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eGaming Review (EGR), the world's leading publisher and membership networking group for the online gambling and gaming industry handed out their 2020 Awards last week for those that showed outstanding performance in the online gambling space in the past year.

Considered the gold standard within the industry, the EGR North America Awards recognized and celebrated excellence in the North American online gaming and sports betting industry, rewarding leading operators and service providers for their performance in the past year. On the list are some "old guard" providers and some new to the scene.

It has certainly been a tough year for the online gambling industry in the US. What started out looking like a banner year for providers turned south with the explosion of COVID-19 across the nation. Some came through it better than others and were handsomely rewarded for their ability to adapt and still provide top-notch services through it all.

Let's take a peek at a few of the big winners.

Operator of the Year: Golden Nugget

For the fourth year in a row, The Golden Nugget Online Gaming team was honored with the biggest prize of the night - "Operator of the Year". Buoyed by an incredible year-over-year 72% increase in its over year New Jersey gross gaming revenue, Golden Nugget reported over $2 billion in bets taken in with just one state contributing to those numbers. Golden Nugget is planning to expand its award-winning platform into more states in the next year with Michigan identified as the first.

The Golden Nugget Online Gaming team also took home "Mobile Operator of the Year" honors.

Casino Operator of the Year: Rush Street Interactive

Rush Street has had a great couple of weeks. Last week it was named Global Gaming Awards "Digital Operator of the Year". Based on the originality of their product, the strength of the brand and marketing, and innovations that set their offering apart from competitors, Rush Street was able to emerge as the judges' choice at the EGR Awards as well. Growth and commercial success; innovations and differentiation; quality of product; customer acquisition and retention strategies were also factors in Rush Street's win.

Rush Street also walked away with "Customer Service Operator of the Year" honors.

Best Sports Betting Operator, US Rising star: PointsBet

PointsBet had quite a year and was rewarded with one of the highest Awards in 2020 – “Best Sports Betting Operator”. Not only did PointsBet become the exclusive sports betting partner of NBC Sports in a landmark deal, but their recognition was also due to an ability to "include scale and positive influence on others in the industry over the past 12 months" as well as provide excellent player experience and nearly-unprecedented growth.

That growth also helped them win the "US Rising star" Award. Considered the fastest-growing sportsbook in the US. It has top-notch platforms in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and New Jersey, and has planned launches in Colorado and Michigan to go along with market agreements in Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, New York, Ohio, and West Virginia.

As a cherry on top, PointsBet added a third award – “Most Socially Responsible Operator” to their 2020 EGR haul.

Fantasy Sports Operator of the Year: Monkey Knife Fight

In what could be seen as a bit of an upset, the fastest-growing and third-largest daily fantasy sports (DFS) gaming platform in North America beat out the two DFS behemoths for the honor. Buoyed by their landmark deal with the NFL Players Association and because of their ability to distinguish themselves by offering straightforward games that are focused on a player's favorite athletes and teams, Monkey Knife Fight was bestowed “Fantasy Operator of the Year”.

Monkey Knife Fight had some stiff and established competition but was able to set itself apart from its competitors.

Lottery Operator of the Year: NeoPollard Interactive LLC

NeoPollard Interactive LLC gave a shout out to its biggest fish, the Michigan Lottery for their Big Win at the EGR Awards and for good reason. The Michigan Lottery emerged as an enormous entity in the space this past year. NeoPollard was recognized for success in the lottery sector, with particular regard for growth and commercial success, innovation and differentiation, quality of product, and branding and marketing.

Michigan helped NeoPollard eclipse $1.9 billion in topline sales and more than $228 million in net gaming revenue. The Company became North America's first $1 billion iLottery operator in 2020.