Canadian Gaming Summit 2024 Highlights

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The Canadian Gaming Summit 2024 brought together sports betting and iGaming professionals for networking, sharing knowledge, and innovation.

by Zoran Ristic

9 months ago 323

Canadian Gaming Summit 2024

The Canadian Gaming Summit 2024, held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on June 18 – 20, 2024, was bigger and better than ever, bringing together top experts, leaders, and enthusiasts from the sports betting and iGaming industry for networking, sharing knowledge, and innovation.

For the second time, the event was proudly produced by SBC in collaboration with the Canadian Gaming Association (CGA), welcoming 3,000+ delegates, 1,000+ operators, 200+ affiliates, and 75+ exhibitors.

The Canadian Gaming Summit 2024 had 150+ speakers who delivered keynote addresses and discussions on the newer sports betting sector and the more established casino gaming and lottery verticals.

Key Highlights from the Canadian Gaming Summit 2024

The 2024 Canadian Gaming Summit (CGS) reaffirmed the significant growth of regulated iGaming and sports betting within the country. Throughout the three-day event, attendees had the chance to participate in various educational sessions and network with over 3,000 delegates, all exploring the latest developments in the Canadian iGaming and sports betting sectors.

Below are some key highlights from CGS 2024 that are poised to impact the industry in the coming years significantly:

1. Consumers Crave a Personalized Experience

Enhancing consumer experience is vital for operators to stay ahead of the curve in the market. This is because merchants face a common challenge: the average consumer has nearly four accounts with various operators in Canada.

Recent data on consumer habits has revealed a decline in brand loyalty and a growing demand for a seamless and speedy overall experience. So, understanding consumers’ preferences regarding gameplay and payment methods is crucial in the competitive industry.

The popularity of microtransactions is on the rise, with 70% of bets in North America being placed during live games. Additionally, providing frictionless payment solutions like pay by bank and Interac is essential for optimizing the player experience.

Personalized marketing holds significant potential, and providing an omnichannel experience is crucial for staying competitive and driving innovation. Andrew Darley, the Vice President of iGaming & iLottery at OLG, highlighted the evolving landscape for Canadian gamblers, particularly those under 35. In a panel session focused on engaging Millennials and Generation Z, a notable statement resonated with the audience, emphasizing the need for brands to support the experiences of younger players actively.

2. Ontario’s Success Leads the Way for Alberta

Alberta was a focal point at this year’s conference, with numerous educational sessions and panels dedicated to the potential impact of introducing a regulated market in the province. Discussions also centered on how Ontario’s iGaming model could influence future steps. Martha Otton, Executive Director at iGaming Ontario, shared key findings from Deloitte’s report on the economic benefits of a regulated iGaming industry.

With nearly 50 operators and 80 gaming sites, Ontario experienced significant revenue growth of $2.4 billion in the industry’s second year, creating approximately 15,000 new jobs. The consensus was that implementing a similar iGaming model in Alberta would positively affect the province.

Despite the lack of a specific timeline for Alberta’s regulated market, Paramount Commerce is well-prepared to assist operators getting ready to enter Canada’s second regulated gaming market with streamlined payment solutions.

3. Innovation and the Future of Payments

Sereena Boparai, Chief Revenue Officer of Paramount Commerce, participated in a panel discussion titled “The Role of Payments in Customer Acquisition, Growth, and Commercial Success.” During the session, Sereena collaborated with representatives from Nuvei, ESPN BET, theScore Bet, and Great Canadian Entertainment to explore the impact of payment systems on the expansion and prosperity of the iGaming sector in Canada.

Some key takeaways from the panel included:

To enhance the overall player experience and differentiate themselves from competitors, operators must prioritize maintaining and offering their customers a wide variety of payment solutions.
Leading payment technology firms like Paramount Commerce maintain a competitive edge by integrating cutting-edge technologies such as machine learning and instant payments.
By incorporating local payment options and innovative features, operators can effectively meet user demands and deliver a seamless, secure, and hassle-free payment experience.

Canadian Gaming Summit 2024 Unique Features

The Canadian Gaming Summit 2024 featured unique programs, such as:

A Player Protection Symposium: A gathering of professionals working to prevent gambling harm discussed new technology and potential processes to minimize any risk for their players.
Electronic Gaming Academy Masterclass: A deep dive into the interlinking importance of Return To Player (RTP) and Player Categories.
Global Gaming Women Breakfast: Like-minded women in the sector met for coffee and croissants to discuss pressing topics.
First Nations Gaming Awards: The growth and development of First Nation communities was recognized in a Gaming Awards ceremony.
Official Networking Party: Complimentary drinks and canapés were the order of the day at Lavelle, one of the most happening hotspots in Toronto. One-on-one networking with industry professionals created a fluid and easy-going atmosphere to explore new ideas and discuss paths forward.