IBIA joins judging panel for Inaugural RTG Global Awards in 2026
The International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) has been officially announced as a judging panel member for the inaugural RTG Global Awards, taking place on March 10, 2026, during the Regulating the Game 2026 Gala Dinner in Sydney.
The awards are set to recognise excellence in leadership, innovation, integrity, and regulatory performance across the gambling sector. The program is part of the sixth edition of Regulating the Game, an international conference with a focus on sector integrity and regulatory capability.
IBIA, established in 2005, serves as the global standard-bearer for integrity in the licensed betting industry. Operating as a not-for-profit association, it represents many of the world’s leading regulated betting operators across six continents.
Through its monitoring and alert network, IBIA works closely with regulators, law enforcement agencies, and sports bodies to protect the integrity of sports and betting worldwide.
IBIA CEO Khalid Ali will serve as the organisation’s representative on the RTG Global Awards judging panel.
“At IBIA, we are dedicated to upholding integrity and transparency across the global betting landscape,” he said. “These Awards spotlight the organisations and individuals working to advance ethical conduct and effective regulation, and we are proud to support that mission.”
Paul Newson, Principal at Vanguard Overwatch and founder of Regulating the Game, also welcomed IBIA’s involvement, saying: “Khalid's appointment and IBIA's participation reflect the global calibre and integrity-driven focus of the RTG Global Awards.”
“Their leadership in protecting sports from betting-related corruption aligns perfectly with our vision to elevate standards and champion excellence across the sector,” he continued.
The Award Categories for 2026 include Leadership Voice, which recognizes principled, reform-driven leadership that contributes to sector uplift; Safer Gambling Champion, honoring organizations demonstrating measurable harm minimization outcomes; Compliance Excellence, celebrating advancements in AML, risk culture, or regulatory compliance; RegTech Solution of the Year, showcasing innovative technologies that enhance integrity and compliance; Community Impact Initiative, for projects delivering tangible benefits to communities; and Emerging Leader – Safer Gambling or Compliance, spotlighting rising stars under 40 making a meaningful impact.
Nominations for the 2026 RTG Global Awards will open on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, and close on Friday, December 12, 2025. Finalists will be announced on Monday, February 2, 2026, with winners to be revealed during the Gala Dinner on March 10.
Full nomination details and submission guidelines will be available at www.regulatingthegame.com/global-awards-2026.
The conference will also feature an expanded program featuring global regulatory leaders, expert-led masterclasses, and the dynamic Pitch! showcase at the iconic Sydney Opera House. An expanded exhibition space will also spotlight cutting-edge compliance solutions and thought leadership from around the world.
For more information on Regulating the Game 2026, including speaking, sponsorship, and exhibition opportunities, visit www.regulatingthegame.com or contact info@regulatingthegame.com
