This June, SBC will welcome 3,000 industry stakeholders to Toronto’s Metro Convention Centre for the 28th edition of the Canadian Gaming Summit.
Carefully curated for industry professionals looking to enhance their presence or break into the Canadian market, the event will provide attendees with a wealth of opportunities — from multiple networking events to a bustling show floor featuring 75 regional and global brands, along with an educational program that spans the entire industry.
Now, when it comes to the educational opportunities at the event, there is a lot to unpack.
The conference will take place across three simultaneously running stages, each hosting some of the industry’s brightest minds. These speakers—150 in total!—will share their experience and deep market knowledge across 34 carefully curated panels.
To help delegates better tailor their learning experience, each stage will focus on a different industry vertical each day — covering leadership, sports betting & casino, cybersecurity, player protection, affiliates & advertising, and payments & compliance.
So, what topics will be explored across each track? Which panels stand out? And what are the major takeaways from each panel? Stick around — this blog post will be your ultimate guide to navigating the Canadian Gaming Summit’s conference agenda!
Leadership: Leading the Charge for Success
Strong, successful leadership can make or break a company — often being the difference between a brand dominating the market or simply staying afloat.
At the Canadian Gaming Summit, leadership will be front and centre, bringing together some of the most influential figures from across Canada and beyond.
Taking place on Stage One on Wednesday, June 18, the ‘Leadership’ track will provide delegates the opportunity to dive into key issues shaping the Canadian market. Panels will cover topics such as the impact of IGOs’ independence on the Ontario market, updates on Alberta, strategies for operators to appeal to new customers, and ensuring integrity in Canadian betting.
Panel to watch: Building a sustainable gaming model in Canada
Keywords: Sustainability, innovation, technology, gaming formats, unregulated operators, prediction exchanges, sweepstakes betting.
What will the panel seek to answer?
- How can the industry ensure Canada’s gaming model remains sustainable? A look at the regulatory, technological, and strategic steps needed to future-proof Canada’s gaming market.
- What impact are new formats like sweepstakes and prediction exchanges having on the Canadian market? Exploring how emerging, often loosely regulated formats are challenging traditional operators and frameworks.
- How can Canadian stakeholders combat the growing influence of unregulated operators? Strategies for enforcement, consumer protection, and collaboration to safeguard the integrity of the regulated ecosystem.
Who should attend?
- Regulators
- Compliance teams
- Sportsbook and casino operators
- Tech and platform providers
- Leadership teams
Other track panels:
- Updates from Ontario
- Opening up Alberta – How Will the Tables Turn?
- To Market, to Market: Where Will the New Customers Come From?
- Integrity in Betting: Setting a Standard for Canada
- First Nation Futures: Are More Acquisitions on the Horizon?
Sports Betting & Casino: “Reinventing the Wheel”
In 2025, Canada’s casino revenue is projected to reach US$9.57 billion, while sports betting is expected to generate US$2.29 billion in revenue, highlighting the region’s deep connection with the gaming verticals.
As technological innovation, evolving consumer demand, and regulatory developments continue to shape the industry, the Canadian Gaming Summit will spotlight these changes through a dedicated conference track: ‘‘Sports Betting & Casino’.
Taking place on Stage Two on Wednesday, June 18, the track will give delegates the opportunity to explore some of the most pressing issues facing the market — from modernizing Canada’s AML framework, to exploring the latest betting innovations, and unlocking the potential of charitable gaming.
Panel to watch: Omnichannel marches on: are the bricks and mortar crowd catching up?
Keywords: iGaming, omnichannel, brick-and-mortar, customer acquisition, land-based, casino, sports betting, branding, technology.
What will the panel seek to answer?
- What does true omnichannel integration look like for Canadian land-based operators? Examining how casinos are bridging the gap between retail and digital through seamless player journeys and consistent brand identity.
- How can technology be leveraged to deliver unified gameplay and loyalty across online and physical platforms? Exploring the platforms, data systems, and user interfaces that ensure players have an engaging experience.
- What branding strategies are resonating with land-based players as they explore digital offerings? A look at how established and recognisable casino brands can extend their influence online without alienating legacy customers.
Who should attend?
- Retail Casino Executives & Operators
- iGaming Platform Providers & Tech Innovators
- Marketing & Brand Teams
- Regulatory & Compliance Professionals
- Product & UX Designers
- Loyalty & CRM Specialists
Other track panels:
- Broken: The Urgent Need to Modernise Canada’s AML Framework
- Innovations in Betting: Micro and More
- cGaming – A Collaborative Approach & Community Impacts
- Liquidity: The Silver Bullet?
Cybersecurity Symposium: Securing the Future of Gaming
As the online gambling industry rapidly expands and more players engage with iGaming, sports betting, and digital lotteries, maintaining a secure and resilient platform has never been more critical.
To support operators and service providers in meeting these challenges, the Canadian Gaming Summit will host a dedicated ‘Cybersecurity Symposium’ on Wednesday, 18 June. Hosted on Stage Three, these sessions will offer insights into the impact of key regulatory developments—such as Ontario’s Bill 194, Canada’s federal Bill C-26, and right-to-audit provisions—alongside expert-led discussions on how cybercriminals operate and the best practices to safeguard digital gaming environments.
Panel to watch: Beyond the Bet: Securing Networks from Lateral Attacks
Keywords: Digital platforms, cyber threats, casino networks, exploiting vulnerabilities, sensitive data, robust frameworks.
What will the panel seek to answer?
- How do cybercriminals break into casinos and betting platforms? Find out how hackers gain access and move through networks without being noticed.
- What can platform providers do to keep customer data safe? Learn simple but effective ways to protect sensitive information from getting into the wrong hands.
- How can the industry defend against cyberattacks before they happen? Discover practical steps companies can take to spot threats early and stay protected.
Who should attend?
- IT and cybersecurity Professionals
- Casino & Sportsbook Operators
- Platform Providers
- Compliance Officers & Risk Managers
- C-Level Executives
- Legal and Data Privacy Specialists
Other track panels:
- Regulations & Security: A Winning Hand
- From Players to Protectors: The New Cybersecurity Vanguard
- Patch it Up: Securing Casino Networks from Cyber Loophole
Player Protection: Putting Player Safety Front and Centre
As access to gambling through online and mobile platforms continues to grow—alongside innovations in game mechanics and rising risks like cyberattacks and fraud—player needs are evolving. In turn, this demands a shift in how operators approach player protection, both strategically and operationally.
To help operators and stakeholders foster a safer, more inclusive gaming environment, the event’s conference agenda will feature a dedicated Player Protection Symposium.
Taking place on Thursday, 19 June, on Stage One, this track will bring together leading experts in player safety to explore key issues such as the impact of new regulations on player welfare, whether self-exclusion tools are helping or unintentionally driving players to unregulated markets, and how the industry can reshape its approach to responsible gambling.
Panel to watch: Technology in RG: From Targeted Messaging to AI Support
Keywords: Technology, innovation, responsible gambling, player welfare, artificial intelligence, targeted messaging, adaptation.
What will the panel seek to answer?
- How can technology help operators identify when players may be at risk? Explore how data and innovative technology are used to spot early signs of harmful gambling.
- What role does targeted messaging play in promoting responsible gambling? Learn how personalised messages can support players in real time without disrupting their experience.
- Can AI really support players who need help, and how? Discover how AI tools like chatbots or predictive models are being used to offer guidance and timely interventions.
Who should attend?
- Responsible Gambling Teams
- Player Protection Specialists
- Compliance Teams
- Data Analysts
- Product Managers
- Regulatory Affairs Managers
- Chief Technology Officers (CTO)
- Customer Support Teams
- Risk & Fraud Teams
Other track panels:
- Regulation and Responsibility: How the New Politics Affect Player Protection
- Self-Exclusion: A Plus for Protection or a Boost to the Black Market?
- It Pays to Be Positive: Changing the Direction of Reinforcement in RG
Affiliation & Advertising: Building Better Brand Awareness
Affiliation and marketing are essential components of any company’s growth strategy. A strong marketing vision can quickly transform a brand into a widely recognisable name that transcends the industry, while effective affiliate partnerships can elevate operator visibility and drive valuable traffic to affiliate platforms.
With Canada’s regulatory landscape continuing to shift—bringing new limitations on promotional offers, sign-up bonuses, and advertising practices—marketers and affiliates must constantly adapt to remain effective. To address these challenges and opportunities, the summit will feature a dedicated ‘Affiliates & Advertising’ track.
Taking place on Thursday, 18 June on Stage Two, this track will explore timely topics such as balancing ATL brand-building with BTL performance marketing, integrating responsible gambling messaging into campaigns, using branding to foster customer loyalty, and how inter-provincial collaboration can help strengthen marketing strategies across the region.
Panel to Watch: Affiliate Leaders Panel: Has Profitability Changed for Affiliates in Canada?
Keywords: Advertising, affiliation, profit, restrictions, regulation, value, operators, marketing strategies, regulation.
What will the panel seek to answer?
- Will upcoming regulatory changes in Canada open the door to more flexible affiliate advertising? Exploring whether restrictions on promos and sign-up offers are likely to shift, and what that means for affiliates.
- How can affiliates still deliver value to operators without using traditional incentive-based marketing? A look at alternative strategies for driving quality traffic and long-term engagement under current rules.
- Are affiliates at risk of becoming obsolete — or can they adapt to remain a vital part of the marketing mix? Debating the future role of affiliates in a market where other acquisition channels are gaining traction.
Who should attend?
- Affiliate Managers
- Affiliates
- Affiliate Networks
- iGaming and sports betting Operators
- Marketing Directors
- Content & SEO Specialists
- Regulatory Advisors & Consultants
Other track panels:
- iGaming Advertising in Canada: Leveraging ATL and BTL for iGaming Success
- Gaming Advertising: What’s the Problem?
- Marketing Innovation: Building Customer Loyalty Through Brand
- Homegrown Heroes: Harmonizing Regulation to Boost Canadian Innovation
Payments & Compliance: Frictionless Payments, Securely Regulated
With rapid technological innovation and an increasingly digital-first world, staying up to date with evolving payment systems and compliance strategies is a challenge—even for the most experienced industry professionals.
To support those navigating this complex landscape, the event will feature a dedicated ‘Payments & Compliance’ track, taking place on Wednesday, 18 June, on stage three.
Attendees will have the opportunity to explore some of the most pressing issues shaping the market payment and compliance landscape, including whether Canada’s current regulatory framework is equipped to handle emerging formats like sweepstakes and prediction markets, how to strengthen AML efforts, and the role of fintech innovation in shaping the future of secure, seamless transactions.
Panel to Watch: Payment Leaders Panel: Are customers really ready for Payment Tech?
Keywords: Payments, consumers, payment methods, technology, digital world, innovation, technology, inclusive gaming.
What will the panel seek to answer?
- Are Canadian bettors ready to embrace digital payment methods in a traditionally cash-and-card market? Unpacking consumer preferences and the pace of adoption across different player demographics.
- How can operators introduce new payment technologies without alienating long-time customers? Exploring strategies to blend innovation with familiarity, ensuring smooth onboarding and trust-building.
- What role do payments play in boosting loyalty, trust, and long-term player retention? A look at how seamless, secure, and user-friendly payment experiences can drive deeper engagement.
Who should attend?
- Payments Managers/ Teams
- Heads of Compliance/Compliance Teams
- Product Managers
- Customer Experience Managers
- Payment Providers
- Fintech Teams
- UX Teams
Other track panels:
- AML: Collective Action
- Geolocation, Geolocation, Geolocation!
- Sweepstakes, Prediction Markets, Crypto and Robinhood – Is Canada ready?
Join the conversation at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from June 17-19, 2025.