As many of the gaming industry’s most respected individuals filed into the Venetian Resort Las Vegas for the 11th annual Global Gaming Awards Americas, an excitement could be felt as all eagerly anticipated whether they would be taking home one of the most trusted and prestigious Awards in the industry.
With companies always nominated based on merit and the reason for their nomination made public in the official Shortlist magazine, the Global Gaming Awards Americas have gained respect among industry heavyweights, due to the strict rules and procedures put in place. Whether it is land-based, online or through hospitality, the gaming industry’s strongest per formers joined Gaming America at the 2024 Global Gaming Expo (G2E) to celebrate those which had gone above and beyond throughout the prior 12 months.
Mariya Savova, Global Gaming Awards Event Manager, says: “We now have three Global Gaming Awards events a year, recognizing the best of the best in the EMEA, Asia-Pacific and Americas gaming industry, respectively. Our Las Vegas Awards remain our flagship event and a highlight of the year for our team. The gaming industry is growing across all regulated markets worldwide, but it goes without saying that the US leads the way, which is why the Global Gaming Awards Americas are so competitive and coveted. All shortlisted companies are worthy of winning. Those who actually left the Venetian Ballroom with an Award should be extremely proud as the competition has been fierce."
There was incredible anticipation in the air as each executive filled the Venetian ballroom to witness which would be honored with one of the most desirable awards in the business. With the timing of the Awards being held at the start of G2E, this allows for the day to be dedicated to the prospect of taking part in the celebration. Gaming America showed every guest to their table and opened the event with a recap of what was an eventful 2024 in the gaming industry. Easily displayed by the abundance of attendees for G2E and the Awards itself, there was no shortage of representation as to how much the space had grown in the prior 12 months.
During G2E, the vast majority of the gaming industry comes together to share insight and provide a look into what the future will hold for the space, but it’s also a time to celebrate those who managed to outperform even the highest of expectations. Companies such as FanDuel, Wynn Resorts and Aristocrat Gaming were all honored with awards during the event, covering every sector of the gaming industry. FanDuel CEO Amy Howe represented the company and took home Awards for both Digital Operator of the Year and American Executive of the Year, as FanDuel became the leader in both iGaming and sportsbook market share.
Howe has now won the American Executive of the Year award at three consecutive Global Gaming Awards Americas, an incredible feat after becoming FanDuel’s CEO in February 2021. Indeed, FanDuel only continues to grow its reach under Howe’s leadership.
North America Property of the Year went to Yaamava’ Resort and Casino at San Manuel, as the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians was also honored with the Responsible Business of the Year Award. The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians took home the Responsible Business of the Year Award for the fourth consecutive year, showcasing the dedication the Tribe exemplifies when expanding its presence in California and Las Vegas.
The Awards were presented by representatives of the sponsors for each category, giving a brief introduction to the recognition every shortlisted company received prior to the winner being announced. The atmosphere in the room was one of hope, respect and a sense of accomplishment.
There were over 40 tables filling the ballroom with numerous executives from each shortlisted company in attendance. The room was packed by people who had played a role in bringing the gaming industry to new heights in 2024, taking the time to converse and reminisce about the headlines that took prominence during the year. A feeling of genuine comfort even set in as the Awards always provides hospitality comparable to the same commitment shown by the companies being honored.
As every winner came up on stage to receive the award, the excitement and positivity could be seen on their faces, with the feeling of being recognized for days of long hours and tough work felt throughout the room. The celebration ended with a recap of those who were honored on the day, as well as giving thanks to everyone in attendance for joining Gaming America at the event and paying respect to the winners.
Savova said: “Once again, I would like to congratulate all 2024 winners on behalf of our entire team – your dedication to innovation and excellence is what drives our industry forward! I would also like to take a moment to say thank you to all event sponsors for supporting us, to G2E and the AGA for giving the Global Gaming Awards Americas a home, to the KPMG team who handles the voting adjudication, to all executives who attended the event, and of course to my esteemed colleagues at Gaming America and Gambling Insider who help make every Global Gaming Awards event a success."
The 11th annual Global Gaming Awards Americas was a spectacular event that continues to celebrate the very best in the gaming industry year after year. As always, having the ability to honor those in the industry during G2E brings a unique opportunity to bring many of the highest-ranking executives together for this incredible affair. In the years ahead, the Global Gaming Awards will continue to serve as the most prestigious and trusted Awards in the industry across the globe.
The Global Gaming Awards Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) will be heading to Barcelona on January 20 2025. With the Shortlist having been finalized on November 11, companies and executives saw the Shortlist revealed on December 23. Like the US, gaming markets in Europe, the Middle East and Africa are rapidly growing, with the Awards set to recognize those which have succeeded in harnessing the new demand and turning into new opportunities.
With such a multitude of fast-growing markets in the US, the gaming scene will constantly evolve and innovate to meet the quickening demand of its consumer base. The companies, executives and properties celebrated at the Global Gaming Awards Americas find ways to not only continue meeting these demands, but discover how to break new ground in an ever-expanding industry.
The Awards are set to return to Las Vegas during G2E 2025, with an increasing number of trends set to headline what should be an eventful year for the gaming industry. As always, the Global Gaming Awards Americas will reward those that find ways to expand their horizons, maintaining its reputation as the most prestigious and trusted Awards in the industry.
