The Industry Comes to Toronto: Canadian Gaming Summit Preview
The Canadian Gaming Summit will take place from Tuesday to Thursday in Toronto. The leading industry event hosted north of the US border, it is of a magnitude and extent that mirrors what has emerged as one of the globe’s biggest iGaming markets.
This will mark the third year that SBC is managing the show. A representative mentioned this week that they anticipate over 3,000 attendees, including 75 exhibitors (10 more than the previous year), 200 affiliates, and 150 expert speakers, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
Canada is a dynamic market where regulatory changes, market growth, and new technologies fuel a diverse lineup of panel discussions with industry leaders, regulators, and innovators. Workshops will be conducted as well.
Canada: One of the Largest Gaming Markets Globally
This year, the program will feature additional elements, such as a cybersecurity symposium on Stage 3 on Wednesday, which will include panel discussions addressing issues like how cybercriminals infiltrate and navigate casino and betting networks, along with a simulated scenario that explores the mindset of an attacker targeting a fictional organization.
This year, SBC is integrating its player protection symposium into the two event days instead of holding it on a pre-event day as in previous years.
“The Canadian Gaming Summit continues to evolve as the premier gathering for industry leaders across the country,” said SBC founder and CEO Rasmus Sojmark. “With dynamics shifting and new opportunities emerging, this year’s event will provide a vital platform for meaningful discussions that shape the future of gaming in Canada. From the latest innovations to critical policy debates, we’re bringing together the brightest minds to drive the industry forward.”
Display Highlights
This year’s panels feature “Creating a sustainable gaming model” on Wednesday at 10:50 am on Stage 1, with Canadian Gaming Association President & CEO Paul Burns, Ontario's Alcohol and Gaming Commission CEO Karin Schnarr, Atlantic Lottery Corporation CEO Dallas McCready, and hosted by Ilkim Hincer, Chief Legal Officer of GeoComply. They will discuss the actions the industry needs to take in order to keep Canada's gaming model sustainable in the future.
Another highly anticipated panel is scheduled for later that day at 12:10 pm on Stage 1, led by Alberta’s Minister of Service and Red Tape Reduction, Dale Nally, who will present Alberta’s plan to create a top-tier regulated iGaming framework, expected to debut in 2026.
Similarly on Stage 1, on Wednesday at 12:25 pm, GW Group Partner Jill Walker will lead a conversation titled “Canada’s future: Expanding iGaming across the nation,” with TRM Public Affairs President Troy Ross, Rubicon Strategy President Patrick Harris, and Ariane Gauthier from the Quebec Online Gaming Coalition.
Obstacles for Physical Stores
On Day 1, at 3 pm on Stage 2, there’s “Omnichannel marches on: Are the bricks and mortar crowd catching up,” as iGaming keeps growing throughout Canada, presented by Pixiu founder Tony Plaskow. The event will include Senior Director of Product Management and Innovation François Hardy, BetMGM Marketing Operations Manager Paul Adams, AGS Interactive Account Manager Scott Baker, and Bece Gaming CEO Colin Cole-Johnson.
On Thursday at 12:15 pm in Stage 1, the session titled “Self-exclusion: A benefit for protection or a catalyst for the black market?” explores the possible effects of Ontario’s new self-exclusion tool.
The panel will be led by RGC VP of Policy Standards and Accreditation Tracy Parker and will feature Dr. Kahlil Philander, an associate professor at Washington State University’s Carson College of Business, as well as Loto-Quebec’s Dr. Isabelle Martin, Dataworks Group CEO Al Watson, iGaming Ontario’s Catherine Jarmain, and OLG’s Chief of Staff Aaron GlynWilliams.
Sports Wagering Discussion
A well-liked panel at these events throughout the years has been Martin Lycka with his Safe Bet Show. On Thursday at 11 am, he will engage in a discussion with ex-NHL player and current TV hockey analyst Nick Kypreos on Stage 1 regarding the influence of sports betting on hockey and other sports in Canada and North America.
A key highlight is the “Fireside Chat” featuring Ontario Attorney General Doug Downey and AGCO Board Chair Dave Forestell discussing the industry's current situation in Ontario. The conversation is scheduled for Wednesday at 10:25 am on Stage 1.
