2025 Canadian Gaming Summit Finishes with Unprecedented Attendance

The 2025 Canadian Gaming Summit, held last week in Toronto, marked a historic milestone with record-breaking attendance, drawing over 3,000 industry professionals. According to Open Cards, the event served as a pivotal gathering for Canada’s gaming sector, fostering collaboration and innovation, and setting the stage for its rebranding as SBC Summit Canada in 2026.

“This summit has been a cornerstone for the industry, and this year’s turnout was phenomenal. The energy on the show floor was electric, the sessions were packed, and the networking events were unforgettable. We’re deeply grateful to everyone who made this event a success.”

The two-day summit attracted a diverse crowd, with 40% of attendees in senior leadership roles, including 1,000 operator representatives and 200 affiliates. The event also welcomed regulators, government officials, suppliers, and game studios, all eager to shape the future of Canada’s gaming landscape through knowledge-sharing and partnerships.

“The Canadian market is dynamic and ever-evolving, so having a dedicated event like this is invaluable,” said Cliff Nywening, COO of Gigadat Inc., a payment solutions provider. “It’s the ideal place to connect with operators, suppliers, and peers to discuss trends and opportunities.”

The summit featured a robust three-stage conference program with 150 expert speakers addressing critical topics such as sports betting, casino operations, player protection, compliance, and digital marketing.

A highlight was the Cybersecurity Symposium, co-hosted with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG). Notable speakers included OLG President Duncan Hannay, who delivered the opening address, Ontario Attorney General Doug Downey in a fireside chat, and Alberta’s Minister for Service & Red Tape Reduction, Dale Nally, who joined a keynote panel.

“The quality of the discussions and the collaboration between regulators and operators stood out,” said Keith Geary, Director of Casino at Game Lounge. “The panels provided deep insights into the market’s challenges and opportunities.”

The exhibition floor buzzed with activity, showcasing innovative products from local and international brands. “The traffic at our booth was incredible,” said Margie Seitz, iGaming Business Development Manager at Konami Gaming. “It’s been a fantastic opportunity to connect with new clients and discuss the future of Canada’s gaming markets.”

For newcomers, the summit offered a platform to establish a presence. “As a new entrant to Canada, the engagement we’ve seen here is incredibly encouraging,” said Kweku Separu-Grant, Head of External Affairs at Lotto.com. “The curiosity and interest from attendees signal a vibrant market.”

The conference and exhibition hosted two standout networking events. On June 17, attendees enjoyed the Opening Party at RS Sports Bar, featuring a live screening of the Stanley Cup Final Game 6 between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers. The following evening, the Official Networking Party at the NHL Hockey Hall of Fame offered a unique experience, with interactive hockey activities and a special appearance by NHL legend Wendel Clark.

“The organization was flawless,” said James White, Co-Founder and COO of HotTakes. “From registration to execution, everything ran smoothly, making it a top-tier event.”

The Canadian Gaming Summit transitions to SBC Summit Canada aims to elevate the event further, aligning it with its global portfolio. “We’re excited to build on this success and deliver an even bigger experience next year,” Sojmark concluded.