iGaming Excellence Honored at the SiGMA Africa Awards 2026 in South Africa
The SiGMA Africa Awards 2026 took place on 3 March 2026 at the GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World in Cape Town, South Africa, bringing together key stakeholders from across the gaming and technology sectors. Held as part of the SiGMA Africa Summit 2026, the ceremony recognised companies and individuals whose innovation, leadership, and technological advancements continue to shape the rapidly evolving gaming landscape across Africa and beyond.
Among the evening’s major recognitions, Melbet secured the Best Casino Operator 2026 award ahead of nominees 1win, 1xBet, PantherBet, BETANDYOU AFRICA, and Afropari, highlighting the operator’s continued presence across multiple markets.
In the content development segment, Pragmatic Play was named Best Casino Provider 2026, standing out among nominees SA Gaming, Booming Games, TaDa Gaming, and PopOK Gaming. Meanwhile, Amusnet received the Best Slot Game Provider 2026 award ahead of Booming Games, Pragmatic Play, PopOK Gaming, and GAMZIX.
Platform technology also featured prominently during the ceremony. SOFTSWISS won the Best Platform 2026 award from a competitive shortlist that included Velitech, AtlasLive, Uplatform, Skilrock, Digitain, and Pie Gaming.
In the sportsbook technology segment, BetConstruct AI took home the Best Online Sportsbook Provider 2026 award, selected from nominees Uplatform, Altenar, SOFTSWISS, and GR8 Tech. Digitain was also recognised with the Best Innovation in Sports Betting 2026 award ahead of Altenar, SOFTSWISS, BetConstruct AI, AtlasLive, BETBAZAR, and Logifuture.
Game development and innovation were also celebrated during the ceremony. Mine Slot by InOut Games won the Slot Game Newcomer 2026 award from a list that included Panthera Ventura by EGT Digital, Tea Party of Fortune by ELA Games, Serengeti Sunrise by Mancala Gaming, 3 Coin Towers by Endorphina, 3 Lucky Bao by Onlyplay, Diggers Fortune by Belatra, and Voyage of Treasure Series by JDB.
In emerging gameplay formats, SkyPilot by Aardvark secured the Crash Game Newcomer 2026 award ahead of AVI by PopOK Gaming, Afrocrash by Choice Gaming, and SharkRush by SimplePlay.
Infrastructure and compliance technologies also received recognition. Sumsub was named Best KYC Solution 2026, selected from nominees Jumio, WhoYou, and SEON, reflecting the growing importance of identity verification and regulatory compliance within the industry. In addition, Global Lab received the Best Testing Lab Innovation 2026 award.
Affiliate marketing was recognised through the Best Affiliate Program 2026 category, where Linebet Partners emerged as the winner ahead of 1win Partners, 1x Affiliates, and Melbet. Mobile gaming continues to dominate many emerging markets, a trend reflected in the Best On Mobile 2026 category where 1xBet secured the award ahead of BETANDYOU AFRICA, WinWinBet, and Linebet.
The Best Virtual Sports Provider 2026 award went to Kiron Interactive, selected from nominees Logifuture, Golden Race, Sportradar, and Inspired.
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Several additional categories highlighted innovation across the broader gaming ecosystem. Bitlipa received the Emerging Markets Payment Solution 2026 award for its role in expanding payment accessibility across developing markets. EGT Digital was named Best Game Provider 2026, while Arcade Heist Hit&Win by Golden Race secured the Game Innovation Award 2026.
In the sportsbook operator segment, 22Bet was recognised as Best Sportsbook Operator 2026. Meanwhile, Avion Supersonic by Lambda Gaming received the Most Played Game 2026 award, highlighting its popularity among players.
Emerging companies were also recognised, with VeliGames by Velitech winning the Industry Rising Star 2026 award. Choice Gaming was named Live Casino Provider Rising Star 2026, reflecting its growing presence in the live gaming segment.
Beyond technology and product categories, the awards also celebrated leadership and workplace culture. ALEA was named Best Workplace 2026, recognising its commitment to employee engagement and organisational development.
Marketing innovation was acknowledged through the Best Marketing Campaign 2026 award, which went to Spribe for its Partnerships With Global Sports Giants campaign.
Individual achievements were also celebrated during the ceremony. Valentina Bagniya, Chief Marketing Officer of SOFTSWISS, received the Women in Gaming 2026 award in recognition of her leadership and contributions to the industry.
Digital creator Shank Comics was honoured as Best Streamer 2026, while Dr Thembi Shilenge received the Best Influencer 2026 award.
The evening also featured the Hall of Game recognition, which honored influential figures who have played a key role in shaping the gaming sector across Africa and beyond. Among those recognised were Peter Mbugi, former Director General of Kenya’s Gaming Regulatory Authority, Ulrik Bengtsson, Global Gaming Executive, Vusi Mtsweni, Chief Executive Officer of the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator and Mabutho Zwane, Chief Executive Officer of the Eastern Cape Gambling Board. The recognition highlighted their contributions to strengthening regulatory frameworks, supporting responsible gaming, and advancing the development of sustainable gaming markets across the continent.
