Responsible gambling in spotlight at Canadian Gaming Summit

With the digital age of gambling ushering in an array of cutting-edge technologies, innovative marketing initiatives and gaming experiences, player safety might risk being overlooked.

The upcoming Canadian Gaming Summit will bring the player safety discussion back to the forefront, equipping delegates with the latest safeguarding practices and ethical marketing strategies that promote growth without compromising player well-being.

The 300-person Player Protection Symposium will take place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto on Tuesday, June 18, a day before the core days of the summit. Delegates will delve into crucial player protection issues, including effective strategies for marketing responsible gambling initiatives, methods to safeguard high-stakes players, and discussions on establishing a robust yet reputable brand for operators.

Opening the symposium is the panel titled ‘Safeguarding the Stakes: Strategies for Player Protection at the VIP/High Roller Level,’ which will address the pressing need to protect high-stake players. Speakers Martin Lycka (SVP Regulatory Affairs and Responsible Gaming, Entain), Bill Pascrell III (Partner, PPAG), Adi Markus (Director of Customer Success, Optimove) and moderator Jay Robinson (Principal, JR Consulting), will discuss additional measures operators can put in place to protect players. They will examine the latest player monitoring technologies and establish a framework to enhance the standard of care for VIP players.

The panel Ethical Engagement: Harmonizing Branding and Responsible Gaming Efforts will examine how branding can effectively bolster responsible gambling initiatives. Industry experts Sarah Brennan (Sr Director Compliance, BetMGM), Aaron GlynWilliams (Director Social Responsibility, OLG), Riona Mohan (Director of Marketing, Betty), Jacob Hargaden-Llewellin (Country Manager Canada, LeoVegas) and moderator Ilkim Hincer (Partner, Fogler) will examine the relationship between responsible gaming and marketing teams. They will also discuss the most effective strategies to portray authentic customer care and ensure player trust.

The panel titled Navigating Responsible Marketing: Ensuring Compliance and Promoting Safe Gambling Practices will explore the best practices for marketing teams aiming to promote products in a responsible and ethical manner. Industry experts Gavin Whiteley (CMO, Great Canadian Entertainment), Ryan McCarthy (Director of Player Health, BCLC) and Tyjondah Kerr (Director of Social Responsibility, OLG), will delve into the most effective marketing practices to prevent regulatory scrutiny and public backlash. They will also discuss how brands can avoid marketing to vulnerable players and assess the risks and benefits of utilizing high-profile celebrity endorsements.

Concluding the symposium is the panel Unified Visions, Diverse Paths: Responsible Gaming Initiatives Across Canadian Provinces, which will delve into the diverse approaches adopted by provinces in promoting responsible gambling. Esteemed speakers Paul Burns (President, Canadian Gaming Association), Catherine Jarmaine (Director, Industry Programs and Monitoring, iGaming Ontario) and panel moderator Mike Maodus (Senior Associate, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP​) will explore the array of responsible gambling programs implemented across provinces. They will also exchange provincial insights and discuss effective solutions beneficial to all provinces.