Canadian Gaming Summit returns this week with 3,000+ attendees expected, focus on Ontario and Alberta

The Canadian Gaming Summit returns to Toronto this week, with the 28th edition of the summit to be held June 17–19 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Organized by SBC, the event expects 3,000 attendees, including 1,000 operators, 200 affiliates, and representatives from Crown corporations, regulators, and suppliers.

The event returns at a point of change within the Canadian gaming industry. With Ontario’s evolution and Alberta’s upcoming market entry in focus, the show will see top-level participation from government ministers and industry stakeholders.

In addition to the evolution of these two provinces, other key themes at the three-stage educational programme include the sustainability of Canada’s gaming model, innovations in player protection and responsible gambling, marketing and advertising strategies in a maturing market.

With rising cybersecurity threats and increasing digital integration in gaming, the Canadian Gaming Summit will also introduce a dedicated Cybersecurity Symposium this year, bringing experts and regulators together to examine the technological risks shaping the industry.

The newly added Cybersecurity Symposium is presented in partnership with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) and will feature three focused sessions. The symposium includes a keynote by Mikko Hyppönen, Chief Research Officer at WithSecure, a cybersecurity expert and author.

Other panels will tackle issues including responsible gambling initiatives, advertising strategies, AML reform, regulatory compliance, AI integration, influencer marketing, and payment technologies. Cross-provincial regulation and its role in industry development will also be discussed.

“SBC has been at the helm of the Canadian Gaming Summit for three years now, and each year we continue to focus on bringing fresh initiatives to the event, whilst also addressing the topics that are impacting stakeholders the most,” said SBC CEO Rasmus Sojmark.

“Features such as the CyberSecurity Symposium and the return of the Crown Corporation Lounge perfectly embody this commitment, evolving the event from a standard conference and exhibition to a strategic hub for collaboration, thought exchange, and deal making.”

More than 150 speakers are scheduled to participate. Duncan Hannay, President of OLG, will deliver the opening address on Wednesday morning. Dale Nally, Alberta’s Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, will deliver a keynote later that day.

Confirmed speakers include Ontario Attorney General Doug Downey, iGaming Ontario Chair Dave Forestell, Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario CEO Karin Schnarr, BCLC’s Natasha Questel, Ontario Minister for Tourism, Culture & Gaming Stan Cho, PointsBet Canada CEO Scott Vanderwel, Canadian Gaming Association President and CEO Paul Burns, and Lucien Wijsman of the Electronic Gaming Academy, who will lead two workshops.

The exhibition floor will host companies such as Altenar, BetConstruct, Bet Rite, Buffalo Partners, Canadian Gaming Association, GeoComply, Konami, Lotto.com, Optimove, and Payper. The Crown Corporation Lounge will return, featuring representatives from BCLC, OLG, AGLC, ALC, Loto-Québec, and Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan.

Networking events include the Canadian Gaming Summit Opening Party on June 17, the Global Gaming Women Breakfast on June 18, and the Official Networking Party at the Hockey Hall of Fame, which will include an appearance by former NHL player Wendel Clark.

Ticket options for the show are available here.