Peter Matú?ka, Casino Data Team Lead & Complaint Specialist at Casino Guru, discusses the third edition of the Casino Guru Awards, set for June 6, 2025. The event has grown significantly, featuring more participants and its first live ceremony. Matú?ka reflects on the evolution of the awards over the past three years, assessing whether its initial expectations have been met and sharing his insights into the growing prestige and competition."

Q: Peter, as Casino Guru Awards enters its third year of operations, what do you think the project’s key highlights have been so far? Do you feel that, as a judge, the project has increased its breadth, the interest it attracts, and also – its impact on the industry?

One of the key highlights is that now we noticed increased interest from the casino operators even before the official announcement. The operators consider it to be an honor to be shortlisted and it’s becoming a thing of prestige.

Q: Being a part of the Casino Guru’s Casino Data Team you have been in a unique position to approach topics from the point of view of both casinos and players. Does being a judge in the Casino Guru Awards require a similar mindset and approach?

I would say it is necessary to view the topics from both sides. Some things look nice "on paper", however the actual application can be miles away from the original thought.

Q: What has been the greatest advantage of the Casino Guru Awards platform, do you think, having served on the panel of judges for several editions now?

It’s gradually becoming a prestigious platform with the potential to grow even bigger.

Q: Have you seen a change in attitude towards the awards from applicants over the years – and what change has that been?

The biggest change is the interest itself. At the beginning not many people new and/or cared about the awards. As the awareness and the quality of the event grew, so did the interest.

Q: What remains the core challenge to being a part of the panel of judges in the new edition?

As there are usually many good nominees, it is often very hard to pick a winner. Sometimes we wish we could give the first place to more than one casino.

Q: Participating as a judge must surely be difficult when it involves dozens of people weighing in and trying to reach the same decision. How does Casino Guru Awards arrive at fair decisions?

We always try to make a fair decision even though it can be pretty difficult sometimes. Like in most aspects of life you have to find a consensus that will be acceptable for all parties.

Q: What are your biggest expectations for the upcoming edition?

I expect an even higher level of competition and many more quality casinos nominated for each category.

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