The recent SBC Summit Canada in Toronto highlighted the evolving landscape of the gaming industry, focusing on regulation, responsible gambling, and market expansion. With Alberta's market launch approaching, discussions were rich and diverse, reflecting the sector's urgency to adapt and innovate. Industry leaders gathered to forge connections and share insights, marking a pivotal moment for the Canadian gaming sector.
The return of SBC Summit Canada to Toronto last week marked a significant moment for the gaming industry, bringing together key players at a time when the Canadian gaming sector is poised for transformation. As Alberta prepares to launch its regulated market in July, discussions around topics such as regulation, responsible gambling, advertising reform, cybersecurity, and market expansion were at the forefront.
Taking place from May 19-21 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, this year’s summit was the inaugural event under the SBC Summit Canada branding, having rebranded from the Canadian Gaming Summit. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation and urgency, reflecting the rapid evolution of Canada’s gaming landscape.
Rasmus Sojmark, CEO and Founder of SBC, emphasized the importance of Canada's role in the global gaming conversation. He noted,
This year's discussions highlighted Canada's growing significance in the global gaming industry, showcasing the urgency of topics such as regulation and player protection.
Over the course of three days, a diverse group of stakeholders gathered, including operators, suppliers, regulators, government officials, and technology companies. Attendees described the summit as the central meeting point for the industry in Canada, where meaningful connections were forged.
Alberta's upcoming market launch was a defining theme of the summit. Minister Dale Nally delivered a keynote address titled "Launching Alberta’s Safe, Regulated iGaming Future," positioning the province as a focal point for industry discussions. The presence of representatives from the Alberta iGaming Corporation and the AGLC underscored the significance of Alberta's regulatory framework.
Dan Keene, CEO of AiGC, participated in a live session of The Safe Bet Show, where he discussed the province's approach to regulation and responsible market entry. He highlighted the summit's role in preparing stakeholders for the impending launch, stating,
Our goal is to transition the illegal market into a regulated space, and the summit has been invaluable for networking and engagement.
The conference agenda prominently featured discussions on the regulatory and operational challenges that the industry faces as it seeks to expand. Topics ranged from advertising reform and artificial intelligence to cybersecurity and player protection. The upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup was also highlighted as a catalyst for growth and innovation.
Tom Burdakin, Vice President of Marketing at FanDuel, expressed excitement about the potential impact of Alberta's market and the World Cup. He noted,
In a year, we may look back and see these moments as pivotal in transforming the industry.
While 64.6% of attendees hailed from Canada, the summit successfully attracted an international audience, reinforcing Canada’s growing prominence in the global gaming industry dialogue. The exhibition floor showcased a wide array of companies, from sportsbook technology and payments to compliance and marketing solutions, reflecting the diverse Canadian gaming ecosystem.
Tracy Parker, Senior Vice President at the Responsible Gambling Council, pointed out the collaborative spirit evident throughout the event. She remarked,
The vibrant mix of stakeholders from land-based gaming, iGaming, and lotteries highlights a growing collaborative approach within the industry.
Many attendees recognized the summit as a unique platform for dialogue and networking. Thomas Metzer, CEO of Lotto.com, emphasized the opportunity to share stories and engage in productive conversations about the industry's future. Meanwhile, Paul Pellizzari, Vice President of Global Social Responsibility at Hard Rock International, noted that the event provides balanced representation from across the industry spectrum.
With nearly half of the attendees holding senior decision-making roles, the summit has established itself as a high-level business and policy forum. Amanda Brewer, Senior Vice President of Policy & Communications at the Canadian Gaming Association, highlighted the caliber of networking opportunities available, stating,
The level of attendees here indicates the importance of the conversations taking place.
Executives and industry leaders utilized the event to drive strategic discussions and explore potential partnerships. Jeff Laniado, Director of Sales at Optimove, noted the wide representation across various sectors, while Mark Wrigley, Head of Betting at F1, emphasized the significance of engaging with high-level decision-makers.
As the summit concluded, Sojmark reiterated the importance of SBC Summit Canada as a platform for the industry to come together and shape its future. He expressed pride in providing a venue for meaningful dialogue, stating,
We are proud to be the gathering point for industry discussions on what lies ahead.
With Alberta's market launch on the horizon and the excitement surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the conversations held at this year's summit could very well define the trajectory of Canada's gaming industry in the coming years.
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