Jozef Krucay, an internal judge for the Casino Guru Awards 2025, and Casino Guru’s Data and Complaints Deputy Head, brings a deep understanding of industry challenges to the Awards process.

His experience analyzing player complaints has reinforced the importance of fairness and transparency, while his work with big data allows him to quickly spot meaningful trends.

In this interview, Jozef discusses the complexities of judging, the growing impact of the Awards, and the value they bring to the industry. He also shares insights on maintaining ethical standards and why the journey toward excellence is more important than winning itself.

Q: Jozef, as an internal judge for the Casino Guru Awards and a key member of the data and complaint departments, how has your experience with player complaints and big data influenced your approach to the awards project?

Of course, there is a huge impact on my job experiences as they have provided me with deep insights into the challenges players face and the broader trends within the industry.

Working closely with player complaints has taught me the importance of fairness, transparency, and the human aspect of interactions between players and casinos. Each complaint carries a story, and analyzing these has helped me develop a keen eye for what separates exceptional practices from merely adequate ones.

My work with big data has sharpened my ability to approach information systematically, assess it critically, and make logical, evidence-based decisions. Analyzing large datasets has taught me to distinguish meaningful trends from noise and to rely on objective facts while ensuring that the context behind the data is not overlooked.

Thanks to these experiences, I approach the awards with an optimistic mindset and a well-rounded view, concentrating on the most important aspects

Q: What challenges arise from being part of a large panel of judges? Does this lead to friction between individual opinions on applicants, or is there usually a consensus?

Being part of a large panel of judges is a great responsibility. One of the biggest challenges is selecting candidates who not only meet the current and past criteria for being awarded but also inspire confidence that they will continue to uphold those standards in the future. It's crucial that we trust these brands to represent us well after they’ve been recognized.

As for differing opinions among judges, I wouldn’t describe it as friction. Rather, it’s a constructive discussion. While we don’t always reach a consensus right away, we engage in open dialogue, allowing us to cool down and reflect before making a decision. There is always a vote, and with so many perspectives involved, the decision is guided by the majority opinion.

Q: How do you expect Casino Guru Awards 2025 to be different than previous editions? How do you feel about the upcoming live ceremony where the winners will be announced?

I’ve been involved in every edition of the awards, and I can confidently say that each year has seen significant improvement. This year, with more categories and an even greater wealth of experience behind us, I expect it to be the best edition yet. The live ceremony in Malta is a clear testament to the growing size and popularity of the event, and I’m absolutely looking forward to it!

Q: What do you believe sets the Casino Guru Awards apart from other awards? How do you think this project has impacted the gaming sector’s approach to ethics and responsibility?
What sets the Casino Guru Awards apart is our independent vision, which is deeply rooted in the unique values of our company. We maintain full transparency throughout the entire award process, and many of our categories are distinctively aligned with our brand identity.

I believe the categories themselves speak volumes. Categories about fair conditions and bonus policies (ensuring player safety), handling complaints, social responsibility, responsible gambling tools and ethical marketing approach all clearly reflect the values we prioritize. These categories influence the brands that choose to participate and aim for recognition, but it’s not just about the awards themselves—it’s a direct reflection of the overall vision behind the Casino Guru project.

Q: As the Casino Guru Awards have gained popularity, do you feel increased pressure to make fair decisions that accurately reflect the best applicants? How do you manage this pressure?

The responsibility to make fair and accurate decisions has certainly grown, but I believe this is a natural part of the process. It’s important to me and the team that we remain true to our core values. With such a significant number of applicants and categories, there’s a lot at stake, and we take that seriously.

The pressure to make fair decisions is certainly there, but I manage it by relying on our thorough and consistent evaluation process, which is grounded in the values that define our company. We have clear and objective criteria in place for each category, and the varied perspectives of our diverse panel help maintain fairness. By working together and keeping the process transparent, we ensure that our decisions reflect the best applicants accurately.

Q: What word of advice do you have for future and present applicants?

My advice to future and present applicants is to view the Casino Guru Awards as an exciting journey, not just a goal to win, but an opportunity to grow and showcase your dedication. It’s a chance to prove that your brand goes above and beyond in creating a safe and enjoyable experience for your customers.

The process itself offers a valuable opportunity to reflect on your practices, learn from others, and elevate your business to new heights. Winning an award is a proud moment, but the true value lies in the journey—building trust with your customers, improving your operations, and making a positive impact on the industry. I strongly encourage casinos to embrace this journey and participate, not only to gain recognition but to reinforce your brand’s commitment to raising the standards of the gambling world.

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