The 2026 Expert Jury
Seven practitioners the industry already listens to — regulation, public policy, marketing, commercial strategy, product, social impact and media on one panel.
Who decides
Vera Vilchek
National Gambling Authority
Gregory Matesienkevic
Gambling SEO&PPC Club — CEO, Galaxticion LTD
Nick LeBraune
Charity & Non-Commercial Dept, NDA iGaming Holding
Craig Himsworthy
iGaming Expert, Journalist
Christian Heins
Founder, European Gambling Gathering — commercial iGaming strategy, digital marketing & growth; speaker and moderator
Karsten Kasteleiner
Head of Public Policy at Tipico
Alexios Isaakidis
Head of Product, MERKUR eSOLUTIONS
How the jury judges
Independent votes
Every member reviews the shortlist on their own before any group discussion. First impressions are formed alone, not in the room.
Work over reputation
A famous name earns nothing by itself. What counts is the published, verifiable work of the award year — articles, projects, talks, research.
Decisions with reasoning
Positions must be argued, on the record, across three rounds. A vote without a reason does not move the panel.
Published outcome
The final decision — winners in every category — is published on this site. What the jury decides, the industry can read.
Integrity rules
- Conflicts are declared. A jury member with a personal, commercial or employment connection to a finalist discloses it before deliberation and abstains from votes concerning that finalist.
- Influence cannot be bought. No payment, sponsorship or partnership affects the shortlist or the results — entry is free, and there is no paid route to a jury member's attention.
- Deliberation stays in the room. Positions taken during the three rounds are confidential until the results are published; no finalist is contacted about interim standings.
- Every voice weighs the same. One member, one vote — regardless of title, company size or seniority on the panel.
- Self-nomination is off the table. Jury members cannot compete in any category during their term on the panel.
Want to join the jury in 2027? We are looking for practitioners with a public track record and a perspective the panel doesn't have yet.
Tell us who you are and what you would bring to the table.
[email protected]Use the subject line "Jury — 2027". Jury membership is unpaid and incompatible with competing in any category.