Casino Guru Welcomes New Judges for the Casino Guru Awards 2025
In an exciting announcement, Casino Guru has unveiled the addition of two distinguished industry professionals, Duncan Garvie and Monica Shafaq, to the judging panel for the upcoming Casino Guru Awards 2025. This marks a significant enhancement to the awards, which celebrate excellence, transparency, and social responsibility within the iGaming industry. With their extensive backgrounds, Garvie and Shafaq promise to uphold the awards’ commitments to fairness and integrity.
The Significance of the Casino Guru Awards 2025
Now in their third edition, the Casino Guru Awards stand as a beacon of recognition for organizations and individuals who have demonstrated commendable practices in the online gambling space. The awards focus on various categories, including fairness, responsible gambling, and social responsibility. They aim to not only reward excellence but also encourage ongoing improvement in the industry. As stated in a recent press release, the addition of Garvie and Shafaq to the judging panel reinforces the commitment to ensuring that the awards are reflective of industry standards and ethics.
Who is Duncan Garvie?
Duncan Garvie is a respected leader in the realm of consumer protection within the gambling industry, with over a decade of dedicated advocacy. As the founder of ThePOGG, the first affiliate-based complaint service recognized as an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) provider, Garvie has been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at enhancing player safety and facilitating fair dispute resolution.
In 2017, he established BetBlocker, a registered charity that provides free tools designed to help individuals manage their gambling habits responsibly. Currently, he serves as the Chair of the Board of Trustees for this organization, where he continues to champion safer gambling practices. Garvie expressed his excitement about joining the Tribunal, stating, "I’m thrilled to participate as a judge for the Casino Guru Awards 2025. Casino Guru has been setting the bar for the affiliate sector with their player protection initiatives for years now, significantly improving the dialogue around critical areas in the safer gambling space. Being invited to take part in the judging process is an honor in itself."
Introducing Monica Shafaq
Monica Shafaq brings a wealth of experience to the table, particularly from the charity sector, focusing on mental health and gambling addiction. As the CEO of Gordon Moody, an international charity that addresses gambling addiction and raises awareness on the issue, she has led the organization to numerous accolades. Her previous role as CEO of the Kaleidoscope Plus Group witnessed her leadership result in the organization being included in The Sunday Times ‘Top 100 Companies to Work For’.
Shafaq is also a recognized advocate for equality, diversity, and social justice, having held various non-executive roles in football and public health. Her dedication to social issues has earned her recognition as one of Europe’s Top 50 most influential Muslims. Reflecting on her new role, Shafaq stated, "I’m thrilled to join the panel of judges for the Casino Guru Awards 2025, an initiative that celebrates excellence and innovation in the gambling industry. This is a fantastic opportunity to recognize the individuals and organizations driving positive change and promoting responsible practices."
Enhancements for the 2025 Awards
The Casino Guru Awards 2025 aims to expand its scope, introducing two new categories: Players’ Choice, which allows players to vote for their favorite game providers, and iGaming Changemaker of the Year, designed to honor individuals whose leadership and projects have significantly influenced the online gambling sector. This inclusion illustrates Casino Guru’s commitment to engaging audiences and allowing players to participate in the recognition process.
The awards ceremony is set to culminate in a live gala event on June 6, 2025, at the Hilton Hotel in St. Julian’s, Malta. This invite-only ceremony promises to be an exceptional evening of recognition, networking, and celebration, providing a platform for industry leaders to connect and share innovations and insights.
Nomination and Voting Process
The awards are currently open for nominations until February 28, 2025. Shortlisted nominees will be announced in March, and public voting for specific categories will soon open. This process is designed to involve the broader community, ensuring that those who contribute to responsible gambling and positive change in the iGaming sector are recognized.
Conclusion
With the addition of esteemed professionals Duncan Garvie and Monica Shafaq to the judging panel, the Casino Guru Awards 2025 promises to continue its tradition of excellence in fostering recognition and innovation within the gaming industry. As they embark on this journey, both judges, alongside Casino Guru, aim to highlight and celebrate achievements that promote fairness and responsible gambling, setting a new standard for industry success. For more information on the awards and the judging panel, interested parties can visit the Casino Guru Awards website.
