Colin Thompson Discusses Reputation and Fair Play in 18Peaches #Peachmarathon

The #Peachmarathon series by 18Peaches continues with a conversation that looks at iGaming from an unusual angle. In this episode, Aziz Akylbekov speaks with Colin Thompson, Co-Founder of the International Gaming Awards, about recognition, credibility, and the mechanisms that quietly shape how success is measured across the industry.

Why the International Gaming Awards were created

Colin reflects on the early days of the International Gaming Awards, launched at a time when the gambling industry was largely portrayed through a negative lens. The original motivation was simple but ambitious: to highlight the positive contribution of the industry and create a platform that recognised excellence while supporting charitable initiatives.

From the beginning, the awards were designed to combine celebration with responsibility. This dual focus, Colin explains, remains one of the core reasons the project has endured while many others have faded.

The question of trust, and what it demands behind the scenes, runs subtly through the discussion. Reflecting on long-term success, Colin said, "You have to be unique." He added, "Don’t try to copy anybody else, be yourself," reinforcing that sustainable brand growth comes from distinct identity and consistent execution.

What happens behind closed doors

Awards are often judged by what happens on stage. Colin shifts attention elsewhere.

Without revealing the full process, he touches on how transparency is handled behind the scenes and why openness has become increasingly important in a competitive environment. The conversation suggests that credibility is not built by asking participants to accept decisions blindly, but by being prepared to explain them.

This raises an implicit question that lingers throughout the episode: how much visibility is enough when fairness is at stake?

When recognition becomes a responsibility

Another moment in the discussion explores how nominations and judging criteria have evolved. Numbers and scale still matter, but they are no longer the full story.

Colin hints at a shift toward something less measurable. Context, intent, and the people behind the brand are playing a growing role in how excellence is evaluated. The implications of this shift extend beyond awards nights and into how companies position themselves publicly.

The full scope of this evolution unfolds gradually over the course of the interview. Speaking about operational standards, Colin noted, "Particularly for the IGA, we always challenge ourselves each year to be better than last year." He also highlighted the reality behind live production: "The half hour before the event starts is the most stressful."

Why tradition still holds its ground

Despite changes in culture and generational expectations, some traditions continue to resonate. Colin briefly reflects on why formality and ceremony still matter in an industry otherwise dominated by casual networking and fast-paced events.

On what differentiates finalists today, Colin said judges increasingly look for narrative depth, adding that "the story behind the company now matters more than raw numbers" when products and performance appear equally strong across the field.

What emerges is not nostalgia, but a reminder that shared moments of recognition carry weight when executed with intent.

What recognition is built on

This #Peachmarathon conversation moves beyond results to examine how recognition is shaped within iGaming. Without overstatement, Colin touches on the principles and decisions that influence credibility over time, leaving much of the detail to unfold in the discussion itself.

The full interview with Colin Thompson is available as part of the 18Peaches #Peachmarathon series. The complete conversation can be watched on YouTube.

Image credit: 18Peaches