2020 was one of the strangest and most horrible years in recent memory. However, it has not all been doom and gloom – particularly for the iGaming sector. More players than ever have been enjoying online casino bonuses this year and the very best of the industry was recently toasted at the annual EGaming Review awards.

The ‘Oscars of the iGaming industry’ is usually held in a swanky hotel with plenty of food, drink and entertainment on offer. This year, for obvious reasons, the EGR were forced into hosting their first ever virtual event. It may have lacked the usual glitz and glamour but that did not stop developers and operators alike clamouring to be recognised. Here are some of the most interesting winners (and losers) from the November award ceremony.

Casino Operator of the Year

This particular category was bulging with worthy contenders. 888 and PartyCasino both had strong 2020s, strengthening their products with innovative features over the course of the year. In the end though, both would leave – or more aptly, log off of the Zoom call – disappointed, with Kindred scooping the prize. The operator heads up no less than 11 different casino brands with their most well known products being 32Red, Unibet and bingo.com. Keeping hold of their prize next year is going to be a struggle as their competitors – who they only narrowly bested this time – will be out for revenge.

Rising Star of the Year

Luckbox has been the standout success story of 2020. The Isle of Man based company was only founded two years ago but in December, CEO Quentin Martin was already in a position to take it public. Luckbox has thrived by offering its customers the very bestESports betting experience out there. The company was swift to introduce Fifa and NBA 2K markets before their competitors and it paid off massively. They were a deserved winner at this year’s online gambling awards.

Poker Operator of the Year

Poker Operator of the Year is usually a battle between The Stars Group and PartyGames and 2020 was no different. On this occasion, the former came out on top and few could argue that they did not deserve it. The operator’s flagship site, PokerStars, enjoyed a tremendous increase in traffic this year. This was partly fuelled by the pandemic, but their superb management also played a role. The Stars Group have done well to attract new players while growing loyalty in their existing customer base and fully deserved to take home the trophy.

Mobile Operator of the Year

This was another very competitive category which Betsson Group eventually scooped. Perhaps best known for operating the sportsbook of the same name, the company also boasts a wide portfolio of casinos as well. Jalla! Casino, casinoeuro and Loyal Casino are just three of their many titles, all of which can be enjoyed on some intuitive mobile apps. With that in mind, it is no mystery why Betsson was recognised as this year’s EGR awards virtual awards ceremony.