You, the public have spoken. Over 480,000 votes cast across the main categories… and now it’s our turn.
While the player vote decides the 12 winners in the Main categories, like Best Bingo Site and Best Slot Game, plus the 5 Pre-Show categories like Best Bingo Caller, there are a handful of categories at the WhichBingo Awards 2026 that an expert judging panel decides.
These are the 4 Editors’ Choice awards. Winners are announced on the night (Wed 13th May) on the Sunborn yacht hotel in the gorgeous Gibraltar. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is Editors’ Choice?
Some categories need more than a vote to settle. The public decides which of the best bingo sites deserve recognition, but which brand has genuinely led the way on responsible gambling? Which ad campaign got us talking round the water cooler?
Editors’ Choice categories are decided by a panel with years of hands-on experience — testing sites, reading WhichScore data, tracking what’s actually happened across bingo and casino over the past year. The criteria are more complex. The judging panel brings all of that to the table.
The Editors’ Choice Categories
Hall of Fame
The Hall of Fame award is about legacy. It recognises the brand that has made a lasting contribution to the bingo and casino industry, and will go to the operator who has shaped how the industry looks and feels for players over the long term.
It’s one of the most meaningful awards in the room because maintaining quality, trust, and player loyalty across years and even decades of regulatory change and shifting player patterns is no easy feat.
Best Newcomer
The Hall of Fame’s younger sibling. This award will go to a brand that has arrived and immediately made a great impression with us and the community.
They’ll need to be more than just new, they’ll need to be new (launched within the last 2 years) and good. The judges are looking for brands that have turned players’ and our heads.
Responsible Gambling
One of the most important categories in the whole awards.
This award recognises the brand that puts player wellbeing at the front of mind, who doesn’t just followed what’s legally required but has shown clear commitment to and communicates well factors such as risk, wagering requirements, deposit amounts, accessible support tool, and more.
Best Advertising Campaign
For the Best Advertising Campaign award, the panel will consider ads that have grabbed attention, felt authentic, and ticked that creative box. The judges will take into consideration reach, quality, and how well the campaign reflects the brand.
Who Decides?
The judging panel is made up of the WhichBingo editorial and management team. These are people who know the bingo and casino world. Expertise lies in reviewing sites, testing products and features, tracking industry developments, and talking to players.
- Nic McBride – Managing Editor, WhichBingo
- Lynsey Sweeney – Senior Director, Product Delivery, GDC Group
- Rob Mabbett – Responsible Gambling Expert, Better Change
- Esther Rubin – Content Editor, WhichBingo
- Charles Shakespeare – Social Media Manager, WhichBingo
When Do We Find Out?
Wednesday 13th May (right in the middle of Eurovision 2026 week!), Sunborn yacht hotel, Gibraltar where WhichBingo royalty Cheryl Baker, Nicola McLean, and Lizzy Cundy will be joining us.
That’s when all 4 Editors’ Choice winners are announced alongside the 12 player-voted category winners across bingo, slots, casino, and more.
Make sure you’re following WhichBingo’s social channels as we’ll be revealing our Pre-Show winners from 10am on 8th of May.
There’s Still Time to Vote in the Pre-Show Awards
The Pre-Show voting is officially open (who do we think we are, the Golden Globes?!)
Categories include Best Party Bingo Event, Best Bingo Food, and more! Vote for a chance to win a share of £2,500.
Player voting for the main categories closes 30th April. Every vote counts and this year’s race is tight.
See the full WhichBingo Awards 2026 categories and nominees.
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