Nominations open for 17th BEGE Awards in Sofia

• BEGE opens nominations for the BEGE Awards 2026, marking 17 years of the programme.
• Categories span online B2B and B2C, land-based B2C and industry leadership.
• The ceremony takes place on 26 November at Inter Expo Center in Sofia.

The Balkan Entertainment and Gaming Exhibition (BEGE) has opened nominations for the BEGE Awards 2026, the organiser announced on 7 October. The 17th edition of the awards will be presented on 26 November at Inter Expo Center in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Seventeen years in

The BEGE Awards have run for nearly two decades, recognising individuals and companies across the gaming and entertainment sectors. The organiser describes the programme as a benchmark for excellence in technology, innovation and service.

Eligible entrants cover much of the industry value chain. Software developers, equipment manufacturers, operators, affiliates, payment providers and associations can all be recognised.

The 2026 edition marks 17 years of the awards. BEGE calls it a milestone for the organisation.

The awards ceremony will take place in Hall 2 of Inter Expo Center on 26 November 2026. That is the second day of the wider BEGE expo, which runs on 25 and 26 November at the same venue.

The evening is aimed at C-level executives and senior industry figures, combining the awards with networking.

Three core groups

BEGE has structured this year’s categories around three core groups. These are online B2B and B2C, land-based B2C, and industry leadership.

The organiser says the structure is designed to cover all parts of the modern gaming landscape. The category list on the BEGE website breaks these groups down into 23 individual awards.

On the online side, the awards cover areas such as gaming platforms, sportsbook providers, payment solutions and online casino operators. Land-based categories include casino operators, slot machines and jackpot systems. The leadership group recognises people, with awards including Innovator, Rising Star and Employer of the Year.

The BEGE organisational committee said:

“This year’s 17th anniversary is not just a celebration of the winners, but a testament to the resilience and rapid evolution of our industry. We invite all eligible companies, innovators, and professionals to submit their entries and take their rightful place among the global elite. Together, we shape the future of gaming.”

Entries now open

The submission window is now live. BEGE is encouraging companies and industry professionals to submit early to secure their chance of recognition.

Full details on judging criteria, category breakdowns and application forms are available on the official BEGE website.

The awards fall in a busy period for Bulgaria’s gambling sector. Lawmakers filed a bill in September seeking a near-total advertising ban, and a wider review of the Gambling Act remains under way.

With the categories split between online, land-based and leadership awards, the shortlists will show which parts of the business are drawing the most entries this year. They will also highlight the companies ready to put their names forward in a market facing tighter scrutiny.