GIA NORTH AMERICA
iGaming Rising Star
of the Year
Gaming Intelligence Awards 2026 | iGaming Rising Star of the Year
The iGaming Rising Star of the Year category recognises the operator that has delivered outstanding performance, innovation and impact across North America’s regulated iGaming market.
This award celebrates excellence in product delivery, commercial success and contribution to the continued development of the sector.
Congratulations to all our winners!
iGaming Rising Star of the Year
Over the past year, Hard Rock Bet Casino has rapidly evolved into a digital trailblazer, making it the definitive choice for our iGaming Rising Star of the Year. The operator is redefining the iGaming experience by bringing together the unmistakable entertainment DNA of the unique Hard Rock experience with best-in-class product innovation, personalization and legendary rewards. After launching in Michigan in December 2025 – its second online casino launch in the US – Hard Rock Bet made its first foray into the international market by going live in Ontario in July. It has invested heavily in a bespoke digital portfolio and now boasts over 4,400 games, including Atlantic City Live Roulette, an exclusive dual-play live dealer product streamed directly from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City floor.
With an unwavering focus on the player, Hard Rock Bet has invested in making casino play faster, more intuitive and more personalized, setting a new gold standard for what a modern challenger brand can achieve. Legendary Reward Drops take that experience even further, rewarding players in a way that feels uniquely Hard Rock, with more than 20 million opened to date and monthly active redemption doubling year-on-year. An iconic brand with a lot more to come.
Runner-ups:
Celebrating excellence across North America