New Awards program
Celebrating creativity, effectiveness, and responsibility, the 2026 edition marks an exciting evolution of the program, bringing together for the first time two prestigious programs – The WLA Advertising Awards and the WLA Responsible Gaming Awards – under one Ceremony.
Ad Awards
The WLA Advertising Awards have been redesigned to reflect the rapidly evolving communications landscape.
The categories have been updated to better align with today's advertising realities and industry practices and recognize excellence in lottery and sports betting marketing and communications.
How it works
Submissions will be evaluated by a panel of independent experts recruited by WLS 2026 host lottery, The Lottery Corporation. Drawing on extensive experience in advertising and marketing, the jury brings a strong understanding of global trends while maintaining an international perspective throughout the judging process. Categories include:
- Best Product Advertising
- Best Campaign Effectiveness Advertising
- Best Corporate Advertising
- Best Social Impact Advertising
RG Awards
New for WLS 2026, the WLA Responsible Gaming Awards will recognize impactful, innovative, and scalable initiatives that advance responsible gaming and demonstrate the lottery industry's commitment to safer play and social responsibility.
These awards celebrate programs that create meaningful change across key stakeholder groups, encourage knowledge sharing among WLA members, and demonstrate measurable outcomes aligned with responsible gaming principles.
How it works
Submissions will be assessed by the WLA Independent Assessment Panel (IAP), an independent group of international corporate social responsibility experts with extensive experience in both CSR and the lottery and gaming sector. Categories include:
- Player Engagement: Youth & YoungAdults Awareness
- Employee Engagement
- Retailer Engagement
Jury Recognition Awards
A special highlight of this edition is the introduction of an exclusive Jury Recognition Award within each Awards program.
With the aim of celebrating excellence beyond the traditional competition framework, this distinction allows the jury to recognize one outstanding Advertising initiative and one exceptional Responsible Gaming initiative that leave a lasting impression through remarkable creativity, originality, relevance, or impact.
Showcasing excellence
Beyond the competition, the WLA Awards provide an opportunity to showcase excellence, inspire peers, and highlight the positive impact of our industry on communities worldwide.
Discover more about the WLA Awards and how to submit you content.
