Canadian Gaming Summit to spotlight responsible gambling in next month's edition

The upcoming Canadian Gaming Summit is set to emphasize the importance of responsible gambling amidst the rapid advancement of digital gambling technologies. The summit, to be held June 18-20 in Toronto, aims to highlight safeguarding practices and ethical marketing strategies that ensure player safety is not compromised.

The summit will feature the 300-capacity Player Protection Symposium, scheduled for June 18 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, a day before the main events of the summit. This symposium will address crucial player protection issues, including effective marketing strategies for responsible gambling, safeguarding high-stakes players, and establishing a reputable brand for operators.

Kicking off the symposium is a panel titled "Safeguarding the Stakes: Strategies for Player Protection at the VIP/High Roller Level." The panel will feature industry experts Martin Lycka (SVP Regulatory Affairs and Responsible Gaming, Entain), Bill Pascrell III (Partner, PPAG), Adi Markus (Director of Customer Success, Optimove), and moderator Jay Robinson (Principal, JR Consulting). They will discuss additional measures to protect high-stakes players, the latest player monitoring technologies, and frameworks to enhance VIP player care.

Another panel, "Ethical Engagement: Harmonizing Branding and Responsible Gaming Efforts," will explore how effective branding can support responsible gambling initiatives. Speakers Sarah Brennan (Sr Director Compliance, BetMGM), Aaron GlynWilliams (Director Social Responsibility, OLG), Riona Mohan (Director of Marketing, Betty), Jacob Hargaden-Llewellin (Country Manager Canada, LeoVegas), and moderator Ilkim Hincer (Partner, Fogler) will discuss strategies to portray genuine customer care and build player trust while examining the relationship between responsible gaming and marketing teams. 

The panel "Navigating Responsible Marketing: Ensuring Compliance and Promoting Safe Gambling Practices" will delve into best practices for ethical marketing. Experts Gavin Whiteley (CMO, Great Canadian Entertainment), Ryan McCarthy (Director of Player Health, BCLC), and Tyjondah Kerr (Director of Social Responsibility, OLG) will examine how to market responsibly without drawing regulatory scrutiny or public backlash. They will also discuss avoiding marketing to vulnerable players and the risks and benefits of celebrity endorsements.

Concluding the symposium is "Unified Visions, Diverse Paths: Responsible Gaming Initiatives Across Canadian Provinces." This panel will explore the different approaches to responsible gambling across provinces. Speakers Paul Burns (President, Canadian Gaming Association), Catherine Jarmaine (Director, Industry Programs and Monitoring, iGaming Ontario), and moderator Mike Maodus (Senior Associate, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP) will share provincial insights and discuss effective solutions that could benefit all regions.