SBC Summit Canada returns to Toronto ahead of Alberta market launch

(AsiaGameHub) –   SBC Summit Canada is set to return to Toronto next week during a transformative period for the nation’s gambling sector. Key discussions will focus on the upcoming launch of Alberta’s regulated market, increasing pressure regarding advertising limits, and the high expectations surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from May 19-21, this year’s event is the first since rebranding from the Canadian Gaming Summit. More than 3,000 industry professionals are expected to participate in the only event in the country focused exclusively on the betting and gaming sectors.

With Alberta’s regulated market scheduled to open in June, suppliers, affiliates, and operators are moving quickly to establish their presence in what is projected to be a major North American gaming hub. Simultaneously, the industry is navigating uncertainty from Bill S-211 and proposed advertising bans, while the 2026 FIFA World Cup offers a significant chance for sportsbooks to engage with the country’s growing interest in soccer.

These industry shifts will drive the summit’s three-stage conference program, which includes tracks dedicated to leadership, sports wagering, lottery and land-based gaming, marketing and affiliates, payments, and regulatory compliance.

The schedule also features two specialized tracks on player safety and cybersecurity. The Cybersecurity in Gaming Summit, hosted by OLG, will analyze how companies are addressing digital threats, managing AI-related risks, and improving organizational security. Meanwhile, the Player Protection Symposium will look at moving beyond basic regulatory compliance to foster more proactive strategies for player health.

Other sessions will explore how operators can turn World Cup interest into long-term customer loyalty, the evolution of omnichannel strategies for land-based and lottery brands, and how firms can prepare for regulatory changes in Alberta and advertising reform.

The event will also host several masterclasses on vital operational and legal topics. IMGL will lead sessions on quasi-gambling and grey market activities in Canada, while Lucien Wijsman will conduct workshops on player psychology, pricing models, and the synergy between digital and physical casinos.

Over the two-day conference, attendees will hear from a lineup of more than 150 expert speakers. Wednesday’s program begins with an address from Duncan Hannay (President, OLG), followed by a keynote from Nell Watson (Chief Scientist, EthicsNet / Creed Space) regarding the impact of autonomous AI on trust and security in gaming. Ahead of the June market launch in Alberta, Dale Nally (Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction) will provide insights into the province’s new iGaming framework.

The speaker roster also includes Jennifer Aguiar (Chief Compliance Officer, DraftKings), Jared Beber (CEO, Bet99), Tom Burdakin (VP of Marketing, FanDuel), Stan Cho (Minister of Tourism & Gaming, Ontario), Andrew Garven (Head of Affiliate Marketing, Bet99), Joseph Hillier (CEO, iGaming Ontario), Yohan Mathew (Director of Marketing, BetMGM), Andrew Moreno (Assistant Vice President of Business Development and Government Affairs, bet365), Scott Vanderwel (CEO, PointsBet Canada), Tim Whitehead (Sportsbook Director, DraftKings), and Mark Wrigley (Head of Betting, F1).

The exhibition floor will feature the organizations driving the future of the Canadian gaming market, providing attendees with access to the latest services and technologies. Participants can explore new product launches and engage with the teams behind them. Confirmed exhibitors include Altenar, Gigadat, iGaming Ontario, Bet Rite, Payper, Soft2Bet, Top Alliance, Optimove, Paramount Commerce, and others.

Reflecting on the upcoming summit, Rasmus Sojmark, CEO & Founder of SBC, noted: “The Canadian gaming industry is currently experiencing significant momentum, which is evident in the high caliber of our speakers and the quality of the agenda. We are excited to host thousands of delegates in Toronto for what will be our most ambitious Canadian event yet.”

In addition to the conference and exhibition, the summit offers various on-site networking opportunities. Highlights include the Global Gaming Women Breakfast on May 20 and the First Nations Breakfast on May 21, along with several networking lounges located throughout the venue.

VIP Event Pass holders will also have access to two exclusive evening functions:

• SBC Summit Canada Opening Party — May 19 at RS Sports Bar (badge pickup available)
• SBC Summit Canada Official Networking Party — May 20 at The Rec Room

For more information prior to the event, SBC’s Tom Nightingale (Editor, Canadian Gaming Business) recently appeared on iGaming Daily to discuss the current state of the Canadian market and the regulatory topics expected to lead the conversation at SBC Summit Canada.

Registration is now open for those wishing to attend SBC Summit Canada.

*VIP Event Pass holders also receive entry to the co-located Canada Fintech Symposium, an event exploring the intersection of financial innovation, compliance, and payments within regulated sectors.