International Gaming Awards 2009

Now in it’s second year, the International Gaming Awards 2009 looks set to attract even more industry heavy-hitters and raise more money for worthy causes.

On 26th January 2009, the most influential figures in Gaming will gather at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel in Kensington, London for this year’s awards. The Awards seeks to reward excellence in all areas of gaming, not limited to commercial success alone – awards this year include accolades for Eco-Friendly companies as well as those operators who take social responsibility seriously.

From the most aesthetically-pleasing designs to the highest innovations in technology, the IGA looks at the best the industry has to offer; companies gain by highlighting their ground-breaking products or premises… and their staff gain by having their hard work recognised and applauded.

The International Gaming Awards has the direct support of internationally influential groups such as The Australasian Casino Association, ADIB (The Russian Gaming Operators Association), The Canadian Gaming Association and the National Indian Gaming Association. In the UK, the Casino Operator’s Association supports the awards. To quote the European Casino Association (ECA) – „…the ECA has high esteem for the International Gaming Awards as we believe that it is a great event for our industry that truly deserves to be supported.“

The awards will be presented by Geoff Cotton, a professional multi-lingual speaker who has worked extensively on events such as this worldwide.

Keynote speaker in January will be UK Conservative M.P. and Shadow Minister for Culture, Media and Sport, Tobias Ellwood. He will be speaking to an audience keen to learn what a future Conservative government would have in store for the UK gaming market.

At last year’s ceremony, Mr. Michael Boettcher – President of Storm International BV and founder of the Russian Responsible Gaming Fund – was awarded the much-coveted Outstanding Achievement Award. Recognising and rewarding those who have contributed so much to our industry is one of the primary aims of the International Gaming Awards.

Another is charitable contribution; this year’s selected charities are CARE International and hildren with Leukaemia.

CARE International provide disaster relief worldwide, as well as allowing millions the chance of shelter, clean water and education.

hildren with Leukaemia is a UK based charity who support those affected by leukaemia the most common form of cancer amongst children in the UK.

These charities rely on donations from individuals and business to do their work, and the Gaming Awards are proud to support them.

As well as direct donations from sponsors, nominees and attendees, a charity auction will be held at the ceremony. One of the more unique items going under the hammer in support of hildren with Leukaemia is a bespoke Cammegh Crystal roulette wheel. Cammegh have commissioned a custom-engraving on the wheel to ensure that it’s charitable origins remain unforgotten. Other items include memorabilia from the latest James Bond movie, Quantum of Solace.

With a champagne reception, book presentation, a gala dinner, keynote speeches, a charity auction and an awards ceremony, you would think that the night would be complete… but there will be a surprise during the evening, although no more information can be given about that now (well – it would spoil the surprise!).