Casino Plus Earns 5 Nominations at 2026 IAG Academy IR Awards, Including Best iGaming Operator

IAG announced 162 nominees on August 17, 2026, drawn from a pool of 507 submissions across the Asia-Pacific region. Casino Plus earned nods in the following categories:

• Best Live Dealer Offering - Casino Plus Live Dealer

• Best iGaming Innovation - Casino Plus for Bathala

• Best iGaming Operator - Casino Plus

• Best Individual CSR Initiative - Casino Plus for Project Bigkis

• Best Industry Supplier  ⁃ Casino Plus

The innovation nod recognizes Bathala, a short drama series launched in July and named after the supreme deity of Filipino mythology featured in one of the platform's most popular games. Riding the surge of trending digital short films, Casino Plus put a fresh spin on the format by bringing beloved characters from its game roster to life on screen — considered a first for the local iGaming industry.

The CSR nomination also honors Project Bigkis, the flagship disaster resilience pillar of Color Your World Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of Casino Plus. Following the magnitude-7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao in June, the foundation mounted a large-scale relief operation across General Santos City and Sarangani Province from June 13 to 16. 

Rolled out in three waves as community needs shifted from immediate survival to health, safety, and household stability, the operation delivered temporary shelter, safe drinking water, hygiene and medical kits, and solar-powered lamps to thousands of displaced residents.

"These five nominations belong to every member of the Casino Plus family and to the players who trust us every day," said Casino Plus CEO Evan Spytma. 

"Whether we're pushing creative boundaries with Bathala, raising the bar for live dealer entertainment, or standing shoulder to shoulder with earthquake survivors in Mindanao through Project Bigkis, our mission is the same: to prove that world-class gaming and genuine care for the Filipino community go hand in hand. To be recognized alongside the region's best — in the very first year IAG opened an online gaming division — tells us we're on the right path,” Spytma added. 

Beyond the category awards, IAG will also name three Rising Stars, honoring individuals whose talent, leadership, and achievements drive the gaming industry forward; three Industry Icons, recognizing senior executives whose consistent contributions have produced lasting results for the industry; and one Industry Legend, celebrating a senior executive whose exceptional leadership, vision, and impact have left an indelible mark over the decades.

Nominees have until September 1 to submit supporting documentation for their campaigns, with judging to take place from September 4 to 11. Winners will be announced on September 15, 2026, at a gala dinner at Newport World Resorts.

RESPONSIBLE GAMING ADVISORY

In accordance with PAGCOR’s Responsible Gaming Code of Practice, Casino Plus wishes to remind all players of the following:

Gaming is for entertainment purposes only. It should not be considered a source of income or a means of financial relief. Players are encouraged to play responsibly and within their means.

Winning is never guaranteed. All gaming outcomes are determined by chance. Past results, including jackpot wins, do not influence or predict future outcomes.