"In its 20th year, the Canadian Gaming Association aims to solidify its role as the leading authority for Canada’s gaming industry"

Canada’s gaming industry is closing out 2025 with the kind of crosscurrents that tend to define a sector on the cusp of structural change. Ontario’s regulated iGaming market continues to mature under close national scrutiny, Alberta is edging toward an open iGaming model that could reset provincial expectations, and a court ruling has opened the door to liquidity arrangements that may reshape how certain products, including poker and daily fantasy sports, operate in the Canadian context. 

Against that backdrop, Yogonet spoke exclusively with Paul Burns, President & CEO of the Canadian Gaming Association (CGA), on what the past year has revealed about regulation, competition, and consumer protection, and what the industry should prepare for as 2026 approaches.

The conversation also explores the CGA’s advocacy priorities, including pending federal proposals that could affect advertising and cash transactions, and how the association plans to position itself in its 20th anniversary year as the sector evolves beyond traditional public-sector models.

Based on the feedback you’ve gathered from CGA members and your engagement with provincial regulators, operators, and other stakeholders, how would you assess the past year for Canada’s gaming industry? What does the overall picture look like as 2025 comes to a close?

2025 will conclude with significant developments: Alberta is moving forward with regulations for an open iGaming model (with other provinces paying close attention), and the Ontario Court of Appeal has ruled 4-1 to permit the province to form liquidity arrangements outside Canada.

This could lead to the return of Daily Fantasy Sports in 2026 as well as larger poker pools for customers. However, the federal government is also weighing potential limits—or a complete ban—on sports betting advertisements, while outdated AML regulations continue to make it difficult for the industry to effectively identify money laundering activities.

Ontario’s regulated iGaming market continues to evolve and the rest of Canada is watching closely. What lessons emerged this year, and how might they influence other provinces considering a similar framework?

The Canadian Gaming Association (CGA) has consistently stated that each province must select a model suited to its own needs. Ontario's approach is tailored for its residents, and while Alberta's may draw inspiration from Ontario, it will be adjusted to fit Alberta's unique requirements.

We support regulatory methods that focus on managing risk, using technology to reduce manual reporting and minimize human error, and ensuring player protection and responsible gaming remain central to any model a province chooses to implement.

What were the key trends, regulatory developments, or operational challenges that dominated industry discussions this year? And which issues do you anticipate will shape the national agenda in 2026?

Bill S-211, known as the National Framework on Sports Betting Advertising Act, is currently progressing through the House of Commons. iGaming advertising has existed throughout Canada for years, including well before Ontario’s regulated market began in 2022, which now has 48 licensed operators. The proposed act, sponsored by Senator Marty Deacon, aims to establish new rules for sports betting ads by creating a standardized national approach. 

From the CGA’s point of view, the provinces already have the authority to regulate gaming through their respective regulators, making them best suited for this responsibility.

Although the CGA views this bill as one of our main advocacy priorities, it is not high on the government's agenda, so it may be several months before its fate is decided. Given the need to consult provinces—which often disagree—it is unlikely that there will be quick progress or that major changes will happen soon.

We are also actively advocating for an exemption for our industry from a proposed ban on cash transactions over $10,000 proposed by the Federal government. Our sector is already subject to FINTRAC reporting obligations and robust anti-money laundering regulations.

There is considerable opposition to the proposed ban, which was implemented without consultation with relevant industries and appears to be a response to recent U.S. government statements regarding fentanyl concerns in Canada. Our land-based operations maintain thorough know-your-customer (KYC) procedures and source of funds protocols. Given that cash transactions are traceable in casinos, we remain optimistic that a reasoned approach will ultimately guide the decision-making process.

Looking ahead, where will the CGA be directing its focus in 2026? In what ways will the association support the industry and its members, and are there specific policy goals or initiatives you aim to advance next year and beyond?

The CGA will mark its 20th anniversary in 2026. Over this time, the gaming sector has evolved significantly, shifting from a government-controlled or crown corporation framework to an environment shaped by private sector innovation and enhanced player protection.

In its twentieth year, the CGA aims to solidify its role as the leading authority for Canada’s gaming industry, expanding beyond traditional advocacy to serve as a catalyst for progress, a convener of key stakeholders, and a strategic architect of the industry's future. Through its foundational pillars of Collaboration, Education, and Action, the CGA will pursue measurable initiatives that deliver value to members, Canadians, and all levels of government.