The Canadian Gaming Summit 2025 is your ultimate knowledge hub for all things Canada.
Here’s why.
From June 17-19, 2025, the Metro Toronto Convention Centre will host 150+ industry-leading speakers, bringing together regulators, operators, affiliates, technology innovators, and compliance experts to tackle the biggest challenges and opportunities in Canadian gaming.
What’s on the agenda?
Deep dives into topics like the future of sports betting and casino gaming, the rise of women’s sports betting, the challenges facing affiliates under strict advertising laws, and the untapped potential of digital payments in a market still dominated by cash and cards.
This blog post breaks down the five key themes set to take center stage at the summit, highlighting the most relevant panels so you can decide if this event is the right fit for you.
Regulation & Compliance: The Ever-Shifting Sands of Canadian Gaming
At the Canadian Gaming Summit 2025, the spotlight is firmly on the evolving political and regulatory landscapes that will shape the sector’s future. With Bill S-269 stalling, the AGCO’s regulatory evolution, and ongoing debates around First Nations partnerships, there’s no shortage of hot-button topics. Meanwhile, looming questions around AML (Anti-Money Laundering) compliance, self-exclusion policies, and the legality of crypto betting continue to stir the pot.
For those who like their gaming discussions with a side of high-stakes policy battles, these panels are must-attends:
- Brave New World? Politics and gaming in Canada
A deep-dive into the biggest political and regulatory shifts shaking up the industry. With Bill S-269 on ice, Ontario’s Court of Appeal ruling on international liquidity, and uncertainty at both federal and provincial levels, where does the industry go from here? - Updates from Ontario
Ontario’s gaming market is booming—but behind the record-breaking revenues, operators are adjusting to a new playing field. With AGCO granting iGO independence, could international liquidity make a comeback, unlocking new opportunities for sportsbooks and casinos? - Are affiliates going to be the next to be regulated?
With strict advertising laws already curbing affiliate profits, could the next step be full-scale regulatory oversight? This panel dissects the evolving landscape, asking whether affiliates can survive—or even thrive—without traditional marketing tools like sign-up bonuses and promos. - Canada for Crypto: what are the regulations around bitcoins and betting?
Crypto enthusiasts have long seen Bitcoin and blockchain as the future of gaming, but where does Canada stand on regulation? From legal gray areas to compliance hurdles, this session unpacks the complex relationship between crypto and Canada’s gaming industry.
Player Protection & Responsible Gambling: Safeguarding the Player
The conversation around responsible gambling has never been more pressing, and at the Canadian Gaming Summit 2025, it takes center stage. As the industry expands, so does the need for stronger player protection frameworks, innovative self-exclusion models, and technology-driven solutions that promote safe and sustainable play.
At the heart of these discussions is the Player Protection Symposium, a dedicated track that delves into the political, technological, and ethical considerations shaping responsible gambling (RG). From the impact of AI in problem gambling detection to integrity measures that safeguard sports betting, these sessions tackle the most urgent challenges operators face today.
Key panels to watch:
- Regulation and responsibility: how the new politics affect player protection
Political landscapes are shifting, and player protection policies are shifting with them. This panel examines how regulatory changes at the provincial and federal levels will affect responsible gambling programs, compliance expectations, and industry accountability. - Self-exclusion: a plus for protection or a boost to the black market?
Self-exclusion is a pillar of responsible gambling, but is it truly working? Some argue it’s pushing vulnerable players toward offshore, unregulated markets where safeguards don’t exist. This discussion evaluates the effectiveness of self-exclusion programs and whether reforms are needed. - Technology in RG: from targeted messaging to AI support
The next frontier in player protection is technology. AI and data-driven solutions are being used to identify at-risk players, intervene in real-time, and provide personalized RG messaging. But how effective are these tools, and where does privacy and ethical responsibility come into play? - Integrity in betting: setting a standard for Canada
Match-fixing and fraud continue to pose serious threats to sports betting integrity. With organizations like IBIA and PFA Canada leading the charge, this panel explores how data analytics, monitoring systems, and athlete education programs are helping create a fairer, more transparent betting ecosystem. - It Pays to Be Positive: Changing the Direction of Reinforcement in RG
Traditionally, responsible gambling messaging has been centered around restriction and deterrence. But could a more positive, empowering approach yield better results? This session examines new ways to reinforce healthy gaming behaviors, shifting from problem-centric narratives to proactive engagement strategies.
Market Growth & Innovation: The Next Chapter for Canadian Gaming
Canada’s gaming industry is evolving at a breakneck pace, and market growth isn’t just about expansion—it’s about adaptation. As sports betting and online casinos continue to dominate, operators are looking for new ways to differentiate themselves, attract fresh audiences, and stay ahead of shifting regulations.
At the Canadian Gaming Summit 2025, the Sports Betting & Casino track takes a deep dive into the biggest opportunities and challenges shaping the future. From the rise of omnichannel strategies and Alberta’s much-anticipated market opening to cutting-edge betting innovations and the resurgence of Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS), this track is all about unlocking growth in a competitive market.
Key panels to watch:
- To market, to market: where will the new customers come from?
Canada’s gaming boom is settling into a period of consolidation, making it harder than ever for sportsbooks to stand out and scale. With Alberta still in regulatory limbo, operators must find ways to grow within existing constraints. This panel explores strategies for market differentiation, player retention, and long-term sustainability. - Opening up Alberta – how will the tables turn?
Alberta’s long-awaited entry into the regulated online gambling space has been repeatedly delayed. Will 2025 be the year it finally happens? This session examines political shifts, stakeholder negotiations, and regulatory hurdles that could determine whether Alberta becomes Canada’s next big iGaming battleground. - Betting on women in betting: the rise of women sports
The WNBA is coming to Canada, and women’s sports betting is on the rise. But who is betting on women’s sports? And how can operators capitalize on this growing demand while ensuring engagement is sustainable and responsible? With leagues like the PWHL gaining traction, this panel explores how operators can tap into a new and expanding audience segment. - Innovations in betting: micro and more
Micro-betting is no longer just a trend—it’s a movement. The ability to wager on every pass, shot, and possession is revolutionizing sports betting engagement. But with increased play comes new regulatory and responsible gambling considerations. This discussion explores how operators can strike the perfect balance between innovation, player protection, and revenue growth. - The DFS question: is there a future for fantasy?
DFS (Daily Fantasy Sports) has been stuck in limbo in Ontario since the introduction of regulated online gaming in 2022. If Ontario relaxes its stance on liquidity rules, could DFS operators flood back into the market? And what does this mean for the future of fantasy gaming in Canada? This panel brings together industry experts to discuss whether DFS is a relic of the past or the next big opportunity.
Advertising & Affiliation Challenges: Navigating a New Era of Marketing
For affiliates and operators in Canada, marketing isn’t just about creativity—it’s about survival. With tight advertising restrictions limiting traditional promotional tactics, affiliates are being forced to rethink their approach, find new ways to drive traffic, and prove their value in an increasingly restrictive landscape.
At the Canadian Gaming Summit 2025, the Affiliates & Advertising track tackles the big questions facing digital marketers, affiliates, and operators. Can affiliates remain profitable under current regulations? Will further restrictions make it even harder to operate? And what alternative marketing strategies can help brands build loyalty and engagement in a world where sign-up bonuses and aggressive promotions are off the table?
Key panels to watch:
- Affiliate leaders panel: has profitability changed for affiliates in Canada?
Affiliates in Canada don’t have the same tools as their counterparts in other markets. With restrictions on promo codes, sign-up offers, and direct advertising, many are finding profitability harder to sustain. This panel explores whether new regulatory shifts could ease the burden—or if affiliates must reinvent their business models entirely. - Advertising regulations in the new political paradigm: back to basics?
Canada’s ever-evolving regulatory landscape continues to reshape how operators and affiliates engage with audiences. Are stricter advertising regulations on the horizon? This discussion examines whether brands will need to return to grassroots marketing tactics, leveraging content, education, and organic engagement rather than direct promotions. - Marketing innovation: building customer loyalty through brand
In a market where aggressive acquisition tactics are no longer an option, brand loyalty is the new battleground. But how do you build trust and engagement without traditional incentives? This session explores innovative approaches to marketing, from content-driven strategies to community-building efforts and long-term engagement models that keep players coming back.
Payments, Technology & Cybersecurity: The Digital Evolution of Gaming
As technology continues to reshape the gaming industry, the balance between innovation, security, and user experience has never been more critical. From digital payments and geolocation compliance to cybersecurity threats and omnichannel integration, the industry faces both exciting opportunities and serious challenges.
At the Canadian Gaming Summit 2025, experts across payments, compliance, and tech will tackle key questions: How can operators introduce digital payment solutions without alienating customers who prefer cash and card transactions? How does geolocation technology ensure compliance in an increasingly fragmented regulatory landscape? And with cyber threats on the rise, what new security measures are essential to protect players and platforms?
Key panels to watch:
- Payment Leaders Panel: Are customers really ready for payment tech?
While the industry is racing toward cashless payments, digital wallets, and blockchain solutions, Canadian players still show a strong preference for traditional payment methods. This session explores how operators can bridge the gap, ensuring a seamless transition to modern payment solutions without disrupting player trust and experience. - Geolocation, Geolocation, Geolocation!
With Canada’s patchwork of provincial regulations, ensuring players bet within legal jurisdictions is more critical than ever. This session unpacks how geolocation compliance technology is evolving, preventing unauthorized access, and keeping operators on the right side of the law. - Cybersecurity Symposium (Various Sessions), sponsored by OLG.
As fraud, hacking, and data breaches become more sophisticated, iGaming platforms must stay ahead of emerging threats. This symposium brings together top security experts to discuss how operators can protect customer data, prevent cyberattacks, and ensure a safer betting environment for all players. - Omnichannel marches on: are the bricks-and-mortar crowd catching up?
A wave of omnichannel launches across Canadian casinos is already reshaping the player experience, but what’s next? This session dives into the critical moves operators must make in branding, technology, and gameplay to ensure they are reaching customers at every touchpoint—online, in-person, and beyond.
Join the conversation at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from June 17-19, 2025.