
| Best Game Studio | Ninja Gaming |
| B2B Industry Leader Italy | Novomatic Italia |
| Game Mechanics Innovator | SmartSoft |
| AI Pioneer in Platform Innovation | K36 |
| Live Dealer Technology Award | Imagine Live |
| Fastest Growing Aggregator | EGT Digital |
| Best Affiliate Software | ReferON |
| Best Bonus Engine | Lynon |
| Best KYC Solution | SumSub |
| Game Changer Marketing Excellence | AVIATOR by Spribe |
| Platform Provider Italy | Microgame |
| Industry Rising Star | InOut Games |
| Best Customer Retention Partner | FastTrack |
| Best Sportsbook Provider | BETBY |
| Best Game Provider Italy | WorldMatch |
| Transformation of the Year | RedCore |
| Best iGaming Media | Focus Gaming News |
| Best Product Breakthrough | ST8 by ST8.io |
| Outstanding Contribution to Gaming | Vardges Vardanyan |
B2C Highlights: User Experience, Community and Brand Loyalty
The B2C side of the SiGMA Central Europe Awards placed strong emphasis on player-centric innovation, mobile-first design, and community activation. With Europe’s online casino landscape becoming more fragmented, this year’s winners reflect the brands succeeding in differentiation and sustained audience engagement.
Operators Driving Player Value
- LEX Casino was named Best Casino 2025, a recognition tied to its multi-vertical experience and strong user feedback.
- 22Bet secured Best Sportsbook, highlighting consistent sportsbook performance in both casual and high-frequency betting segments.
- 1xBet took home Best User Experience, a category with growing weight as UI/UX becomes a leading competitive differentiator.
Player Engagement and Loyalty Gain Prominence
- Betiton won Best Player Engagement, underscoring the increasing importance of gamified features and personalised rewards.
- Gamdom was recognised for Best Customer Loyalty Program, showcasing innovation in retention mechanics.
Affiliate Partnerships & Media Influence
- Riddick’s Partners won Best Affiliate Network, reflecting strong regional penetration.
- Casino Guru took Best Affiliate, further cementing its role as one of Europe’s most trusted affiliate brands.
- Agimeg was recognised as Best Italian Gaming Media, highlighting Italy’s active localised media ecosystem.
Community & Creator Economy
- Andypsx won Best Streamer, proving that creators continue to influence player acquisition.
- Alex Riddick received Best Influencer, while Dragon Money secured Best Community Engagement, showing the growing impact of social platforms on user trust and conversion.
Full List of B2C Winners – SiGMA Central Europe Awards 2025
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Best Casino | LEX Casino |
| Best Affiliate Network | Riddick’s Partners |
| Best on Mobile | Cleobetra Casino |
| Best Player Engagement | Betiton |
| Best in SEO | Bazoom |
| Best Sportsbook | 22Bet |
| Best Streamer | Andypsx |
| Best User Experience | 1xBet |
| Italian Market Rising Star | Netwin |
| Best Affiliate | Casino Guru |
| Best Casino Game | Aviamasters by BGaming |
| Best Community Engagement | Dragon Money |
| Best Crypto Casino | BC.GAME |
| Best Workplace | Vegas Legends |
| Best Affiliate Program | MelBet Partners & Affiliates |
| Best Italian Gaming Media | Agimeg |
| Best Player Retention | 1xslots |
| Best Influencer | Alex Riddick |
| Industry Rising Star | Mr.Booster |
| Best Customer Loyalty Program | Gamdom |
| Regulated Markets Champion | Betsson Group |
| Best Affiliate Italy | Dt9 Group |
| Top iGaming Investor | Xanada |
| Casino Innovation & Tech Award | VBET |
| Streamers’ Choice of Live | Dragon Tiger by ALLBET |
A Regional Awards Ceremony with Global Implications
The SiGMA Central Europe Awards 2025 underscored a central truth: the region remains one of the most dynamic laboratories for innovation in global iGaming.
Several themes stood out across both B2B and B2C:
1. Italy’s rising influence
Multiple Italian-market categories reflect an environment where regulation, localisation and player behaviour are shaping a distinct ecosystem.
2. The rapid maturation of sportsbook technology
BETBY, BetConstruct and Altenar continue to push development cycles forward.
3. Game mechanics and live dealer evolution
Studios like SmartSoft and Imagine Live illustrate the shift toward immersive, uniquely structured experiences.
4. Affiliates continue to shape market growth
Affiliate performance categories were among the most competitive, proving the central role of partnerships in customer acquisition.
5. Operators with strong UX and mobile performance outperform competitors
UX-focused brands like 1xBet and Cleobetra demonstrate that interface quality directly impacts player loyalty.
Final Thoughts
The SiGMA Central Europe Awards 2025 delivered more than a list of winners – it revealed the direction of travel for an increasingly competitive and technologically advanced iGaming region. As suppliers push boundaries in AI, live dealer tech, payment security, and content aggregation, Central Europe is emerging as a key innovation hub.
For operators, affiliates, investors and product builders, the winners of this year’s awards offer a reliable snapshot of the companies shaping the industry’s next phase of growth – and the brands best positioned to lead it.
