Organisers of the Sports Betting East Africa+ Eventus Awards 2026 have revealed shortlisted nominees across 11 categories, spotlighting innovation and leadership in the region's gaming sector. The ceremony, set for 22 April 2026 at Nairobi's Argyle Grand Hotel, anchors the summit's welcoming evening and draws operators, regulators, and suppliers. These selections underscore a maturing industry focused on technology, responsibility, and diversity amid East Africa's expanding digital betting market.

Operators and Suppliers Lead Nominations

Betika, Pakakumi, Shabiki, SportyBet, SportPesa, and WezaBet compete for the Operator of the Year award, which honours market presence and customer engagement. Suppliers like BetConstruct, BETER, GR8 Tech, Kiron Interactive, and QTech Games appear repeatedly, including in Supplier of the Year and Innovation of the Year, reflecting their role in delivering platforms and tools that sustain operator growth. Such overlap highlights dependencies in an ecosystem where reliable technology underpins competitive edges, particularly as mobile penetration rises across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

Spotlight on Virtual Sports and Online Casino Progress

Virtual sports providers EURO VIRTUALS LIMITED, GoldenRace, Inspired Entertainment, Kiron Interactive, Skillrock Technologies, and QTech Games vie for leadership recognition, driven by demand for round-the-clock betting options that bypass traditional scheduling constraints. In online casino, Choice Gaming, DSTGAMING, Pascal Gaming, QTech Games, SA Gaming, and SmartSoft showcase enhancements in user interfaces and game variety. These categories signal a shift toward digital-native experiences, aligning with broader regional trends in smartphone adoption and data affordability that expand access beyond urban centres.

Responsible Practices and Industry Voices Elevated

The Leader in Responsible Gambling category features ComplyGuard, Global Lab, Gambling Regulatory Authority Kenya, National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board, SportPesa, and Betika, emphasising tools for player protection amid regulatory scrutiny. Influencers such as Agatha Wanjugu of QTech Games, Brian Ondiso of Shabiki, and Geoffrey Muindi of Gaming NewsByte compete for thought leadership honours. Regulators' nominations alongside operators indicate collaborative efforts to balance growth with safeguards, crucial as East African markets grapple with addiction risks and illicit operations.

Diversity Initiative Champions Women in Gaming

The “SPiCE” Up Diversity Initiative introduces three awards: The Spirit of East Africa recognises Agatha Wanjugu, Esther Argwings, Purity Wahiu, and Sabho Wambura for leadership and integrity; East Africa’s Rising Star features Aileen Yonah-Mima, Ekaterina Mayorova, Hydah Okinda, and Judith Macharia; Innovation Queen spotlights Cynthia Onyango, Emily Asava, Margherita Giudetti, and Zsuzsanna Zeibig. These nod to underrepresented talent, fostering inclusion in a male-dominated field. The Top Speaker Award, revealed post-summit, will further celebrate impactful contributions. As the 11th summit approaches, these nominees embody an industry's pivot toward sustainable, equitable expansion.