Global Leaders Prep for G7 Summit with New Focus on Responsible Gaming

As world leaders gear up to convene in Kananaskis, Alberta, a unique gathering is set to kick off today, weaving the gaming sector into the prestigious G7 Canada Brain Economy Summit.

This event paves the way for the upcoming Canadian Gaming Summit, marking a fresh chapter in international dialogue.

Think of it as a prelude to the main event, sandwiched between a nostalgic look back at past G7 gatherings and the high-stakes meetings ahead. On the heels of a conference where former Prime Ministers Jean Chretien and Joe Clark reflect on global affairs, today’s Brain Economy Summit takes center stage. Scheduled just before Canada assumes the G7 Presidency and hosts the Leaders Summit in Kananaskis, this forum dives into how brain health and cognitive skills can fuel economic progress and innovation—a concept unfamiliar to many, including this intrigued writer.

The gaming industry will have a voice at this intellectual crossroads, spotlighting the debut Global Forum on Responsible Gaming and Gambling Policy.

This initiative will extend its reach to the G20 Summit and United Nations General Assembly later this year. Play’n GO, a key sponsor, brings its expertise, with Shawn Fluharty, head of government affairs, joining a lineup of seven speakers—including Seth and Lauren Rogen—for afternoon TED-style presentations.

Fluharty emphasized the importance of this platform in a recent statement:

“Bringing responsible gaming to top-tier policy discussions is crucial to align regulations with fast-evolving technology and safeguard players.”

As the sole online gaming provider at the G7 Forum, and soon at the G20 and UN, Play’n GO aims to foster early partnerships with policymakers to shape unified global standards.

Next week, Fluharty and Play’n GO regional director Saam Hafezi will join us on the Gaming News Canada Show to dive deeper into these topics.

The forum will also host a panel titled “Shaping Industry Leadership in Responsible Gambling and Player Safety,” featuring insights from IC360 co-CEO Eric Frank, Hard Rock International’s global social responsibility VP Paul Pellizzari, Play’n GO’s brand and communications lead Andrew Pink, Yuhaaviatam Tribal Council’s public affairs head Jacob Coin, and Everi Holdings’ senior VP Francis Keyser.

According to an IC360 LinkedIn update, the discussion will explore cutting-edge player data use, public-private collaborations for real-time support, and a shift toward entertainment-focused gaming to minimize harm.

Adding to the lineup, Kindbridge Behavioural Health founder Daniel Umfleet will share his expertise, while Dr. Jennifer Shatley, executive director of the Responsible Online Gaming Association, will contribute to a panel on “Turning Research into Action: Setting Priorities for Gambling Studies.”

Dr. Shatley noted in a LinkedIn post,

“Crafting effective policies requires research and evidence-based strategies. Evaluating current programs and pinpointing new best practices are vital to fostering responsible gaming and supporting players holistically.”