2025 > Awards

OFFICIAL VIDEO

AWARDS AND WINNERS

The Public Call for Candidates for the 2025 IAG Academy IR Awards closed at midnight Manila time at the end of 30 July 2025.
 
The public candidates for each category will be considered and reduced down to the Official Nominees, which will be announced on 11 August.
 
The Official Nominees will have until 27 August to submit documentation supporting their nomination.

Division 1: NON-GAMING OPERATOR OFFERINGS

Elements of Asia-Pacific based Integrated Resorts other than gaming.

1. Best Visual Appeal of an IR
Awarded to the integrated resort with the most striking exterior and interior visual appeal in the Asia-Pacific region. This award acknowledges broad design and features and sheer overall impact externally as well as the ambience of internal spaces.

  • Crown Resorts for Crown Sydney
  • Galaxy Entertainment Group for Galaxy Macau
  • Marina Bay Sands
  • Sands China for The Londoner Macao
  • SJM Resorts for Grand Lisboa Palace
WINNER: Marina Bay Sands

2. Best IR Resort Attraction
Awarded to the best non-gaming attraction in an integrated resort in the Asia-Pacific region, judged on innovation, popularity and to what extent the product attracts guests to the resort and diversifies its offerings. Any offering in an IR other than gaming is eligible, including F&B outlets, retail offerings, entertainment, spa and wellness and architectural spaces.

  • City of Dreams Macau for House of Dancing Water
  • INSPIRE Entertainment Resort for Aurora
  • Marina Bay Sands for SkyPark Observation Deck
  • MGM China for Macau 2049
  • Resorts World Sentosa for Oceanarium
WINNER: City of Dreams Macau for House of Dancing Water

3. Best Overall Retail Offering by an IR
Awarded to the Asia Pacific-based integrated resort with the best overall retail offering. Criteria includes the array of retail options on offer, general appeal of the facilities provided and popularity among shoppers.

  • Galaxy Entertainment Group for Galaxy Promenade
  • Marina Bay Sands for Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
  • NUSTAR Resort & Casino for The Mall
  • Sands China Limited for The Shoppes at Venetian
  • Wynn Macau Limited for The Shops at Wynn Palace
WINNER: Marina Bay Sands for Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands

4. Best Overall F&B Offering by an IR
Awarded to the Asia Pacific-based integrated resort acknowledged as having the best overall food and beverage offering across its total footprint, taking into consideration the breadth of offering as well as the overall quality of all F&B outlets at the resort.

  • Galaxy Entertainment Group for Galaxy Macau
  • Marina Bay Sands
  • Melco Resorts & Entertainment for City of Dreams Macau
  • Sands China Limited for The Venetian Macao
  • SJM Resorts for Grand Lisboa
WINNER: Galaxy Entertainment Group for Galaxy Macau

5. Best Hotel in an IR
Awarded to the best hotel offering in an Asia Pacific-based integrated resort, taking all relevant aspects into consideration. Criteria includes range and quality of rooms and suites, facilities on offer and overall service provided.

  • Capella at Galaxy Macau
  • Crown Sydney
  • Hotel Okura Manila at Newport World Resorts
  • Londoner Court at The Londoner Macao
  • The Marina Bay Sands hotel
WINNER: Capella at Galaxy Macau

Division 2: GAMING OFFERINGS

Gaming elements of Asia-Pacific based Integrated Resorts.

6. Best Slot Solution
Awarded to the industry supplier with the slot solution acknowledged as the best in the industry. Criteria includes innovation, player appeal and proven performance across key Asia-Pacific markets.

  • Aristocrat for Dragon Link
  • Aruze for Triple Treasure Pot
  • IGT for Rising Rockets Link
  • Sega Sammy for Super Burst Link
  • Light & Wonder for Dragon Trio
WINNER: Aristocrat for Dragon Link

7. Best ETG Solution
Awarded to the industry supplier with the electronic table game solution acknowledged as the best in the industry. Criteria includes innovation, player appeal and proven performance across key Asia-Pacific markets.

  • Alfastreet for V8
  • Interblock for Dragon SicBo
  • Jumbo Technology for S-27
  • Light & Wonder for Quartz Nova
  • Spintec for Charisma Roulette
WINNER: Interblock for Dragon SicBo

8. Best Table Game Solution
Awarded to the industry supplier with the best table game solution as acknowledged by the industry. Criteria includes ease of use, value, features and quality of management reports.

  • Angel for Angel Hybrid Smart Table System
  • Konami Gaming for Synkros
  • Light & Wonder for GM ATLAS
  • Tangam for Table Games Yield Management
  • Walker Digital Table Systems for Perfect Pay
WINNER: Walker Digital Table Systems for Perfect Pay

9. Best System Solution
Awarded to the industry supplier with the best system solution as acknowledged by the industry. Criteria includes ease of use, value, features and quality of management reports.

  • Angel for Angel Hybrid Smart Table System
  • IGT for IGT ADVANTAGE
  • Konami for SYNK Vision
  • Light & Wonder for Engage AI
  • Mongterang for iBonus
WINNER: Angel for Angel Hybrid Smart Table System

10. Best Sports Betting Solution in an IR
Awarded to the industry supplier with a sports betting solution located within an Asian integrated resort acknowledged as the best in the industry. Criteria includes layout, innovation, player appeal and proven performance.

  • MacauSLOT at Grand Lisboa
  • MegaSportsWorld at Winford
  • Tabcorp at The Star Sydney
WINNER: MacauSLOT at Grand Lisboa

11. Best Poker Room in an IR
Awarded to the IR operator with the most outstanding poker room in the Asia-Pacific region.

  • MGM COTAI Poker Room
  • Newport World Resorts Poker Room
  • PokerStars at Okada Manila
  • The Venetian Macao Poker Room
WINNER: PokerStars at Okada Manila

12. Best IR Membership Program
Awarded to the IR operator with the best membership program in the Asia-Pacific region.

  • Galaxy Entertainment Group for Privilege Club
  • MGM China for Mlife
  • Newport World Resorts for Epic Rewards
  • Sands China Limited for Sands Rewards
WINNER: MGM China for Mlife

13. Best IR Gaming Floor
Awarded to the IR operator with most outstanding gaming floor in the Asia-Pacific region. 

  • Bloomberry Resorts for Solaire Resort Entertainment City
  • Galaxy Entertainment Group for Galaxy Macau
  • Marina Bay Sands
  • MGM China for MGM COTAI
  • Sands China Limited for The Londoner Macao
WINNER: Bloomberry Resorts for Solaire Resort Entertainment City

Division 3: CORPORATE AWARDS (Open to Operators and Suppliers)

Elements that relate to overall governance and activities of companies that operate Asia-Pacific based Integrated Resort businesses, and those that supply them.

14. Best Individual CSR Initiative
Awarded to the Asia-Pacific integrated resort operator or industry supplier that developed the best single CSR initiative over the past year, judged on innovation and positive impact for the community.

  • Aristocrat for International Women’s Day
  • Galaxy Entertainment Group for GEG Youth Sci-tech Empowerment Program
  • Melco Resorts for Simple Acts of Kindness
  • Newport World Resorts for Original Pilipino Performing Arts (OPPA) Foundation
WINNER: Melco Resorts for Simple Acts of Kindness

15. Best Overall CSR Program
Awarded to the Asia-Pacific integrated resort operator or industry supplier that has offered the strongest overall contribution in all areas of Corporate Social Responsibility, with the most positive impact for the communities in which it operates as well as broader societies in the Asia-Pacific region.

  • FBM for FBM Foundation
  • Galaxy Entertainment Group for Community at Heart, Empathy in Action
  • Marina Bay Sands for Sands Cares
  • Melco Resorts & Entertainment for CSR at Melco
  • MGM China for Create a Better Tomorrow Today
WINNER: Galaxy Entertainment Group for Community at Heart, Empathy in Action

16. Best Technological Innovation
Awarded to the IR operator or industry supplier with the best single innovation utilising technology to create an external or internal industry solution. Nominees will be judged on innovation, creativity, practicality and cost saving or revenue generation.

  • Angel for Angel Hybrid Smart Table System
  • Light & Wonder for Engage AI
  • MGM for MGM Theatre – L-ISA Immersive Audio System
  • Mongterang for iTax
  • Tangam for Table Games Yield Management
WINNER: Angel for Angel Hybrid Smart Table System

17. Best Workplace
Awarded to the Asia-Pacific integrated resort operator or industry supplier that provides the best workplace for its employees. Criteria includes overall corporate culture, training, workplace health and safety, and opportunities provided for career advancement.

  • Angel
  • Aristocrat
  • Light & Wonder
  • Marina Bay Sands
  • Melco Resorts & Entertainment
WINNER: Melco Resorts & Entertainment

18. Best Overall Marketing Program
Awarded to the Asia-Pacific integrated resort operator or industry supplier whose overall brand marketing program best personifies its overall unique selling proposition in a creative, impactful and effective manner. Careful consideration will be given to the breadth of communications tools deployed. 

  • Aristocrat
  • Bloomberry Resorts
  • Galaxy Entertainment Group
  • Marina Bay Sands
  • MGM China
WINNER: MGM China

Division 4: INDUSTRY AWARDS

Elements relating to the wider industry of and serving Integrated Resorts in the Asia-Pacific region.

19. Best IR or Supplier Solution
Awarded to the Asia-Pacific integrated resort operator or industry supplier which has developed the best industry land-based solution. This solution can serve either gaming or non-gaming operations and can be a long-standing solution.

  • Angel for Table Game Supplies
  • Aristocrat for Dragon Link
  • Light & Wonder for CANVAS
  • Paltronics for Paltronics Jackpot Display and Management Products
  • Spintec for ETG solutions
WINNER: Aristocrat for Dragon Link

20. Best IR or Supplier Innovation
Awarded to the Asia-Pacific integrated resort operator or industry supplier which has developed the best recent industry land-based innovation. This innovation can serve either gaming or non-gaming operations and should be a relatively new development.

  • ACP Gaming for ACP Display Audit Device
  • Angel for Angel Hybrid Smart Table System
  • Aristocrat for MarsX Slim Cabinet
  • GameWorkz
  • IDX Games for X-Signage
WINNER: Angel for Angel Hybrid Smart Table System

21. Best Industry Supplier
Awarded to the industry supplier offering the most outstanding products and/or services to the Asia-Pacific integrated resort industry over the last year, considering all relevant factors including product range, service delivery and value to the industry as a whole.

  • Angel
  • Aristocrat
  • IGT
  • Light & Wonder
  • Walker Digital Table Systems
WINNER: Aristocrat

22. Best Regional Asia-Pacific IR
Awarded to the best Integrated Resort (with gaming) in the Asia-Pacific region not located in the multibillion-dollar investment hubs of Macau and Singapore.

  • City of Dreams Mediterranean
  • Crown Sydney
  • INSPIRE Entertainment Resort
  • Newport World Resorts
  • Solaire Resort Entertainment City
WINNER: Bloomberry Resorts Corporation for Solaire Entertainment City
23. Best Integrated Resort Awarded to the most outstanding Integrated Resort (with gaming) in the entire Asia-Pacific region.
  • Galaxy Macau
  • Marina Bay Sands
  • MGM COTAI
  • The Londoner Macao
  • Studio City
WINNER: Galaxy Macau

HALL OF FAME

Rising Stars
Awarded to three industry performers turning 40 or younger in the year of the Awards (date of birth 1 Jan 1985 or later), who have demonstrated consistent leadership and innovation, with great potential for more to come. Previous IAG Academy Rising Star Award winners are ineligible.

  • Matthew Ankenmann (Tangam)
  • Michael Barsin (Ainsworth)
  • Maksim Gojković (Spintec)
  • Gabriel De Jesus Adlawan (Light & Wonder)
  • Eren Kereci (Tecnet)
  • Prasanth Kumar (Angel)
  • Jayden Ieong (LT Game)
  • Fresh Lo (Wynn)
  • Luke Middleton (Konami)
  • Meisy Ng (APE)
WINNERS: Gabriel De Jesus Adlawan (Light & Wonder), Fresh Lo (Wynn) and Luke Middleton (Konami)

Industry Icons
Awarded to three senior industry executives who have demonstrated consistent contribution to the overall growth and success of the industry with lasting results, through great leadership, innovation and/or other activities, and who have gained the respect of their industry peers.

  • David Croft (Tangam)
  • Trevor Hammond (NUSTAR)
  • Stephen Ho (MacauSLOT)
  • Michael Hu (Interblock)
  • Keijiro Kan (Angel)
  • Richard Longhurst (Galaxy)
  • Panos Makridis (MGM)
  • Kylie Rogers (Paltronics)
  • Chen Si (INSPIRE)
  • Harold Tsakmaklis (Crown)
WINNERS: Trevor Hammond (NUSTAR), Richard Longhurst (Galaxy) and Kylie Rogers (Paltronics)

Industry Legend
Given to just one person each year from 2024 onwards, this award recognizes senior executives who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision and impact over the decades, leaving a lasting mark on the industry. It is intended for individuals who have spent a significant portion of their careers leading day-to-day industry operations: driving strategy, motivating teams, and navigating complex challenges, rather than those in founder or owner roles. Industry legends have consistently contributed to the growth, innovation, and success of their businesses and the broader sector through hands-on, executive-level leadership.

  • Dennis Andreaci
  • Tom Arasi
  • Ken Jolly
  • Michael Mecca
  • George Tanasijevich
WINNER: Dennis Andreaci

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SOLAIRE

JUDGES

Andrew W Scott

(Judging Panel Chairman)

Vice Chairman and CEO

Inside Asian Gaming

Sérgio de Almeida Correia

ACS Lawyers and Private Notary

Sandy Amida

Chief Gaming Officer

Newport World Resorts

Dennis Andreaci

Senior Vice President Casino

Hann Resorts

David Baxley

Regional Vice President – Entertainment

Sands China Ltd / Marina Bay Sands Pte Ltd

Kevin Benning

Senior Vice President and General Manager

Studio City Macau

Ben Blaschke

Managing Editor

Inside Asian Gaming

Luísa de Bragança

Senior Assistant General Counsel

Sands China Ltd.

Harmen Brenninkmeijer

Managing Partner

NYCE International Ltd

Daryl Bruce

Director, Product Management EGMs (Asia)

Light & Wonder

Ciarán Carruthers

Executive

Daniel C. Cecilio

Senior Vice President

PAGCOR

Pedro Michael M. Cendana IV

Branch Manager

PAGCOR

Tony Chan

Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director

Asia Pioneer Entertainment (HK:8400)

Greg Chase

Experience Management Thought Leader

Qualtrics/Former Corp. VP @ MGM Resorts International

Nelson Cheung

Systems Sales Manager – Asia

IGT

Charles M. Choy

Co-Chairman

Macau Beer Company Limited

Michael Clifford

Director of Casino Operations

Caesars Entertainment

Carlo R. Climaco

Vice President – Integrated Resorts

Belle Corporation

Carlos Eduardo Coelho

Partner

MdME

David Croft

SVP Gaming Optimisation & Strategy

Tangam Systems

Rui José Da Cunha

Lawyer/SJM Resorts Secretary–General

C&C Lawyers/SJM Resorts SA

Rui Pedro Cunha

Director and General Manager

C&C Lawyers

Geoffrey Davis

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited

Robert Dijkstra

Manager of Business Development for Asia Pacific

AMATIC Industries

Jeffrey Rodrigo L. Évora

President and Chief Operating Officer

Winford Resort & Casino Manila

Scott Fisher

Managing Partner

Convergence Strategy Group

Ashley Fong

Senior Product Planning & Strategy Manager – Asia

Aristocrat

Maulin Gandhi

President

Tangam Systems

David Green

Gaming and Governance Consultant

Fredric E. Gushin

President and CEO

Spectrum Gaming Group

Antonio Benigno V. Gutierrez

Acting General Manager

PAGCOR

Maria Victoria M. Gutierrez

Assistant Vice President, Slot Machine Department

PAGCOR

Trevor Hammond

Senior Vice President – Gaming & Integrated Resort Operations

NUSTAR Resort & Casino

Brady Hiscox

Managing Director

Cosanta Technology Group

Ryan Hong-Wai Ho

Lecturer and MBA Programme Coordinator

Centre for Gaming and Tourism Studies, Macao Polytechnic University

Michael Hu

President – Asia Pacific

Interblock Asia Pacific

Ian Hughes

Chief Commercial Officer

GLI

Florence Ian

President

International Tourism Professionals Development Association

Brett Ingram

Assistant Vice President – Event Development & Management

Sands China Ltd.

Nicholas Ionides

Senior Vice President, Communications & Corporate Affairs

Marina Bay Sands

Sabri Jaafar

Managing Director

SammQuattro Inc

Katrina Mae de Jesus

AVP – Resort Marketing and Business Development

NUSTAR Resort and Casino

Michael G. Johansen

President Gaming Division

StarDream Cruises

Ken Jolly

VP & Managing Director – Asia

Light & Wonder

David Jorden

Executive Vice President Gaming

Hoiana Resort & Golf

Sudhir Kalé

Founder & CEO

GamePlan Consultants

Keijiro Kan

Chairman

Angel Macau Ltd.

Kevin Kelley

Chief Operating Officer – Macau

Galaxy Entertainment Group

Herris W. Kocibelli

Founder & Managing Director

HWK Trading Co. Ltd.

Joji Kokuryo

Regional Account Manager

Light and Wonder

Michael Krispli

Vice President – EGM Operations

NUSTAR Resort and Casino

Matthew Lai

Business Development & Operations Advisor

Aruze Gaming Global

Buddy Lam

Director of Corporate Affairs

Galaxy Entertainment Group

Desmond Lam

College Master and Professor

University of Macau

Kevin Lee

Director of Sales, Asia

Sega Sammy Creation

Mike Lei

Secretary General

Macao Association of Young Employee in the Gaming Industry

Roger Lienhard

Executive Vice President – Hospitality

Galaxy Macau

Marcus Lim

Founder

Vault Corporation

Raymond Lo

Senior Vice President, Head of Global Marketing and General Manager

Altira Macau and Mocha Clubs

Richard Longhurst

Senior Director

Galaxy Entertainment Group

John Lucas

Chief Hospitality Officer

Newport World Resorts

Shigeki Machida

Managing Director

Matsui Asia Ltd

Atty. Walter L. Mactal

Senior Vice President and Chief Legal & Administrative Officer

Newport World Resorts

Jeff Mann

Managing Director

MegaSportsWorld

Shaun McCamley

Founder, Managing Partner

Euro Pacific Asia Consulting Ltd.

Greg Meares

Vice President, Engineering and Facilities

MGM China

Scott Messinger

Chief of Staff

Inside Asian Gaming

Niall Murray

Chairman

Murray International (Macau) Co. Ltd.

Jamie Nettleton

Partner

ADDISONS

Herman Ng Man Ho

CEO

Asia Pioneer Entertainment Holdings Limited

Ma. Vina Claudette Oca

Assistant Vice President

PAGCOR

Ruel Oro

General Manager

Ortiz Gaming Philippines (GGVC)

Ronald G. Pineda

Director

Thenix Solutions Ltd.

Joe Pisano

Founder and CEO

Jade Sportsbet

Cristina Quental

VP Integrated Marketing & Communication

Sands China Ltd.

Lloyd Robson

Vice President of Sales & Operations, Asia

Aristocrat Gaming

Trevor Ross

Senior Sales Director

Elena Santos

HR Head

Streamtech Systems Technologies, Inc.

Graça Saraiva

Lawyer

Sands China Ltd., MGS Consultancy Ltd.

Filipe Senna Fernandes

Director of Marketing Relations

SJM Resorts

Charles Seo

Senior Director of Commercial Strategy – Asia

IGT

Tim Shepherd

Senior Partner

Fortuna Investments

Chen Si

CEO

INSPIRE Entertainment Resort

Paul Simmons

CEO

Kairos Gaming

Dave Smith

Director

ASIUL Trading Co Ltd

Evan Spytma

CEO

Casino Plus

Philip Stormonth

Sales Director – Asia

Light & Wonder

Ángel Sueiro

COO

PH Resorts

Danny Tang

Vice President and General Manager of Sands Macao

Sands China Ltd.

Alan Teo Aung Peng

CEO

Hoiana Resort & Golf

Harold Charalampos Tsakmaklis

Executive General Manager – Gaming

Crown Resorts

Francis Valenzuela IV

Account Manager – Philippines

IGT

Rutger Verschuren

Area Vice President – Macau & Hengqin

Artyzen Hospitality Group

Antonio Lobo Vilela

Lawyer

Lobo Vilela Advogado • Lawyer

Hubert Wang

President and Chief Operating Officer

MGM China Holdings Limited

Kevin Willcocks

GM – Casino

Big Daddy Casinos

Samuel Wilson

CEO

TKHS Holdings

Ian Wood

Business Development and Senior Sales Manager

Dallmeier International (Macau) Ltd.

Betty Zhao

Senior Vice President of International Operations

Aruze Gaming Global

MEDIA

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