888 lands in-house product of the year at EGR Operator Awards 2021
Operator championed for its in-house sportsbook platform as it leaves Grosvenor House with two awards
888 secured the top tech award at the EGR Operator Awards 2021 after securing in-house product of the year.
The London-listed operator’s in-house Spectate technology was praised by the judges extensively.
One judge said: “Smart acquisition and focus on building their own tech helps them continue to grow their product and their revenue” while another added: “Owning and controlling its own in-house sportsbook is a game-changer for 888”.
888 also picked up the casino operator of the year award resulting in them walking away from the central London venue last Thursday with two gongs.
In the night’s top prize, Entain was crowned operator of the year as the international online gambling operator beat off stiff competition from 13 companies.
Judges lauded the FTSE 100-listed operator for delivering 22 consecutive quarters of “market leading” revenue growth, which has since risen to 23 quarters, suggesting Entain was “edging it” in a number of key performance areas.
Referencing the firm’s US BetMGM operations, one judge remarked that Entain was “absolutely smashing it” in the highly-competitive US market.
2020 operator of the year award winner Gamesys Group received a highly commended mention from judges in the night’s headline category.
Another big winner at the Grosvenor House awards ceremony was bet365, which took home four gongs: in-play sports operator, mobile sports product, sports betting operator and affiliate programme of the year.
Sky Betting & Gaming (SBG) took home the award in a new category for its diversity and inclusion (D&I) model, with the Leeds-based firm walking away with the employer of the year award.
Lavishing praise on SBG for its D&I progress, judges cited an “impressive roster” of internal initiatives, highlighting the firm’s excellent approach to ESG objectives.
Elsewhere, Low6 netted the highly coveted Rising Star Award at the EGR Operator Awards, with judges praising the firm for showing “the greatest promise” of all shortlisted entries. Low6 also took home the virtual and fantasy sports operator accolade during a hectic evening of networking and prize-giving.
Finally, Betway secured esports operator of the year, with one judge stating: [It was a] Standout submission. Amazing growth in FTDs, bet volumes, and solid product innovation”.
The 2021 EGR Operator Awards marked a return to in-person events following the Covid-19 pandemic, with comedian Naomi Cooper hosting a star-studded event at Grosvenor House, London.
A full list of winners can be found below.