SBC Summit Canada returns to Toronto next week at a defining moment for Canada’s betting and gaming industry, with Alberta’s regulated market launch, mounting pressure around advertising restrictions and growing anticipation ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to dominate discussions.
Taking place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from May 19-21, the event marks the first edition under its new name following its rebrand from the Canadian Gaming Summit. More than 3,000 stakeholders are set to attend the country’s only event dedicated entirely to the betting and gaming industry.
With Alberta preparing to open its regulated market in June, operators, affiliates and suppliers are racing to position themselves ahead of launch in what is expected to become one of North America’s most commercially significant new gaming jurisdictions. At the same time, proposed advertising restrictions and the implications of Bill S-211 continue to create uncertainty across the sector, while the 2026 FIFA World Cup presents sportsbooks with a rare opportunity to capitalise on rising national interest in soccer.
These developments will shape the summit’s three-stage conference agenda, which features dedicated tracks covering leadership, sports betting, land-based and lottery, affiliates and advertising, payments and compliance.
The agenda will also feature two specialist tracks focused on cybersecurity and player protection. The Cybersecurity in Gaming Summit, presented by OLG, will examine how operators are responding to emerging digital threats, managing AI-related risks, and strengthening organisational resilience. Meanwhile, the Player Protection Symposium will explore how the industry can move beyond baseline compliance to develop safer, more proactive approaches to player wellbeing.
Elsewhere on the programme, sessions will examine how operators can convert World Cup engagement into long-term player retention, how land-based and lottery brands are evolving omnichannel strategies, and how businesses can prepare for regulatory shifts tied to advertising reform and Alberta’s incoming market.
The summit will also feature a series of masterclasses tackling key operational and regulatory issues. IMGL’s sessions will explore grey market and quasi-gambling activity in Canada, while Lucien Wijsman will lead workshops examining player behaviour, pricing strategies and the relationship between land-based and online casinos.
Over the course of two days, delegates will hear from more than 150 leading industry speakers. Wednesday’s agenda will open with remarks from Duncan Hannay (President, OLG), followed by a keynote from Nell Watson (Chief Scientist, EthicsNet / Creed Space) exploring how autonomous AI is reshaping cybersecurity, trust and human oversight in gaming. Ahead of Alberta’s market launch in June, Dale Nally (Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, Government of Alberta) will also share insights into the development of the province’s regulated iGaming framework.
Other notable speakers include Jennifer Aguiar (Chief Compliance Officer, DraftKings), Jared Beber (CEO, Bet99), Tom Burdakin (VP of Marketing, FanDuel), Stan Cho (Minister Minister of Tourism & Gaming, Ontario), Andrew Garven (Head of Affiliate Marketing, Bet99), Joseph Hillier (CEO, iGaming Ontario), Yohan Mathew (Director of Marketing, BetMGM), Andrew Moreno (Assistant Vice President of Business Development and Government Affairs, bet365), Scott Vanderwel (CEO, PointsBet Canada), Tim Whitehead (Sportsbook Director, DraftKings) and Mark Wrigley (Head of Betting, F1).
The summit’s show floor will bring together the companies shaping the future of Canada’s gaming industry, giving delegates direct access to the latest products, technologies and services driving market growth. Attendees will be able to discover new innovations, explore product launches and connect directly with the teams behind them. Confirmed exhibitors include Altenar, Gigadat, iGaming Ontario, Bet Rite, Payper, Soft2Bet, Top Alliance, Optimove, Paramount Commerce and more.
Commenting on the upcoming event, Rasmus Sojmark, CEO & Founder of SBC, said: “There is enormous momentum around the Canadian gaming industry right now, and that is reflected in both the quality of the agenda and the calibre of companies and speakers joining us in Toronto next week. We are looking forward to welcoming thousands of delegates to Toronto for what promises to be our biggest and most ambitious Canadian event to date.”
In addition to the exhibition and conference agenda, delegates will have access to a range of on-site networking opportunities throughout the summit. Highlights include the Global Gaming Women Breakfast on May 20 and the First Nations Breakfast on May 21, alongside several networking lounges located across the exhibition floor.
VIP Event Pass holders will also gain access to two exclusive evening networking events:
- SBC Summit Canada Opening Party — May 19 at RS Sports Bar (badge collection available)
- SBC Summit Canada Official Networking Party — May 20 at The Rec Room
For additional insight ahead of the event, SBC’s Tom Nightingale (Editor, Canadian Gaming Business) recently joined iGaming Daily to discuss the current state of Canada’s gaming market and the regulatory developments expected to dominate discussions at SBC Summit Canada.
Register now to secure your place at SBC Summit Canada.
*VIP Event Pass holders will also gain access to the co-located Canada Fintech Symposium, a dedicated event exploring the intersection of fintech, payments, compliance and financial innovation across regulated industries.
