SBC Summit Canada 2026 is set to gather top decision-makers from across the sports betting and iGaming sectors for its specialized Leaders in Sports Betting & iGaming track. This event will provide insights into strategies influencing Canada’s growth in these industries.
Scheduled for Wednesday, May 20, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, the track will feature representatives from prominent companies including bet365, BetMGM, DraftKings, and Ontario Lottery and Gaming (OLG).
As Canada’s iGaming market approaches a critical year, discussions will cover significant developments like Alberta preparing to introduce sports betting and iGaming, alongside opportunities brought by the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The focus will be on both immediate customer acquisition and fostering long-term engagement.
Key sessions will address the idea of a centralized self-exclusion system, the competition between sportsbooks and iGaming for sustainable profitability, and the outlook for online poker in Canada.
The session titled ‘World Cup, Endless Possibilities’ will delve into strategies for tapping into new bettors during the 2026 World Cup. Panelists include Andrew Cochrane (CCO, Soft2Bet), Casey Hurbis (CMO, BetMGM), Jeff Laniado (Director of Sales, Optimove), Greg Sindall (Sr Director Digital Sports Product – iSports Product, OLG), and Tim Whitehead (Sportsbook Director, DraftKings). They will discuss enhancing brand visibility during the tournament and connecting players with domestic leagues, such as the Canadian Premier League, CFL, and NHL, along with the burgeoning esports scene.
Continuing this theme, the panel ‘Is Sports Betting Worth It? Evaluating the Role of Sportsbooks in the Canadian Online Gambling Market’ will investigate whether sportsbooks can achieve genuine growth in an environment where online casinos are predominant. Speakers Jared Beber (CEO, Bet99), Peter K. Czegledy (Lawyer, Aird & Berlis), Matthew Ferrara (Regional Director US, Altenar), Reece Hiland (Assurance Partner, MNP), and Scott Vanderwel (CEO, PointsBet Canada) will analyze sportsbook profitability in comparison to iGaming and discuss player behavior across different betting channels. The implications of regulation on the future of sports betting in Canada will also be examined.
The session ‘Is a Centralized Self-Exclusion Tool Necessary for Responsible Gambling in Canada’s iGaming Industry?’ will investigate what a nationwide player protection strategy might entail. Speakers Michelle Eaton (Senior Vice President & Corporate Affairs, OLG), Joseph Hillier (CEO, iGaming Ontario), and Aneliya Vu (Chief Compliance Officer, Betty) will evaluate the potential for iGO’s BetGuard centralized self-exclusion system, addressing the challenges that must be overcome for implementation. They will also consider whether such a system could effectively mitigate gambling-related harm and enhance responsible gaming protocols across the country.
With Alberta’s regulated market launching on July 13, sessions featuring Dale Nally, Alberta’s Minister of Service and Red Tape Reduction, will provide valuable insights into the new market’s opportunities, as he participates in both a keynote address and a fireside chat.
Rasmus Sojmark, SBC Founder and CEO, emphasized the importance of leadership in this evolving sector, stating, “Being a leader in this industry is about far more than a title. These figures have earned their positions through strategic thinking, bold decisions, and the vision and leadership needed for success.”
The Leaders in Sports Betting and iGaming track is among several focused programs at SBC Summit Canada’s conference.
Throughout the two-day event, attendees can also explore various tracks, including Affiliates & Advertising, Leaders in Land-Based & Lottery, Player Protection, and Payments & Compliance.
