SBC Summit Canada 2026 will feature a dedicated Player Protection Symposium, bringing together regulators, operators, and safer gambling experts to discuss how Canada’s industry can better protect players.

The symposium will form part of the wider conference programme, taking place from 19 to 21 May 2026 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Across three stages, attendees will gain expert analysis across the entire Canadian gaming market, with tracks covering Leadership, Affiliates & Advertising, Payments & Compliance, alongside a series of interactive masterclasses.

The Symposium will tackle the biggest challenges facing safer gambling in Canada, from the pressure new game mechanics place on existing regulatory frameworks, to identifying internal compliance weaknesses and creating marketing that is both engaging and responsible.

Rasmus Sojmark, CEO and Founder of SBC, said: “As Canada’s market continues to grow, the risks around player protection are becoming more complex. From grey-market activity to evolving game mechanics, there are clear gaps that need to be addressed. The Player Protection Symposium is about bringing that conversation to the forefront and addressing it head-on.”

The panel, Upholding Player Protection: Learning from those established in Canada, will explore how companies can strengthen their internal compliance systems. Experts Nicole Hanna (Director, Policy and Controls, OLG), Andrew Howie (Senior Counsel - Data Privacy, Betsson), Keno Maseli (Social Responsibility and Sustainability Manager, Great Canadian Entertainment), Tracy Parker (Senior Vice President, Accreditation, Advisory and Insight, Responsible Gambling Council), and Paul Pellizari (Vice President, Global Social Responsibility, Hard Rock) will analyse the mistakes of those who have previously failed to remain compliant. The session will also help operators identify internal compliance weaknesses in their own systems while building stronger player safety frameworks.

The session, Are Game Mechanics Exposing Weaknesses In Regulation? will explore how emerging game mechanics and personalised engagement tools are testing the limits of current regulatory frameworks in Canada. Speakers Tony Plaskow (CEO, Pixiu Gaming), Mike Randall (RG Expert, Gaming Labs), Karl Rempel (Senior Manager, Technology Regulation and Compliance, AGCO), and Dr Alyssa Wilson (Associate Professor, California State University) will examine whether regulators are keeping pace with technological innovation, and how closer collaboration with operators can help ensure vulnerable players are not put at risk.

The session ‘Beyond Regulation: Understanding Who’s Most at Risk in Canada’s Evolving Gambling Market’ will examine the increasing exposure of younger and at-risk players to gambling in Canada. Experts Elaine McDougall (SVP Strategy and Programs, Responsible Gaming Council), Dr. Michael Naraine (Associate Professor, Brock University), alongside panel moderator Arash Madani (Canadian Sports Broadcaster), will explore how operators and regulators can prioritise education and support to help new players engage with betting responsibly.

The symposium will also feature the session Fragmented Rules, Hidden Risks: Tackling Grey-Market Gambling in Canada, which will ask whether Canada’s patchwork of regulations is increasing the risk of players turning to grey market operators. Experts Andreas Ditsche (CEO, iGaming.com), Jenny Lu (Strategic Consultant, Pixiu Gaming), Oscar Silver (Trade Analyst, Waterhouse Investments), Geoff Zochodne (Senior Industry Reporter, Covers) will analyse where the gaps in Canada’s regulations lie and how they can be managed to prevent a rise in unwanted markets.

SBC Summit Canada will bring together over 3,000 Canadian stakeholders. Across three days, delegates can expect focused networking events, an industry-spanning conference programme, and a busy exhibition floor designed to facilitate real commercial connections.

Secure your tickets for SBC Summit Canada now!

VIP Event Pass – Access to the show floor, all conference sessions, and evening networking sessions for CA$995

Group VIP Pass – Get VIP Passes for just CA$795 each when you buy three or more passes – perfect for bringing the team!

Operators and affiliates can apply for complimentary passes.