Canada
CGS focuses on pillars of business with ‘Leadership & Growth’ conference track

The highly anticipated Canadian Gaming Summit is fast approaching, promising an exciting lineup of events. In addition to an innovative exhibition floor, insightful panels and expert speakers, industry delegates will have a valuable opportunity to delve into the essential pillars of prosperous business decision-making through the dedicated conference track called ‘Leadership & Growth’.
Taking place on the last day of the event (Thursday, 15th June) at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, the ‘Leadership & Growth’ conference track will provide delegates with a diverse collection of insightful discussions on topics such as Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority’s (SIGA) unique business model and how socially responsible gaming practices can be utilized to drive growth. Additionally, there will be a variety of exclusive roundtable discussions on regulatory and market developments, the intricacies of several Canadian provinces and the work of First Nations-led businesses and sports teams.
With a wealth of talent and ideas emerging in Canada, embodying strong leadership and innovative growth strategies, industry startups will get the opportunity to compete at the inaugural Canadian Gaming Summit ‘First Pitch’ competition, which shines a light on the best and brightest of the region.
Whittling the extensive list of applications down to just five, the finalists will present their product in front of a live audience and judging panel consisting of Benjie Cherniak (Principal, Avenue H Capital), Scott Secord, (Partner, Cardinal Sports Capital), Emily Mcllquham (Investment Analyst, Relay Ventures), Mohit Kansal (Managing Director, Clarivest) and Dani Lipkin (Managing Director Global Innovation, TMX Group)
The ‘Responsible gaming as a foundation for growth’ panel, will explore the importance of social responsibility in the Canadian gambling market. The industry-led panel will explore the benefits of incorporating social responsibilities and how player protection can drive growth through improved relationships with players and provincial regulators.
The panel will consist of Nav Sandhawalia (Chief Compliance & Risk Officer, Niagara Casinos), Aaron GlynWilliams (Director, Social Responsibility, OLG), Shelley White (CEO, Responsible Gaming Council), Dan Spencer (Director of Safer Gambling, EPIC Risk Management) and Jacob Coin (Executive Advisor to Chairman, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians), with Martin Lycka (SVP American Regulatory Affairs and Responsible Gambling, Entain) moderating the panel.
Closing the conference agenda is the panel ‘Social responsibility & ESG: Championing from within’, which will highlight the necessity of meaningful ESG implementation as the gaming industry continues to grow. Canada is built upon its heterogeneous society and environmental values and therefore it is imperative for operators and regulators to encompass diversity, inclusion and sustainability to ensure survival and longevity.
The expert-led panel will consist of Paul Pellizzari (VP Global Social Responsibility, Hard Rock), Catherine Meade (VP Community, Sustainability & Social Responsibility, OLG), Chuck Keeling (Executive Vice President, Stakeholder Engagement, Community and Social Responsibility, Great Canadian Gaming Corporation) and Anna Eleazer (Head of Diversity & Inclusion, BetMGM), with Russell Mifsud (Director & Gaming Lead, KPMG) moderating the panel.
Across the event, attendees will have the opportunity to partake in a diverse selection of other conference tracks around Payment & Compliance, iGaming, Sports betting as well as exclusive industry roundtables.
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.
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