Recognising the Polish industry’s finest

Poland’s online sports betting market has seen a dynamic few years. Since its regulation in 2017, the landscape has shifted dramatically, with licensed operators competing for the favour of both the players and market leadership. In this evolving industry, iGamingNuts, a prominent affiliate network with a strong presence in Poland, established the now-prestigious “Nagrody Bukmacherskie Awards”, which is Polish for “Bookmaker Awards”.

This annual event, held for the sixth time in late 2023, has become a cornerstone for acknowledging excellence within the Polish online betting sphere. Hosted by renowned Polish sports journalist Jerzy Mielewski, the award ceremony is not just about recognising winners, it’s a convivial night filled with networking, entertainment and a celebration of the industry’s achievements.

A look back: the origin of the Bookmaker Awards

The story of the Bookmaker Awards began in 2018, a year after the Polish gambling market underwent significant regulatory changes. With many foreign operators becoming illegal overnight, a new playing field emerged for licensed operators. Recognising the need to celebrate success and encourage healthy competition in this new environment, iGamingNuts took the initiative to establish the awards.

The core objectives were threefold:

• Appreciation: to acknowledge innovative solutions and best practices within the industry.
• Celebration: to recognise the success stories of operators and individuals who have made a significant impact.
• Publicity: to provide winners and nominees with well-deserved recognition and a platform to showcase their achievements.

These goals continue to drive the Bookmaker Awards, fostering a spirit of excellence within the Polish online betting space.

Evolving categories reflect a changing market

The award categories have seen some small adjustments over the years, reflecting the evolving nature of the market. The first iteration in 2018 featured six categories, each encompassing key areas including Best overall bookmaker and Best affiliate manager. Interestingly, the Best affiliate category was discontinued after the fourth edition.

However, the awards ceremony has also grown. New categories were introduced in 2022, recognising the six most popular sports for betting in Poland. As of 2023, there are now 15 categories, representing a comprehensive overview of the industry’s landscape in Poland.

Transparency at the core: a rigorous selection process

The selection process for nominees and winners is designed to be both thorough and fair. It begins with consultations with industry professionals to glean their insights on categories, evaluation criteria and the current state of the country’s online betting market. Additionally, the organisers take inspiration from established global awards like the prestigious and long-standing EGR awards, acknowledging its well-regarded and respected methodology.

Transparency is paramount to the Bookmaker Awards’ success. A dedicated page on legalnibumacherzy.pl provides detailed information about the awards and the selection process. This level of openness fosters trust and strengthens the awards’ reputation.

The selection methods vary depending on the category. For instance, all 17 licensed bookmakers in Poland are automatically nominated for Bookmaker of the year award. For other categories, a shortlist is created based on information gathered through interviews, questionnaires and by monitoring bookmaker forums. This approach ensures valuable insights from various stakeholders, including players and industry experts.

The iGamingNuts Bookmaker Awards solidify their position as a key benchmark for excellence in the Polish online betting industry. By recognising innovation, celebrating success and fostering a transparent selection process, the awards programme plays a crucial role in propelling the industry forward. With its continued growth and commitment to transparency, the Bookmaker Awards promise to be a mainstay event for years to come.