Canada
The Canadian Gaming Association Announces Appointment of New Chair, Vice-Chair

The Canadian Gaming Association (CGA) today announced the appointment of llkim Hincer, Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer, Hard Rock International, as Chair, and George Sweny, Vice-President, Compliance, Flutter Entertainment, as Vice-Chair of the CGA’s Board of Directors.
“I am pleased that Ilkim has accepted the role of Chair of the Board of Directors,” said Paul Burns, President, and CEO of the CGA. “I’ve known Ilkim for years and have followed his notable career in the gaming industry. Ilkim has a strong track record with some of the world’s largest gaming operators, both here in Canada and in the United States. I look forward to working alongside him as we bounce back from the pandemic and position the CGA to capitalize on all of the exciting technology, iGaming, and sports betting developments across Canada.”
“I’m honored to serve as Chair. The CGA has played a key role in helping our industry weather this incredibly challenging pandemic. I want to thank Carrie Kormos for her transformational leadership during her term as Chair, and look forward to working with Paul, the Board, and our many diverse stakeholders as we recover and continue to grow in these rapidly evolving times,” said Hincer.
Ilkim and George will join Danielle Bush, Partner, McCarthy Tétrault LLP, and Robert Scarpelli, Managing Director, HLT Advisory Inc., who hold the roles of Corporate Secretary and Treasurer on the CGA’s Board.
The Full 2021/2022 CGA Board of Directors
- llkim Hincer, EVP & Chief Legal Officer, Hard Rock International, Chair
- George Sweny, Vice President Compliance, Flutter Entertainment, Vice-Chair
- Danielle Bush, Partner McCarthy Tétrault LLP, Corporate Secretary
- Rob Scarpelli, Managing Director, HLT Advisory Inc., Treasurer
- Scott Burton, CEO, FansUnite Entertainment Inc.
- Dean Ehrlich, EVP & Games Business Leader, Everi
- Neil Erlick, Chief Corporate Development Officer, Nuvei
- David Flinn, Regional Vice President Sales, Canada, South America, Central America, IGT
- Jeffrey Haas, SVP International Strategy, DraftKings
- Chuck Keeling, EVP Stakeholder Relations & Responsible Gambling, Great Canadian Gaming Corporation
- Carrie Kormos, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, Gateway Casinos & Entertainment
- Adriane McGrath, Director, Business Development, Konami Gaming Inc.
- Bob Parente, EVP & Chief Revenue Officer, Gaming, Scientific Games
- Richard Taylor, President, Niagara Casinos
- Shelley White, President & CEO, Responsible Gambling Council
Source: Canadian Gaming Association
Canada
Thunderkick commits to growth in Ontario with Betty partnership

Independent slots studio Thunderkick has agreed a deal with Ontario-based operator Betty to supply the rapidly growing online casino with a diverse collection of globally popular titles.
Betty, an official partner of sporting franchises Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors, has risen to prominence since its 2022 establishment, when it was built following the consultation of 300 casino players to create the optimal iGaming environment.
Distinguishing itself from North American competitors by catering specifically to slot enthusiasts rather than sports bettors, the operator has curated a portfolio of 2,800 games, hand-picked to deliver customers maximum entertainment value.
Thunderkick’s content is the latest to be integrated into Betty’s online casino, and the agreement will see a selection of its most popular titles, including The Wildos 2, Midas Golden Touch 3, and Esqueleto Explosivo 3, made available to a greater number of Ontarian players.
Thunderkick marked its debut in the Canadian province in Q2 of 2024, and has since partnered with a network of leading operators to improve its market position. The collaboration with Betty will further amplify its visibility in a key jurisdiction as the provider looks to reinforce its reputation as a global slot developer.
Svante Sahlström, CCO at Thunderkick, said: “It’s our mission at Thunderkick to go deeper, not wider, in 2025. That means forging meaningful, lasting relationships in target markets as opposed to securing as many commercial deals as possible.
“Since entering Ontario over 12 months ago, we have worked tirelessly to enhance our presence in the province, and working with leading brands such as Betty allows us to bring our unique games to a deeper pool of Canadian players.”
Paraskeva Smirnova, Casino Operations Manager at Betty, added: “Betty’s USP has always been our drive to build a slot portfolio with the very best titles from the industry’s most creative suppliers.
“Thunderkick’s passion for slot development is there for all to see, and the introduction of its games to our casino further elevates the consumer experience.”
Canada
Save the Date: BCLC’s New Horizons in Safer Gambling Conference Returns November 2026

BCLC is pleased to announce the return of the New Horizons in Safer Gambling Conference, taking place November 2–4, 2026, at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver.
This global event brings leading voices in research, policy and industry together to explore innovative approaches to safer gambling. Attendees can expect two days of forward-thinking dialogue, evidence-based insights and collaborative solutions to help shape the future of player health.
Sponsorship Opportunities Now Available
New to the 2026 conference, BCLC is excited to offer sponsorship opportunities to organizations that share BCLC’s passion for safer gambling. Benefits of sponsoring New Horizons 2026 include industry visibility, leadership recognition and meaningful engagement with a global audience. To learn more about sponsorship, please e-mail [email protected].
Registration and program details will be released later this fall.
Canada
absolutebet Secures AGCO Registration as an Internet Gaming Operator in Ontario

Internet Gaming Operator by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
This significant milestone authorizes absolutebet to offer regulated iGaming services in Ontario’s legal market under the oversight of AGCO and iGaming Ontario (iGO).
The registration marks a key step in absolutebet’s mission to bring a trusted, responsible, and innovative online casino experience to Ontario players. absolutebet is committed to operating with integrity and transparency, meeting all provincial standards for player protection, responsible gambling, anti-money laundering, and game integrity.
“Securing AGCO registration is more than a milestone—it’s the start of absolutebet’s journey in one of the most exciting regulated markets in the world,” said Chen Truman, Founder of absolutebet. “We are building a brand that will grow with the Ontario community and set the stage for future expansion.”
On the regulatory milestone, Krisztina Kalla, Legal & Regulatory Compliance Advisor of absolutebet, commented: “I’m incredibly proud to see all the hard work behind this license pay off. Securing AGCO registration has taken months of preparation and close collaboration with regulators and partners. I am very happy to see the result of that work, and even more excited as we move into the launch phase and open up the absolutebet community to Ontario players in a fun and responsible way.”
Ontario is recognized as one of the most competitive and fast-growing regulated iGaming markets in North America. With AGCO registration secured, absolutebet will move forward with the final stages of its iGO onboarding process in preparation for launch.
-
Latest News7 days ago
EstrelaBet to offer Opta-powered stats markets and premium live football streaming in extensive partnership with Stats Perform
-
Gambling in the USA7 days ago
GAMING INDUSTRY’S TOP CEOs BILL HORNBUCKLE, PETER JACKSON & JASON ROBINS TO KEYNOTE G2E 2025
-
Latest News6 days ago
Genius Sports Expands its Long-term Partnership with Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook
-
Canada6 days ago
Save the Date: BCLC’s New Horizons in Safer Gambling Conference Returns November 2026
-
Canada6 days ago
Thunderkick commits to growth in Ontario with Betty partnership
-
Latest News6 days ago
Aviatrix partners with TQJ and joins the Bet do Milhão portfolio
-
Latest News6 days ago
Bede Gaming awarded NASPL Associate Membership
-
Compliance Updates5 days ago
MGCB Renews Licenses for Detroit’s Three Commercial Casinos, Highlighting Continued Community and Economic Impact