Canada’s Traditional Gaming Industry Faces a New Era
As online gaming platforms continue to transform the gambling landscape with speed, accessibility, and digital convenience, Canada’s land-based casinos and lottery operators are being challenged to innovate and evolve. To address this major industry shift, SBC Summit Canada 2026 will feature a dedicated ‘Leadership in Land-based and Lottery’ conference track on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto.
The conference will focus on helping traditional gaming operators close the gap with digital competitors while preserving the unique in-person experiences that have long defined land-based gaming across Canada.
A Dedicated Platform for Industry Leaders
Chaired by Alon Segev, Founding Partner of gambling and technology law firm Segev LLP, the conference programme will offer direct access to some of the most influential voices shaping Canada’s gaming future.
The event is expected to welcome over 3,000 delegates, including operators, regulators, charities, lottery representatives, technology innovators, and First Nations leaders. Throughout the day, participants will engage in discussions focused on modernization strategies, regulatory developments, and emerging business models designed to strengthen the future of Canada’s land-based gaming sector.
Key Discussions on Modernisation and Competition
The ‘Leadership in Land-based and Lottery’ track will explore some of the most pressing challenges facing the sector as it competes with the rapid growth of digital gambling platforms.
Sessions will focus on omnichannel innovation, charitable gaming reform, customer engagement strategies, lottery transformation, and the future outlook for land-based casinos in major provinces such as Ontario and Alberta.
The goal is to help operators adopt technology-driven solutions that enhance player experiences, streamline operations, and create stronger links between digital and physical gaming channels.
Industry Leaders Stress the Need for Change
Speaking ahead of the event, Rasmus Sojmark, CEO and Founder of SBC, emphasized the importance of adapting to changing market expectations.
He noted that while much of the gaming industry remains focused on emerging markets and international sporting events, land-based and lottery operators are facing one of the most significant modernization challenges in the sector.
According to Sojmark, operators must embrace innovation while protecting the traditional qualities that have made land-based gaming a core part of Canada’s entertainment and economic landscape.
He added that the conference sessions are specifically designed to provide practical strategies that stakeholders can implement effectively and efficiently.
First Nations Ownership Takes Centre Stage
One of the most anticipated sessions at SBC Summit Canada 2026 is ‘Building Sovereignty: The Rise of First Nations Ownership and Innovation in Canada’s Gaming Sector.’
This important panel will examine the growing impact of First Nations ownership and leadership within Canada’s land-based gaming industry. The discussion will highlight how Indigenous communities are driving independent development, investing in infrastructure, and introducing innovative operational models that are reshaping the sector.
The panel will feature prominent industry voices including Chief Paul Rice, Council Chief of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake; Michael Peters, Chairman of IGP; Michael Tobin, CEO of Continent8; and Katie Lever, General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer at Great Canadian Gaming Corporation.
These experts will discuss collaboration opportunities, technological advancements, and the increasing influence of First Nations-led initiatives across Canadian gaming markets.
The Push Toward Omnichannel Gaming Experiences
A central theme throughout the conference will be the importance of omnichannel innovation.
As player expectations evolve, operators are increasingly expected to deliver connected experiences that combine the convenience of digital gaming with the social and immersive appeal of physical casinos.
Conference sessions will explore how mobile integration, digital loyalty systems, real-time promotions, cashless payments, and personalized customer engagement can help land-based venues stay competitive in a digital-first gaming environment.
These discussions will provide practical insights into how operators can create seamless transitions between online and in-person gaming experiences.
Strengthening the Future of Canadian Gaming
Canada’s land-based gaming and lottery sector has long played a vital role in public funding, employment generation, tourism, and charitable contributions.
However, maintaining this role requires continuous adaptation in an increasingly digital market.
By bringing together industry stakeholders, policymakers, Indigenous leaders, and technology experts, SBC Summit Canada 2026 is positioning itself as a critical platform for shaping the future of Canadian gaming.
The dedicated ‘Leadership in Land-based and Lottery’ track is expected to deliver valuable insights, practical solutions, and strategic partnerships that will help traditional operators remain competitive while preserving the unique value of land-based gaming experiences for years to come.
