Galaxy Macau Retains Top Asia IR Honour at 2026 IAG Awards
Galaxy Macau Extends Its Lead
Galaxy Macau retained the Best Integrated Resort title at the 2026 IAG Academy IR Awards in Manila. The result marks a fourth consecutive win, reinforcing the property’s standing in Asia’s premium resort market. The venue also collected four awards across the night, showing strength in both gaming and non-gaming operations.
For operators, that mix matters. Integrated resorts are judged on far more than casino floor performance. Hotel quality, retail, food and beverage, and customer experience now shape brand value just as strongly as gaming revenue. Galaxy Macau’s latest result reflects that broader operating model.
Ken Jolly Joins the Hall of Fame
The evening’s standout individual honour went to Ken Jolly, Vice President for Strategic Development, Asia at Light & Wonder, who was named Industry Legend. Jolly has spent 40 years in the Asia-Pacific slot supply business, making him one of the region’s most established commercial figures in gaming technology.
The award carries weight beyond personal recognition. Supplier relationships often define how quickly operators can refresh slot floors, improve game performance and adapt to local player preferences. Jolly’s recognition highlights the long-term importance of product expertise and regional market knowledge in land-based gaming.
Aristocrat and Suppliers Gain Momentum
Aristocrat had a strong night, with Dragon Link winning Best Slot Solution and HRG Studios taking Best Slot Game Design Studio. The company also secured Best Industry Supplier, while Baron Upright won Best IR or Supplier Innovation. Those wins point to sustained demand for proven game brands and cabinet formats that deliver clear floor results.
Other supplier winners also showed where operator demand is moving. Walker Digital Table Systems won for Perfect Pay in two categories, signalling continued interest in table game technologies that improve speed and reduce friction. IGT Advantage won Best System Solution, underlining the value of back-end platforms that support player tracking, reporting and floor management.
Online Gaming Winners Reflect Regional Change
The awards also recognised online gaming, a notable sign of how Asia-Pacific gambling is evolving. Casino Plus won Best Live Dealer Offering, while DigiPlus secured both Best iGaming Innovation and Best iGaming Operator. EGT Digital took Best iGaming Supplier, and Light & Wonder won Best Electronic Slot Offering for OpenGaming System.
That spread of winners shows a market where digital channels are no longer peripheral. For suppliers, the message is direct: localised content, reliable platform delivery and flexible distribution are becoming essential. For operators, online products now play a larger role in customer retention and cross-channel brand reach.
Broader Awards Show Industry Priorities
Several results revealed what leading resorts now prioritise. Marina Bay Sands won Best Overall Food and Beverage Offering, Best Facilities Management in an IR and Best Marketing Program. Sands China took Best Overall Retail Offering, while Solaire Resort Entertainment City retained Best Regional Asia-Pacific IR.
These categories matter because they track operational depth rather than headline revenue. Facilities management affects uptime and guest experience. Marketing influences acquisition efficiency. Retail and hospitality shape dwell time and spending across the wider property. In integrated resorts, these areas work together to lift the value of the full estate.
Hall of Fame Recognition Adds Industry Context
The Hall of Fame programme also recognised rising and established talent across the sector. Industry Icons included Keijiro Kan of Angel, Chen Si of Resorts World Sentosa and Harold Tsakmaklis of Crown Resorts. Rising Stars were named from Tangam, LT Game and EGT.
That balance of honours matters for the sector’s future. Asia-Pacific gaming continues to rely on experienced leadership, but it also needs new technical and commercial talent. Awards that recognise both ends of the pipeline help define which skills and ideas the market values most.
Source: Inside Asian Gaming
🌐 Source: Inside Asian Gaming
