As online gaming platforms raise the bar on speed and accessibility, land-based casinos and lottery operators are entering a new phase of innovation to meet evolving player expectations.

SBC Summit Canada 2026 will focus on how land-based casinos and lottery operators can close the gap and compete with the speed, accessibility, and innovation of online platforms, through a dedicated 'Leadership in Land-based and Lottery' conference track taking place on Thursday, 21 May, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

Chaired by Alon Segev, Founding Partner of gambling and technology law firm Segev LLP, the programme will give 3,000 attendees direct access to the operators, regulators, charities, lotteries, and First Nations reshaping one of Canada's longest-standing gambling sectors.

Across the day, sessions will tackle everything from omnichannel innovation and indigenous ownership to charitable gaming and the future of land-based casinos in Alberta and Ontario.

"Whilst much of the industry is focused on new markets and global sporting events, land-based and lottery operators are quietly facing one of the biggest challenges in gaming,” said Rasmus Sojmark, CEO and Founder of SBC. "They are tasked with modernising an entire sector, while preserving the qualities that have defined it for so long. These sessions are designed to help stakeholders do so easily and effectively.”

The session ‘Building Sovereignty: The Rise of First Nations Ownership and Innovation in Canada’s Gaming Sector’ will examine the impact First Nations are having on Canada’s land-based gaming sector. Experts Chief Paul Rice (Council Chief, Mohawk Council of Kahnawake), Michael Peters (Chairman, IGP), Michael Tobin (CEO, Continent8), and Katie Lever (General Counsel & Chief Administrative Officer, Great Canadian Gaming Corporation) will discuss the growing role of indigenous ownership and the shift towards independent development. They’ll break down the latest changes to infrastructure and technology and explore collaboration opportunities as their influence continues to expand.

Shifting focus to building seamless experiences across physical and digital channels is the session “Omnichannel Opportunities: Land-Based and Lottery Domination on the Horizon?” Here, experts Tom Metzger (CEO, Lotto.com, Jussi Halme (Director of Social Gaming, Boyd Gaming), Dave Bartman (Director of Business Development, Betty.ca), Stuart Godfree (Managing Director, Mkodo), Harrison Barrett (VP, Business Development, Soft2Bet), and panel moderator Peter Czegledy (Partner, Aird & Berlis LLP), will examine the key considerations in delivering true omnichannel play, from transferable progress and rewards to the technology enabling seamless transitions. The panel will also question whether omnichannel gaming benefits new entrants or is there to simply strengthen the hold of established operators.

The session“Giving Back: The Latest and Greatest in Charitable Gaming” will explore how the industry is evolving its approach to charitable play. Experts Sarah McCarthy (CEO, RGC), Richard Schwar (Executive Director, Ontario Charitable Gaming Association), Dr. Karin Schnarr (CEO, AGCO), Joseph Hillier (CEO, iGO), Duncan Hannay (President & Chief Executive Officer, OLG), alongside panel moderator Peter McMahon (CEO, CGAO), will examine how digital expansion, coupled with new gaming formats and technologies are attracting a new generation of players. The panel will also examine the growing role of story-led marketing in engaging local communities and driving sustainable, responsible growth.

The programme will also feature the panel “Levelling Up: The Future of Land-Based Casinos in Canada,” which will explore how land-based gambling is evolving across Alberta and Ontario. The day will open with remarks from the Honourable Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming for Ontario, who will outline the government’s approach to supporting responsible gambling across the region

The Leadership in Land-based and Lottery track is one of several programmes featured across the SBC Summit Canada conference agenda. Across the two days, attendees can attend excerpt-led panels tackling the biggest issues and opportunities across Affiliates & Advertising, Sports Betting & iGaming, Player Protection, and Payments & Compliance.

Secure your tickets to 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.