Canada starts the year with eyes on the Canadian Gaming Summit 2025
As Canada ushers in 2025, excitement is building across the nation’s burgeoning iGaming sector for the arrival of this years edition of the Canadian Gaming Summit. Set to take place over the course of three days between June 17-19, the summit will see business executives, platform developers and gaming enthusiasts alike travel from across Canada to come together and discuss the latest developments in the iGaming world. And, considering the rapid growth currently underway in Canadian iGaming, this year’s edition promises to be the biggest yet, with an estimated 3,000 industry professionals expected. Whether you’re looking to see the latest innovations in digital gaming technology or wanting to meet likeminded people and open up constructive discussion, here’s all you need to know about this year’s summit.
Canada’s emerging iGaming scene
Online gambling in Canada has undergone somewhat of a transformation over the past few years following legislative changes by several provinces across Canada. Most notably, Ontario launched its own regulated iGaming market in 2022, allowing private operators to offer internet gambling services under the oversight of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). The impact of this has been profound with Ontario online casinos proving hugely popular with players, providing them a regulated environment in which to play their favorite games. Furthermore, the province has reaped the rewards, taking in just over $3 billion in gambling revenue last year. Ontario’s success has not gone unnoticed either, with neighboring Alberta expected to launch their own market some time this year. Looking ahead, several other provinces could soon follow their lead.
Conference to focus in on industry insights
It is not a coincidence therefore that the summit is held in Toronto, the capital of Canada’s online gambling hub. At the core of the event will be a two-day conference, in which 150 speakers from across the Canadian gaming industry will showcase their latest projects, share success stories, and discuss the key challenges that lie ahead. With a diverse range of topics set to be discussed including the impact of novel technologies like crypto and AI on business operations as well as how government regulations might effect the industry in the future, the conference presents the perfect stage for gaming professionals to share ideas and generate valuable discussion. While this year’s speakers are yet to be announced, looking at last year’s event which included the likes of Karin Schnarr, CEO of the AGCO, and Jean-François Bergeron, CEO of Loto-Québec, attendees will be expecting an equally high caliber lineup.
Summit exhibition to showcase products and services
As well as the keynote speakers, those that attend the summit will be able to get themselves acquainted with all of the latest products and services on offer by parading round the Trade Show floor. Here they’ll find tons of leading suppliers and partners of the Canadian gambling industry, from leading marketing teams and digital payment providers all the way to sports data companies and gaming developers. For those in the industry, this is the perfect opportunity to see what is on the market that could enhance their current business operations while ensuring they are up to date with the latest trends in an ever-evolving gambling scene. As the industry looks to continue on its rapid upward trajectory, exhibitions like the one at the Canadian Gaming Summit will help to bring businesses together and drive further innovation.
An unparalleled networking opportunity
Away from the impressive range of presentations, expert panels and exhibition stalls, the summit also presents the perfect networking opportunity to those in the industry, with a range of exciting networking events taking place across the three-day event. The summit starts with its famed opening party where attendees can collect their conference badges and enjoy complimentary drinks while introducing themselves to fellow gaming professionals. With last year’s opening party held at the legendary RS Sports Bar, 2025’s attendees will be expecting an equally amazing setting. The following day will see guests invited to attend the official networking party in which further complimentary food and drinks will be served up as well as a live DJ. It’s not just evening entertainment either, with a whole host of networking lounges setup in the conference space itself. Make sure to check out the coffee lounge and catering areas during the day where you can enjoy hot drinks and snacks while chatting with colleagues and potential new partners. Interactions like these truly are the beating heart of the summit, able to spark innovative projects and potentially shape the future outlook of the industry. With a friendly environment that encourages cross-disciplinary discussion, it is these spaces where real development can be made.
Thinking of attending?
For those thinking of attending, tickets can be purchased from the Canadian Gaming Summit website. With an early bird discount of $300, be quick to make sure you can take advantage of this impressive price cut. The summit takes place at the Metro Toronto Convention Center in the heart of the city so ensure you book a hotel within a reasonable distance so you don’t mibss a thing. Check out the best hotels in Toronto here and look for what gives you the best bang for your buck. Before arriving, make sure to download the SBC Connect Plus app, purpose built to aid attendees with effectively organizing their experience, connecting them with other delegates and alerting them to important daily events.
As Canadian gaming continues to grow and evolve, events like the Canadian Gaming Summit feel more important than ever. With rapidly developing technologies and updated regulations constantly shifting the boundaries of the sector, the summit offers industry members a vital chance to share knowledge and collaborate on new ideas. As such, the pooling of talent will allow the industry to overcome its current challenges and create an even stronger industry going forward. This year’s summit could prove to be a pivotal event.
