Winners react to EGR Operator Awards success
The industry’s biggest operators gathered in London on Monday night, and here’s what the victors had to say
The big winners at Monday night’s EGR Operator Awards have spoken of their pride at being recognised at the industry’s foremost awards ceremony.
Held at The Artillery Garden in London, the glittering event was attended by more than 650 industry professionals and hosted by Manchester funny man Jason Manford.
And Unibet Group took down the big prize for Operator of the Year, which group CEO Henrik Tjärnström described as a “great honour”.
“It is an acknowledgement of all the hard work our people are doing by persistently focusing on the customer, and giving them the best possible experience,” Tjärnström added.
“Through a focus on relationship and leading edge technology we can provide a safe, secure and supportive environment and fulfil our commitment to player safety & responsible gaming.”
Fellow Nordic firm Mr Green picked up trophies for Best Affiliate Programme and Slots Operator, with Group CEO Per Norman calling the wins “yet another proof point of the strength of our new business strategy Mr Green 2.0”.
Norman added: “With our new technology platform launched this year, we have been able to improve our product offering and user experience, which is a key element in our new business strategy.”
Sky Bet scooped three awards, Mobile Operator, Mobile Bingo operator and Mobile Sports Product.
“We’re absolutely delighted to have achieved recognition for our strengths in mobile betting and gaming, all developed from our HQ in the heart of Leeds,” said Sky Bet CEO Richard Flint. “This award is testament to the hard work of everyone involved at Sky Betting & Gaming.”
The inaugural eSports Operator of the Year award went to Pinnacle, whose marketing director Harry Lang said: “Everyone at Pinnacle is immensely proud.
“As the first operator to take an eSports bet in 2010 we’ve invested a huge amount of time and effort to become a leader in the field, so this recognition is greatly appreciated.”
BetBright won its first EGR award, gaining recognition for its commitment to innovation with the award for In-House Product.
BetBright director of sportsbook Noel Hayes praised the firm’s Genius and Recall products which help inform punters and offer personalised bets respectively.
“Our success at the EGR Awards last night is a fitting recognition of the quality of the product development work taking place at BetBright and our continued commitment to improving the customer experience,” Hayes added.
Elsewhere, PokerStars completed a hat-trick of successive Poker Operator of the Year triumphs. “Winning this award for the third year in a row is great testament to the passion and hard work that people across the business put into making PokerStars the best poker site in the world,”said Eric Hollreiser, vice president of corporate communications for Amaya.
“We believe our commitment to the game shines through in the player experience,” he added.
Tombola was crowned Bingo Operator of the Year. “I’m proud of all the efforts that go into keeping us number one in the eyes of our players and the views of our peers,” Tombola CEO Phil Cronin said.
Oddschecker picked up the award for Affiliate of the Year, with the firm’s head of commercial Guy Harding saying: “In a year in which we’ve seen records smashed across the board, it’s great that the efforts of the entire team are recognised in such a credible manner.
“Although everything we do at Oddschecker is with the user in mind, awards are a great way of recognising the blood, sweat and tears which have gone in to make our product as good as it is.”
Oddschecker was pipped to the post in the Sports Affiliate category by AtTheRaces, whose commercial manager Joe Andrews commented: “To be shortlisted for two awards was great, but to win one is fantastic. Thanks to all our partners who work with us on At The Races. We’ll continue to grow and innovate to ensure we’re shortlisted next year.”
WhichBingo triumphed in the Bingo Affiliate of the Year category, and the company’s founder Phil Fraser said the award was a testament to the “hard work, commitment, enthusiasm and ability of a great team”.
“I’m so proud of each and every one of them,” Fraser added. “It’s tough getting to the top but it’s even tougher to stay there, which makes this win even more sweet.”