Contents
8 min read

What is the Canadian Gaming Summit?

iGaming
Written by
Smartico
Published on
August 19, 2025

The Canadian Gaming Summit (CGS) is the biggest annual event for gaming and sports betting professionals in Canada. Every year, thousands of industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers gather in Toronto to share ideas, learn about new trends, and build partnerships that shape the future of gaming in Canada.

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Why the Canadian Gaming Summit Matters

The CGS isn’t just another conference. It’s where the entire Canadian gaming industry comes together—from casino operators and sports betting companies to regulators, suppliers, and tech innovators. If you want to understand what’s happening in Canadian gaming, this is the place to be.

  • Over 3,000 attendees in 2025, breaking previous records.
  • 40% of attendees are key decision-makers—the people who shape the industry.
  • 1,000 operator representatives and 200 affiliates attended in 2025.
  • 150+ expert speakers covering the hottest topics in gaming, tech, and regulation.

What Happens at the Canadian Gaming Summit?

1. Networking and Business Opportunities

The CGS is famous for its networking. You’ll meet:

  • Casino and sportsbook executives
  • Regulators and government officials
  • Tech providers and game studios
  • Affiliates and marketing agencies
  • Payment and compliance experts

It’s a place where deals are made, partnerships are formed, and the future of gaming is discussed face-to-face.

2. Learning from the Best

The conference features over 150 speakers—from government ministers to CEOs and tech innovators. Topics include:

  • Regulation and compliance
  • Responsible gambling and player protection
  • Sports betting and casino trends
  • Payments, cybersecurity, and tech innovation
  • Marketing, advertising, and affiliate strategies
  • The future of AI and data in gaming

Panels and workshops are designed to be practical, with real-world examples and actionable insights.

3. Showcasing the Latest Tech

The exhibition floor is packed with the latest in gaming technology:

  • New game releases
  • CRM and gamification platforms
  • Payment solutions
  • Compliance and data analytics tools

If you want to see what’s next in gaming, this is where you’ll find it.

Key Themes at CGS 2025

Regulation and Compliance

With new rules in Ontario and Alberta’s market opening up, regulation is a hot topic. Experts discuss:

  • How to keep up with changing laws
  • The future of affiliate regulation
  • Anti-money laundering (AML) reforms
  • Harmonizing rules across provinces

Player Protection and Responsible Gambling

Protecting players is front and center. The summit features a Player Protection Symposium focused on:

  • AI-powered tools for safer gaming
  • Self-exclusion programs
  • Positive approaches to healthy gaming behavior

Technology and Innovation

From AI to blockchain, the CGS is where new tech gets real attention. Topics include:

  • AI for player engagement and retention
  • Micro-betting and influencer marketing
  • Cybersecurity and data protection
  • Digital wallets and payment innovation

Marketing and Customer Experience

With stricter advertising rules in Ontario, companies are shifting to:

  • Brand building and content marketing
  • Organic customer loyalty
  • Omnichannel strategies for better player experiences

Why Toronto?

Toronto is the heart of Canada’s gaming industry. The Metro Toronto Convention Centre is easy to reach and has everything needed for a world-class event. Plus, Toronto’s diverse business community makes it the perfect place for global networking.

Who Should Attend?

  • Operators: Casino, sportsbook, and iGaming companies looking to grow in Canada.
  • Suppliers: Tech, payment, and compliance providers.
  • Regulators: Government and Crown Corporation representatives.
  • Affiliates: Marketing and content partners.
  • Investors: Anyone interested in the future of gaming.

What Makes the Canadian Gaming Summit Unique?

  • Quality over quantity: While the event is big, the focus is on meaningful connections and high-value content.
  • Diversity: Attendees come from across Canada and around the world, bringing fresh ideas and perspectives.
  • Actionable insights: Sessions are designed to give you practical takeaways you can use right away.

The Future: SBC Summit Canada

2025 marks the last year the event is called the Canadian Gaming Summit. Next year, it will become SBC Summit Canada, promising even more international reach and innovation.

How Smartico Powers iGaming Success

Smartico stands out as a leading solution for iGaming operators, offering an all-in-one CRM and gamification platform. Its AI-powered tools provide actionable insights that help casinos optimize engagement and retention.

Key Features:

Our platform offers a range of powerful features:

CRM Automation: We streamline every step of the player journey, from onboarding to loyalty, with hyper-personalized messaging and automated workflows.

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Free-to-Play Games: We offer a suite of customizable mini-games like the Loyalty Wheel, Scratch cards, and Daily Loot Boxes to boost player engagement.

Bonus Engine: Our system helps lower bonus costs with rewards tailored to player behavior, manageable in real-time or scheduled for optimal impact.

Jackpots: We provide customizable jackpots, both player-funded and operator-funded, to enhance any game from any provider.

AI Models: Our AI turns player data into actionable predictions, helping optimize engagement, prevent churn, and deliver rewards at the perfect moment.

Raffle: Transforms simple promos into fun, gamified experiences that boost engagement, spark excitement, and keep users coming back.

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Expertise and Partnership:

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Pricing and Availability:

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At Smartico, we're committed to helping iGaming businesses improve retention and engagement. We'd love to show you how our platform can benefit your operations. Feel free to book a demo or reach out with any questions you might have.

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