Planning to be in Toronto from June 17-19? If you are, congratulations! You’ll be joining 3,000 gaming and betting professionals at the 28th edition of the Canadian Gaming Summit—the country’s biggest industry event.
With packed networking opportunities both on and off the show floor, plus an educational programme covering every key development in the Canadian market, this summit is more than just a conference—it’s a strategic hub for Canadian stakeholders looking to connect, collaborate, and shape the future of the region.
Whether you’re a seasoned SBC regular or attending for the first time, the summit has a lot to offer. But with so much going on, it can be tough to know where to focus your time and energy..
Thankfully, across the years, we have picked up a thing or two, and that’s why we’ve created this clear, no-fluff guide—packed with essential tips and key event highlights—to help you make the most of your time at Canada’s premier gaming and betting event.
Preparations: Essential steps before you attend
“Preparation is where success is constructed.”
- Wayne Gretzky, Ice Hockey Legend
As our old pal Wayne Gretzky states, preparation is key, and we couldn’t agree more.
Having worked multiple SBC events over the years, the distinction between a delegate who has effectively prepared, and someone who is just ‘winging it’ is as clear as day —and that’s normally because the ‘unprepared’ spend a lot of time standing solo, looking hopelessly at others securing deals.
With a few weeks out until the event kicks off, there is still plenty of time to effectively prepare for the Canadian Gaming Summit, and you’ll be happy to know that SBC have taken the initiative to help you on this journey of ‘event preparation’ in a multitude of ways.
So let’s uncover some of the key preparations you need to know before you touch down in Toronto.
Check Your Ticket (Avoid Event FOMO)
The Canadian Gaming Summit offers two ticket types: the Full Event Pass and the Expo + Pass. The main difference? Access to networking events.
As the name implies, the Full Event Pass gives you access to everything the summit has to offer, including our networking parties.
On the other hand, the Expo + Pass comes at a lower price point but only includes access to the exhibition floor and conference sessions. So if networking is a key reason you’re attending, be sure to double-check which ticket you’ve got.
Now, this might sound obvious, but we know that attendees aren’t always the ones booking their own tickets, especially in larger companies. You’d be surprised how often people show up expecting access to networking events, only to realise their ticket doesn’t cover it.
Oh, and if you’re an operator or affiliate attending on a complimentary pass—good news! Your ticket is a Full Event Pass, which means you’ve got full access to all networking events. Yay!
Book Your Stay at a Partner Hotel!
Nobody wants to deal with rush hour traffic, long walks in the summer heat, or turning up late to the event. It just adds unnecessary stress, earlier wake-up calls, and lost time—time that could be better spent securing deals on the show floor.
If you’re one of the brave attendees who hasn’t booked a hotel yet, consider this your friendly heads-up: SBC has partnered with several top hotels, all just a short walk from the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Even better? We’ve locked in some seriously great rates.
Partnered hotels include:
- The Intercontinental: Situated in the heart of downtown Toronto, The Intercontinental Toronto Centre offers a prime location steps from the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, CN Tower, and Scotiabank Arena.
- Hyatt Regency Toronto: Located in Toronto’s bustling Entertainment District, the Hyatt Regency is within walking distance of major attractions like the CN Tower, Rogers Centre, and Ripley’s Aquarium.
- Toronto Marriott City Centre Hotel: Set inside the iconic Rogers Centre, the Toronto Marriott City Centre Hotel is perfect for sports enthusiasts and city explorers alike.
Click here for more information on our partnered hotels.
Skip the Queues with Early Badge Pickup
Don’t let long lines slow you down on Day 1. With 3,000 attendees, queues are inevitable. We hate to see it. You definitely hate to experience it. It’s a lose-lose.
But we’ve got good news: there are a few simple things you can do to skip the wait and breeze into the exhibition floor like a pro.
Enter: Early Badge Pickup.
If you want to get ahead of the game and collect your badge early, there are two ways you can do this.
- Pick Up Your Badge Early at the Registration Desk: If you’re arriving in Toronto a day or two early (and most people are), swing by the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on Tuesday, June 17th, between 12:00 pm and 5:00 pm to grab your badge ahead of time.
- Pick Up Your Badge at the Opening Party: If you’ve got a Full Event Pass, you’re invited to the Opening Party at RS Sports Bar on Tuesday, June 17th. It’s the perfect chance to start networking—and yes, you can pick up your badge at the entrance. One less thing to think about on day one.
Want to speed things up even more? Use your Digital Wallet.
You can make the badge collection process even faster by adding your e-ticket to your phone’s digital wallet (works on both iPhone and Android). Here’s how:
- Open your inbox and search for the subject line:
“Registration Confirmation to Canadian Gaming Summit 2025” - Follow the link to add your ticket to your wallet
- When you arrive, just scan it at one of our ticket scanners—done!
We introduced this feature recently and saw a big difference at SBC Summit Americas. It’s a small step that saves a lot of time.
So go ahead—add it to your wallet, pick up your badge early, and skip the queues. You’ll thank yourself (and us) later.
Download the SBC Connect App (Your Pocket-Sized Event Companion)
Have you ever watched a film like Iron Man, Batman or even Lord of the Rings and thought ‘Wow, I wish I had a trusty companion at industry events”?
Well, the SBC Connect App is your answer—ESSENTIAL to experiencing everything the event has to offer.
The app, which is available to download for delegates now, comes equipped with a variety of essential features to help your networking ventures, construct your own educational agenda and keep up to date with everything Canadian Gaming Summit.
Here’s what makes the SBC Connect App a game-changer:
- List of All Attending Companies & Exhibitors: Explore the full list of attending companies and exhibitors, and create a priority list of the people and brands you want to connect with.
- Advanced User Search: Spotted a company that aligns with your goals? Use the app to find key contacts and streamline your networking efforts.
- Private User Chats: Start building connections before you even arrive. Break the ice, chat with potential partners, and lay the groundwork for valuable meetings.
- Meeting Planner: Schedule meetings with other delegates and brands in advance. Whether it’s on the show floor or at a networking event, set your conversations in motion.
- Full Conference Agenda: Access a digital version of the conference schedule anytime. Star your favourite panels so you can focus on content that aligns with your business objectives.
- Digital Floor Plan: Navigate the show floor like a pro. With the digital map in your pocket, you’ll spend less time wandering and more time making deals.
- Live Notifications: Stay in the loop with alerts for standout panels, last-minute updates, and key event reminders. Just make sure push notifications are enabled so you never miss a beat.
- On-Demand Access (For Full Event Pass Holders Only): Missed a panel? Want to share insights with your team? Full event pass holders get access to all conference content on demand, so you can rewatch, reflect, and maximise your ROI.
Want to download now? The app is available to download for Android and IOS devices now!
Conference Agenda: Explore Canada’s Gaming Landscape
With 30 educational sessions spread across six dedicated tracks, the Canadian Gaming Summit’s conference agenda is your ticket to understanding both the opportunities and challenges shaping the Canadian market.
Across two packed days, the programme will explore every major vertical, from marketing and compliance to payments, sports betting, and more. It’s designed to give you a complete picture of the industry, whether you’re new to the market or looking to sharpen your edge.
What sets it apart? It’s pretty simple; real, actionable insights. With over 150 expert speakers taking the stage, each session delivers focused, practical takeaways you can actually use to grow your business in the Canadian market.
Here’s a look at the 2025 conference tracks:
The conference will be split into three stages running concurrently each day, all conveniently located on the show floor. So, no long walks or room hunts—your next session is always within easy reach.
View the full conference agenda here.
New for 2025: The Cybersecurity Symposium
A major new addition to this year’s conference is the Cybersecurity Symposium, hosted in partnership with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG).
So, why’s it a big deal? Because it’s the first time the summit has dedicated an entire track to cybersecurity, and honestly, the timing couldn’t be better. From protecting networks against lateral attacks to unpacking the evolving tactics of cybercrime groups, these sessions go deep into the real issues the industry’s facing right now. If your role touches on player data, tech infrastructure, or compliance, this is exactly the kind of content you’ll want to be plugged into.
However, the Cybersecurity Symposium is not just about learning—it’s also an opportunity to meet the people who are actually shaping the future of cybersecurity in gaming. If you want to stay ahead of the curve (and keep your systems safe), make sure these panels are starred in your SBC Connect app!
Make the Most of the Exhibition Floor
The Canadian Gaming Summit exhibition floor is where innovation meets conversation. It brings together some of the biggest names in gaming from across Canada and beyond, giving you direct access to the latest tech, game releases, services, and solutions shaping the industry.
Whether you’re exploring the newest platforms, discovering game-changing tools, or just want to slyly spy on your competitors, the show floor is packed with opportunities. Even better, it will allow you to engage directly with the industry’s leading operators, suppliers, affiliates, gamer studios and regulatory bodies, all under one roof—not bad, ey?
Confirmed exhibitors include Altenar, BetConstruct, Bet Rite, Buffalo Partners, Canadian Gaming Association, GeoComply, Konami, Lotto.com, Optimove, and Payper, amongst many others!
Visit the Crown Corporations Lounge
Last year, one of the most talked-about additions was the introduction of the Crown Corporation Lounge, a dedicated space on the show floor designed to bring together key decision-makers from across Canada’s regulated gaming landscape.
The great news? It’s returning for 2025.
The Crown Corporation Lounge offers a unique opportunity for delegates to connect directly with representatives from leading provincial organisations such as the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC), Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG), Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis (AGLC), Atlantic Lottery Corporation (ALC), Loto-Québec and Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan (LGS).
Positioned right next to Conference Room 3, offers you the chance to engage face-to-face with the people shaping policy, procurement, and public gaming initiatives across Canada. If your goals involve connecting with Crown Corporations, this space should be high on your agenda. You can check out exactly where it’s located by viewing the full floor map here.
Daytime and Evening Networking:
Networking has always been a crucial component of SBC events, and this is no different for the Canadian Gaming Summit.
Whether you intend to take advantage of a full event pass and attend evening networking events or want to utilise the show floor to gather some leads and shake some hands, the Canadian Gaming Summit has something that will appeal to everyone.
Networking on the show floor:
Does striking up a conversation at a busy booth sound like your personal hell? Don’t worry, we totally get it. That’s why the show floor includes several relaxed, informal spaces designed to make connecting easy and comfortable—no pressure, just good chats.
Across the showfloor, you’ll find:
- Catering & Seating Areas (F90 & F10)
- Coffee Bar & Lounge (F80)
- Official Bar & Lounge (F70)
- SBC Connect Lounge (F30)
- VIP & Speaker Lounge sponsored by BetConstruct (F60)
Whether you’re catching up with contacts, meeting new partners, or just grabbing a coffee between sessions, these spaces make it easy to have those important conversations, without stepping off the show floor.
Global Gaming Women Breakfast Meetup
As well as dedicated networking facilities, the show floor will also host an SBC favourite, the Global Gaming Women Breakfast Meetup.
Set to commence on Wednesday, 18 June, from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM at the Official Bar & Lounge (F702), the industry meet-up will serve as the perfect chance to network with industry peers, enjoy complimentary food and drink and celebrate the achievements of women in the industry.
Evening Networking
Now, it wouldn’t be an SBC event without a couple of unmissable evening networking parties, would it?
Let’s face it—after a full day of knowledge-sharing and deal-making, even the most seasoned industry pros need time to unwind, enjoy a few drinks, and take in the stunning Toronto skyline.
If you’ve got a Full Event Pass—yes, we’re going to keep hammering that point—you’re officially invited to two evening networking events on Tuesday and Wednesday night. That means you can kick things off with some early networking and lock in those final meetings before the last day of the summit.
- Canadian Gaming Summit Opening Party
Date: Tuesday, 17 June 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Location: RS Sports Bar, 25 York St, Toronto, ON M5J 2V5 - Official Networking Party
Date: Wednesday, 18 June 2025
Time: 7:30 PM – 1:00 AM
Location: Hockey Hall of Fame, 30 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5E 1X8
Click here to explore the full networking schedule.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re coming to network, discover the latest industry innovations, or gain actionable insights into the topics shaping Canada’s gaming and betting market, the Canadian Gaming Summit has something for everyone.
With a comprehensive conference agenda, a diverse lineup of regional and international exhibitors, and unforgettable networking experiences, this is your chance to dive deep into the industry and spark the important conversations that will drive real business impact.
Whatever your goals, you’ll walk away informed, inspired, and ready to take your next steps in the Canadian market—just keep this guide handy so you dont forget anything!
