The Canadian Gaming Summit 2025, scheduled for June 17-19 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, is set to be a transformative event for the country's gaming landscape. With over 3,000 delegates expected to attend, the summit will unite operators, regulators, First Nations leaders and technology innovators to address the industry's most pressing challenges.
As Canada's gaming sector continues to evolve, both land-based venues and online casinos in Canada have experienced growth. The digital gambling space has changed in recent years, with Ontario's regulated market hitting CAD 7.1 billion in monthly wagering as of February 2025, demonstrating the continued growth of online gaming activity in Canada.
Organized by SBC Events in collaboration with the Canadian Gaming Association (CGA), this 28th edition of the summit will feature six conference tracks with over 150 speakers exploring everything from regulatory frameworks to technological advancements. The exhibition floor will showcase products and services spanning casino gaming, sports betting, compliance tools and AI-driven solutions.
The focus of the summit will be the ongoing regulatory changes across provinces. Ontario's iGaming success story has provided a blueprint for other regions, with the province now hosting 49 operators and 84 platforms since launching its regulated market in 2022. Meanwhile, Alberta is exploring its own regulatory model, potentially creating new opportunities for operators.
Discussions will center on harmonizing regulations to support cross-provincial operations, a critical step for operators looking to expand their footprint across Canada. The stalled federal legislation, Bill S-269, aimed at modernizing Canada's gambling laws, will also be debated, particularly regarding its implications for online gaming and cross-border partnerships.
Indigenous-led gaming initiatives will receive significant attention during the summit, highlighting revenue-sharing models and community impact. Sessions will explore how Crown Corporations and private operators can collaborate with First Nations to expand gaming offerings while respecting sovereignty rights. The summit will address these important partnerships as part of the broader conversation about the future of Canada's gaming industry, recognizing the significant role that First Nations enterprises play in the country's gaming ecosystem.
With cryptocurrency adoption on the rise, panels will examine regulatory hurdles for crypto-gaming integrations and blockchain-based transparency tools. Payment processors will showcase frictionless deposit/withdrawal systems designed specifically for Canada's unique banking landscape. The summit arrives as operators face increasing pressure to adopt AI and fintech innovations to remain competitive with the US and European markets. Sessions will explore how these technologies can enhance player experiences while maintaining compliance with evolving regulations.
Following concerns about Ontario's oversaturated sports betting advertising market, Ipsos researchers Scott Morasch and Ted Doering will present findings on ad efficacy and consumer sentiment. Their 2023 study revealed that repetitive messaging risks alienating players, prompting calls for more creative strategies that prioritize trust over volume.
The exhibition floor will host over 40 international exhibitors showcasing innovations across game development, compliance technology and affiliate marketing. Attendees can also participate in private roundtables with regulators, including representatives from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and the Kahnawake Gaming Commission.
AI-driven tools for player protection will take center stage at the summit, including real-time behavioural analytics and advanced self-exclusion technologies. Sessions will explore how operators can balance profitability with ethical practices, especially as the online gaming market continues to expand. It is widely recognized in the industry that ensuring a safe environment for players is essential to long-term sustainability.
The Canadian Gaming Summit arrives amid transformative shifts in the country's gaming landscape. With Ontario's regulated market serving as a model for other provinces, there's increasing momentum toward a more cohesive national approach to gaming regulation. However, federal-provincial tensions over tax revenue sharing and online gaming oversight remain unresolved, particularly as Alberta explores its regulatory model. These discussions will be crucial as operators navigate the evolving landscape.
The summit is expected to emphasize consolidation as smaller operators grapple with compliance costs and larger players pursue strategic mergers. Additionally, the event may preview federal efforts to standardize responsible gambling mandates nationwide, reducing fragmentation between provinces. The expansion of both retail and online gaming options continues to reshape the industry, with technology providers showcasing innovations that bridge the gap between traditional casino experiences and digital platforms.
As Canada's CAD 17 billion gaming sector navigates regulatory complexity and technological disruption, the Canadian Gaming Summit 2025 offers a vital platform for collaboration across all segments of the industry.
By addressing critical issues like AI ethics, Indigenous partnerships and market saturation, the event aims to shape a sustainable future for gaming in Canada, supporting a balanced approach that prioritizes player protection and responsible gambling alongside industry innovation.
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