Kaizen Gaming wins top operator award for third straight year at SBC Awards
The company's Betano brand also repeated as Sportsbook Operator of the Year at the Lisbon ceremony.
LISBON · Kaizen Gaming has secured the Operator of the Year title for a third consecutive year at the SBC Awards. The company, which operates the Betano brand, also captured the Sportsbook Operator of the Year award for a second straight year. The ceremony was held on October 1 at the MEO Arena in Lisbon. The Operator of the Year award is considered the event's highest honour.
Julio Iglesias Hernando, chief commercial officer at Kaizen Gaming, said the company remains proud of the recognition. "Being named Operator of the Year for a third consecutive year might start feeling like a habit, but I can guarantee that we don't take things for granted and we are as proud and honoured as the first time we received this distinction," he said. Iglesias Hernando added that the company is committed to continuous improvement. He also credited the firm's employees, customers and partners for their support.
The awards highlight Kaizen Gaming's growth across multiple continents, including Europe, the Americas and Africa. The company has a workforce of about 3,000 people. Its Betano brand was recognised for its sportsbook platform and extensive sponsorship portfolio. In 2026, Betano served as an Official Supporter of the FIFA World Cup and signed deals with Tottenham Hotspur F.C. and the Argentine national football team. These new partnerships complement existing sponsorships with entities like the UEFA Europa League, FC Bayern München and Aston Villa F.C. The company also partners with Portuguese football's "Big Three" clubs and Club Atlético River Plate. Kaizen Gaming uses its relationships with sports clubs, federations and NGOs to promote social inclusion initiatives. The firm previously won the Operator of the Year award at the 2025 EGR Operator Awards.
The SBC Awards, now in their thirteenth year, honour achievements across the betting and gaming industry. The 2026 event was part of the SBC Summit, which attracted more than 40,000 attendees and 800 exhibitors. Former footballer Edgar Davids and broadcaster Kirsty Gallacher hosted the awards ceremony. The awards cover categories for operators, affiliates and suppliers in areas such as payments, marketing and data.