Canadian Gaming Summit announces ‘Land-Based’ conference track

With the post-pandemic world fixated on the digital realm, what does this mean for the future of Land-Based sports betting and gaming? The ‘Land-Based’ conference track at the 26th edition of the renowned Canadian Gaming Summit - the country’s premier gaming and betting event- is set to discuss the future of land-based gaming in a digital world. 

The ‘Land-Based’ conference track will take place on Wednesday June 14th at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The event will include a conference agenda consisting of an unparalleled selection of industry luminaries, discussing the place of traditional verticals such as Horse Racing, Lottery and Bingo in a digital world, the emergence of omnichannel formats and the wider tension between tech trends and well-established cultural affinities.

Kicking off the conference track is the panel ‘Lessons learned from community & charitable gaming”, which will discuss the ways in which non-profit charities and commercial operators can remain viable and relevant. As the wider industry continues to evolve, expert speakers will explore what is required of Charitable Gaming in order to adapt and navigate a path for the future.  

Panelists include Peter McMahon (CEO, CGAO), Lynn Cassidy (Executive Director, OCGA), Diane Gartshore (Strategic Advisor, CGAO), David Fraser (Senior Director, Charitable Gaming, OLG) with Richard Schwar (Director of Operations, OCGA) moderating the panel.

The panel ‘Bringing emerging technology and innovation to land-based gaming’, will explore the integration of innovative technology with land-based products. Expert speakers will discuss whether iGaming and technology will hinder land-based revenue or reinvigorate it, and how land-based operators can work together with manufacturers to herald in a new era of innovation that benefits both parties.  

The panel will consist of Richard Roberts (President of Digital Gaming, Mohegan Entertainment), Byron Bridger (VP Commercial, MD - Canada, iGaming, Light & Wonder), Thy Prak (AVP Gaming Operations, Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority) with Larry Flynn (President, 2 Vice Advice Inc.) moderating the panel. 

Speakers on the ‘Talent on the ground: sourcing diverse talent in Canada as companies grow their operations’ panel, will discuss the expanding Canadian workforce in the industry. With many operators new to the Canadian landscape, panelists will explore how operators can integrate the best local talent whilst ensuring an inclusive and diverse workforce. 

The panel will feature guest speaker Chantal Cipriano (Vice President - Legal, Compliance & People, PointsBet Canada) and Carrie Kormos (Chief Communications & Marketing Officer, Gateway Casinos & Entertainment) with Katie Lever (General Counsel, Chief Privacy Officer & Corporate Secretary, Great Canadian Entertainment) moderating the panel.  

Rasmus Sojmark, CEO & Founder or SBC, said: “Land-Based gaming is the foundation of the industry and continues to offer opportunities for growth and innovation. Whether your interest is in commercial casinos or Lotteries, the scope of this conference track will be far reaching, ensuring everyone leaves equipped to navigate the future of Land-Based operations successfully.”

Across the event there will be a variety of conference tracks including Payments & Compliance, Leadership & Growth and iGaming, an extensive exhibition floor and an exclusive fireside chat with keynote speakers Ray Pineault (Chief Executive Officer, Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment) & Ilkim Hincer (EVP & Chief Legal Officer, Hard Rock International).