SBC Awards 2026: ReferOn Shortlisted as Acquisition & Retention Partner

The online gaming industry is increasingly reliant on backend technology to manage complex marketing relationships. ReferOn, a prominent affiliate management platform, has secured a significant industry milestone by being shortlisted for the SBC Awards 2026. Nominated in the Acquisition & Retention Partner of the Year category, the company is being recognized for its efforts over the past three years to streamline how operators handle their partner networks. The focus lies on reducing manual administration through advanced reporting and workflow tools.

Managing affiliate programs can be an administrative burden for many iGaming operators. ReferOn was built to address this by bringing partner performance and daily tasks into one centralized location. As networks grow, the volume of data can become overwhelming, but ReferOn’s architecture is specifically designed to handle millions of data points, ensuring that teams can scale their operations with confidence and transparency.

Numbers and facts

For three years, ReferOn has focused on making affiliate management easier for global operators. The platform replaces fragmented tasks with automated workflows to increase operational efficiency. A key date for the industry is Thursday, October 1, 2026. The winners of the SBC Awards will be revealed at the MEO Arena in Lisbon, marking the conclusion of the SBC Summit 2026.

CEO Alex Bukin noted that the nomination serves as a powerful validation of the team's drive and the growth they have experienced. He stated that the platform was designed for operators who refuse to compromise between sophisticated data processing and effortless usability. This growth reflects a broader industry demand for better data control in competitive markets.

"Being recognized in the ‘Acquisition & Retention Partner’ category at the SBC Awards is a powerful validation of our team’s relentless drive and the incredible growth we’ve experienced. We’ve built ReferOn for operators who refuse to compromise between sophisticated data processing and effortless usability." - Alex Bukin, CEO at ReferOn

Background

The SBC Awards are among the most respected accolades in the gambling sector, covering sectors from sports betting to compliance. ReferOn's inclusion in the acquisition and retention category highlights the rising importance of operational control. As player acquisition costs rise, the ability to analyze data in real-time becomes a critical competitive advantage. Other industry players, such as Alea, have also seen recognition recently, with Alea receiving three nominations for the SBC Awards Americas 2026, including Employer of the Year and Industry Innovation of the Year Latin America.

Why it matters for German players

While this news primarily concerns B2B technology, it has indirect benefits for players in Germany. When operators use transparent management tools like ReferOn, it reduces the likelihood of deceptive marketing practices. The German market is strictly governed by the Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021). Only casinos on the official GGL whitelist are permitted to operate legally.

These GGL-licensed casinos must adhere to rigid player protection rules, including the 1 Euro per spin limit and the 1,000 Euro monthly deposit cap enforced via the LUGAS system. Efficient affiliate software allows legal operators to compete effectively against the unregulated black market from Curacao or Malta by ensuring their legal offers are marketed accurately and within regulatory boundaries. Transparent data flows are essential for maintaining the high standards required by German law.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

For German operators holding a GGL license, every marketing activity must be meticulously documented. A tool that integrates reporting and performance into a single workflow makes it easier to comply with strict German advertising regulations. Because ReferOn focuses on automation, any potential compliance issues in partner marketing can be identified and addressed faster. This strengthens the legal market's integrity and protects operators from significant fines issued by the authorities in Halle. Scalability in this context means growing the business while maintaining absolute control over player sourcing quality.