Latest news with #LeeGwilliam
Business Wire
09-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Casinos.com Announces Results From Tribal Gaming Community Impact Voting
CHARLOTTE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- has revealed the voting results for the tribal and First Nation casinos across the U.S. and Canada that have had the greatest impact on their local communities. Voted entirely by locals, the results recognize standout casino venues across four U.S. states and three Canadian provinces where tribal and First Nations gaming venues have a heavy presence. Locals were asked to vote for the casino in their area that has had the most significant community impact, whether that be through funding and donations or excellent entertainment services. Voting Recognizes Seven Standout Casinos for Cultural Impact The public voting campaign was conducted as part of Tribal Casinos Month initiative, dedicated to honoring the achievements, cultural contributions, and economic impact of Indigenous-owned and operated casinos across Canada and the United States. This month-long spotlight aligned with National Indigenous History Month in Canada and complemented broader efforts to recognize the sovereignty of First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and Native American communities. 'We're proud to help shine a spotlight on these tribal and First Nation casinos,' said Lee Gwilliam, SVP at 'These are organizations that go above and beyond to deliver meaningful change to their communities. The results reflect the thoughts of the community in terms of not only entertainment excellence, but dedication to cultural preservation, economic resilience, and community uplift.' United States Winners (percentage of votes in each area): Michigan – Soaring Eagle Casino (53%) Operated by the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, Soaring Eagle Casino was recognized for its commitment to education, health initiatives, and economic development in the central Michigan region. From scholarships to infrastructure investment, voters praised the casino's broad and lasting contributions. The Nimkee Memorial Wellness Center is directly funded and supported by casino-generated revenue. The Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort routinely awards the Au Gres–Sims School District and Isabella County educational entities with grants that go beyond the 2% revenue-sharing program and fund initiatives such as Chromebook access, STEM curriculum and digital learning. Florida – Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa (54%) With deep roots in community outreach and cultural celebration, the Seminole Hard Rock Tampa was honored for its high-profile support of local nonprofit organizations, disaster relief funding, and job creation across the Tampa Bay area. Recently, the Seminole Hard Rock made a hefty donation to disaster relief efforts targeting communities affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. It supports World Central Kitchen and the American Red Cross. Casino's COVID-19 efforts included donating food to Metropolitan Ministries. California – Yaamava' Resort & Casino (44%) The Yaamava' Resort & Casino, owned by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, was commended for its philanthropic leadership and expansive health, housing, and education programs that benefit the Inland Empire and beyond. Casino famously supported wildfire relief with a $100,000 donation to the American Red Cross. Its $200,000 grant to the Inland Empire Ronald McDonald House provided housing for families of critically ill children being treated at Loma Linda University Medical Center. Oklahoma – WinStar World Casino and Resort (49%) A beacon of economic empowerment in southern Oklahoma, WinStar, operated by the Chickasaw Nation, earned distinction for driving regional growth, supporting healthcare access, and preserving Indigenous heritage. The Chickasaw Nation has prioritized healthcare by establishing the Chickasaw Nation Medical Center and is invested in renewable energy projects. Canadian Winners: Ontario – Casino Rama Resort (55%) Owned by the Chippewas of Rama First Nation, Casino Rama stood out for its long-standing support of local arts, youth services, and Indigenous language revitalization efforts. Casino Rama is big on local arts initiatives, so they enjoy supporting language revitalization projects like Ojibwe classes overseen by the Culture and Research Department and local Indigenous education charities such as Inspire. Alberta – River Cree Resort and Casino (51%) This Enoch Cree Nation enterprise was recognized for its focus on employment opportunities, cultural awareness initiatives, and sustained investment in wellness and community development across Alberta. Through partnerships like the Enoch-Aecon Joint Venture, the Nation works on expanding trades training for Indigenous workers. The Nation also collaborates with educational advocates like Ever Active Schools, which described their work together as 'a partnership, a friendship, and a commitment to the wellbeing of the community.' Saskatchewan – Dakota Dunes Casino (56%) Operated by the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA), Dakota Dunes Casino led voter sentiment for its impactful community programs, including education funding and mental health services in partnership with First Nations organizations. Dakota Dunes opened a new mental health clinic with on-site access to counseling and wellness support. Major grants were awarded, such as $100,000 for Team Saskatchewan at the North American Indigenous Games, $100,000 to FSIN for a powwow, and $50,000 to Wanuskewin Heritage Park, each supporting Indigenous cultural development. In 2023, SIGA committed $1.89 million across its casino markets to support food security, mental health services, and Indigenous youth programs, as detailed in the SIGA Annual Report 2023. About and Group is a leading source for casino news, reviews, and rankings, serving players around the world. It is part of Group Limited (Nasdaq: GAMB), a publicly traded company that operates more than 50 websites dedicated to helping consumers navigate regulated gambling markets. Group provides trusted resources for bettors and players through editorial content, rankings, product comparisons, and expert insights, with a mission to support safe and informed entertainment. This press release may contain forward-looking statements, including projections or expectations related to Actual results may differ materially due to various risks and uncertainties. For more information, visit
Business Wire
27-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Casinos.com Announces International Casino Awards Winners
LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- has revealed the first-ever International Casino Awards winners, a landmark event honoring the best in global casino entertainment. As part of the newly established International Casinos Day™, the consumer-led awards highlight excellence across more than 100 categories, reflecting local and national player preferences. Voted entirely by players, the awards recognized standout casino venues worldwide and other areas of resorts, including the Best Casino Restaurant (Le Tren Bleu, Monte Carlo Casino), Best Casino Entertainer (Jamie Foxx), and even the industry's most luxurious restrooms in the form of the Royal Flush Awards (The Cosmopolitan, Las Vegas). Results can be found here: Bellagio Dominates the 2025 International Casino Awards The Hippodrome Casino has been awarded the prestigious title of Best Casino in London. Meanwhile, the Grosvenor franchise demonstrated its nationwide appeal, with several of its venues earning top honours, including in Blackpool, Southend, Birmingham Hill Street, Swansea, Newcastle, Liverpool, and Brighton. Taking center stage, Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas swept multiple top honors, including the coveted Best Casino in the World title. 'The Bellagio is iconic for a reason, and its recognition in four categories speaks volumes,' said Lee Gwilliam, SVP at 'These awards were decided by players, people who have actually been inside these places, so every win is a true mark of excellence.' In addition to being named the Best Casino in the World, the Bellagio also won awards for Best Casino in Las Vegas, Casino with the Best Staff, and Best Poker Room. The awards coincided with the inaugural International Casinos Day, officially proclaimed by Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley. Celebrated each year on May 15, this special date marks Las Vegas's 120th anniversary and serves as a global tribute to casino culture. It honors the vibrant entertainment experiences delivered by both land-based and online casinos, acknowledging their role in entertaining millions of people around the world. 'International Casinos Day gave the world a chance to recognize that casinos are about more than just gaming, they're entertainment hubs, cultural icons, and community landmarks,' Gwilliam added. 'It was refreshing to see casinos getting the credit they deserve. This celebration is just the beginning.' Notable Award Winners in the UK Best Casino In London - Hippodrome Casino Best Casino In Blackpool - Grosvenor Casino Blackpool Best Casino In Southend-on-Sea - Grosvenor Southend Best Casino In Nottingham - Alea Casino Best Casino In Birmingham - Grosvenor Casino Hill Street Best Casino In Swansea - Grosvenor Casino Swansea Best Casino In Cardiff - Les Croupiers Casino Best Casino In Edinburgh - Genting Casino Edinburgh Best Casino In Newcastle - Grosvenor Casino Newcastle Best Casino In Glasgow - Genting Casino Glasgow Best Casino In Liverpool - Grosvenor Casino Liverpool Leo Best Casino In Brighton - Grosvenor Casino Brighton Notable Winners in Europe Best Casino In Ireland - Sporting Emporium Best Casino In New Zealand - Christchurch Casino Best Casino In Macau - Galaxy Macau Best Casino In Italy - Casinò di Campione Best Casino In Monaco - Casino de Monte-Carlo Other Notable Award Winners Best Riverboat Casino – Mississippi Belle II Best Casino Cruise – Carnival Mardi Gras Best Casino Restaurant – Le Tren Bleu Best Family-Friendly Casino Resort – Circus Circus Best Casino Rewards Program – MGM Rewards Best Casino Staff – Bellagio Resort & Casino Best New Casino Slot – Electric Joker Best Poker Room – Bellagio Resort & Casino Best Casino Influencer – Travel Ruby Best Casino Entertainer – Jamie Foxx Best Casino Show – The Mentalist Casino With The Best Food Options – The Venetian Best Smoke-Free Casino – Hard Rock Hotel Ottawa Best Celebrity-Spotting Casino – Hard Rock Casino Tampa The Most Luxurious Casino – MGM Grand Best Casino Carpet – Caesars Palace Best Land-Based Casino Slot – Wheel Of Fortune The Most Romantic Casino – Casino Niagara Best Casino For Hitting Jackpots – Hard Rock Casino Tampa The Royal Flush Awards, Best Casino Toilets – The Cosmopolitan About and Group is a leading source for casino news, reviews, and rankings, serving players around the world. It is part of Group Limited (Nasdaq: GAMB), a publicly traded company that operates more than 50 websites dedicated to helping consumers navigate regulated gambling markets. Group provides trusted resources for bettors and players through editorial content, rankings, product comparisons, and expert insights, with a mission to support safe and informed entertainment. This press release may contain forward-looking statements, including projections or expectations related to the International Casino Awards and Actual results may differ materially due to various risks and uncertainties. For more information, visit
Business Wire
05-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Casinos.com Launches Voting for First-Ever International Casinos Awards
LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- today announced the opening of public voting for the inaugural International Casinos Awards, a celebration of excellence in global casino entertainment. The awards are the centerpiece of the newly launched International Casinos Day, a day dedicated to recognising the casinos that bring excitement, employment, and unforgettable experiences to millions of people around the world. The awards span more than 100 categories, from the Best Casinos in different areas around the globe to the Best Casino for Slots, Best Casino Restaurant, and Best Casino Entertainer. Casino visitors and users will also determine the winner of the Royal Flush Award, honoring the best remarkable casino lavatory, and the ultimate title: Best Casino in the World. Voting is now open at Casino Awards Voting Now Underway Nominations have been collected, and voting is officially open. Readers can cast their vote for the best in the business and weigh in on their favorite casino properties in dozens of categories. Winners will be announced this summer. 'The International Casino Awards is for casino patrons, not industry insiders,' said Lee Gwilliam, SVP of 'We wanted players to have their say in what really matters to them.' A Global Celebration of Joy and Jobs The first-ever International Casinos Day also launched this year by will be on May 15 – in honor of Las Vegas's 120th birthday. Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley will make it official, issuing a proclamation on May 15 confirming the date while calling on everyone in Las Vegas to join the city in celebrating International Casinos Day. This new annual observance recognises the unique role casinos play in local economies and global culture, and highlights how they make a difference to their communities. From the blackjack tables of Las Vegas to waterfront properties in Singapore and Brighton and tribal casinos across North America, casinos entertain millions, employ hundreds of thousands, and support vibrant entertainment and hospitality scenes. 'It's good to see casinos finally getting their own holiday,' Gwilliam said. 'Casinos are about so much more than sitting at a blackjack table late at night. They're well-rounded resorts with world-class restaurants, top-tier spas, and top entertainment. Online, you can access many of the same games. They create jobs, fund public services, and have become a vital part of our culture, economy, and local communities.' Vote Now and Join the Celebration Voting is now open for casino patrons in London, Birmingham, Liverpool, Ireland and in over 70 other locations in the U.S. and globally. About and Group is a leading source for casino news, reviews, and rankings, serving players around the world. It is part of Group Limited (Nasdaq: GAMB), a publicly traded company that operates more than 50 websites dedicated to helping consumers navigate regulated gambling markets. Group provides trusted resources for bettors and players through editorial content, rankings, product comparisons, and expert insights, with a mission to support safe and informed entertainment. This press release may contain forward-looking statements, including projections or expectations related to the International Casino Awards and Actual results may differ materially due to various risks and uncertainties. For more information, visit
