Momentum is building for the inaugural RTG Global Awards – a new global platform celebrating excellence in leadership, innovation and impact across the gambling industry.
Designed to spotlight those advancing integrity, safer gambling and sector resilience, the awards have attracted international attention from organizations driving meaningful reform and raising industry standards.
To be presented at the Regulating the Game 2026 Gala Dinner on Tuesday 10 March 2026 at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, the RTG Global Awards recognize excellence across leadership, safer gambling, compliance, technology innovation and community impact.
Paul Newson, Principal at Vanguard Overwatch and founder of Regulating the Game, said the awards have struck a chord with the sector.
“There’s a genuine need to acknowledge those striving to lift standards and lead with purpose,” Newson said. “The RTG Global Awards provide a platform to celebrate excellence, integrity, and innovation – and to champion those shaping a stronger, more sustainable industry.”
The RTG Global Awards feature six categories:
- Leadership Voice – Recognzsing principled, reform-focused leadership that strengthens capability, trust and integrity.
- Safer Gambling Champion – Celebrating initiatives that deliver meaningful harm minimization outcomes.
- Compliance Excellence – Highlighting uplift in AML, risk culture and regulatory compliance.
- RegTech Solution of the Year – Showcasing technologies improving sector integrity and compliance.
- Community Impact Initiative – Rewarding projects delivering tangible community benefit.
- Emerging Leader – Spotlighting rising talent (under 40) driving positive change.
Nominations are now open – anyone can put forward a colleague, organization or initiative that exemplifies leadership and impact.
The RTG Global Awards judging panel brings together internationally respected leaders with deep expertise across integrity, gambling law and safer gambling, including:
- Khalid Ali, Chief Executive Officer, International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA)
- Jamie Nettleton, Partner, Addisons, and former President, International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL)
- Tracy Parker, Vice-President, Policy, Standards & Accreditation, Responsible Gambling Council (RGC)
Together, they bring a wealth of global experience and insight to the judging process – ensuring the awards reflect genuine excellence, leadership and impact across the international gambling sector.
Visit www.regulatingthegame.com/global-awards-2026 to learn more and submit nominations.
The Regulating the Game 2026 program will also feature Pitch! at the Sydney Opera House, an expanded exhibition showcase and an outstanding line-up of global thought leaders.




























