月度归档： 2026 年 5 月

(AsiaGameHub) -   Entain has verified that Ricky Sandler, the founder of Eminence Capital, has stepped down from his role as Non-Executive Director. This announcement comes after the reported shutdown of the Eminence fund last week, during which Sandler noted that the business had “fallen short of our very high standard and your expectations”. Eminence was understood to be the third-largest shareholder in Entain, owning roughly 6.5% of the Ladbrokes Coral parent company. Sandler took his seat on the board in early 2024. Sandler’s history with Entain During that era, and indeed beforehand, he was highly critical of the company’s $766m (£565m) purchase of Polish operator STS Group, calling the move “perplexing on many levels”. However, he seems to have built a friendly rapport with Entain Chairman Pierre Bouchut and current CEO Stella David. David was the interim CEO when Sandler joined, taking over after Jette Nygaard-Andersen left. It should be noted that the STS Group deal was finalized under Nygaard-Andersen’s watch, following her departure amid claims she was losing favour with shareholders.Addressing Sandler’s exit, Bouchut remarked: “On behalf of the board, I thank Ricky for his support over the past two years. “Thanks to his contributions the company is in a stronger position and is well equipped to capitalise on the many opportunities in the global sports betting and gaming market.”Entain was not the only gambling firm in Eminence’s portfolio; they also held stakes in US-listed DraftKings and Flutter Entertainment, though Sandler did not sit on the board of either. Since joining Entain, Sandler witnessed the company navigate numerous challenges, including tax hikes across Europe—especially in the UK—as well as management changes and store closures. Nonetheless, in his final statement as an Entain Director, Sandler reiterated his belief in the company. “It has been a pleasure to have served on the Entain board for the last two years,” he stated. “During that time, Entain has seen significant operational transformation, and the business is well positioned to deliver continuing strong growth. I have the utmost confidence in Entain’s management and board to deliver enhanced shareholder value. “Entain shares are held in accounts and funds managed by Eminence Capital, which will be liquidated in an orderly manner, without any pre-determined time constraints, with the intention of maximising value realisation.” Ricky Sandler. Credit: Eminence Capital Sandler’s departure arrives shortly after Entain released its Q1 2026 results, which showed resilience despite the tax issues mentioned earlier. The firm posted a 3% rise in group-wide Q1 revenue, with strong showings in the UK, Ireland, and Australia. The company stays on the FTSE 100—the London Stock Exchange’s leading index—and executives are confident about gaining market share, even though it now sits as the 94th most valuable company on the index with a market cap of about £3.63bn. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Meridian Holdings has achieved a significant milestone, reporting its initial profitable quarter since adopting its new corporate identity. In the first quarter, Golden Matrix Group Inc (GMGI), listed on NASDAQ, finalized its rebranding to Meridian Holdings, also changing its ticker to MRDN as part of a broader strategic shift to become a multi-market gaming entity. Upon releasing its Q1 financial results, Meridian disclosed total group revenue of $50.1 million (£37 million), representing a 17% increase year-over-year from $42.5 million. Gross profit climbed to $28.1 million (a 16% rise), with profit margins remaining consistent at 56.2%, largely mirroring the previous year's figures. Meridianbet, which stands as the largest gambling company in Serbia and Montenegro, remains the primary engine of growth. This segment contributed $34.9 million in Q1 revenue, a 26% year-over-year increase, making up almost 70% of the group's overall revenues. Meridian's corporate financial statements revealed a net income of $2.3 million, marking its inaugural profitable quarter since adopting the new identity structure. This indicates that its restructuring and rebranding efforts are starting to yield positive financial outcomes. Chairman William Scott characterized this quarter as a pivotal moment for the company. Scott stated, “This quarter represents a significant achievement in our trajectory of growth.” “We achieved revenues consistent with our projections, surpassed our profitability forecasts, and further solidified our balance sheet, all while investing in our proprietary technology and extending our presence into regulated markets,” he added. Enhanced balance sheet performance was a prominent aspect of the report. Net debt decreased by 62% year-over-year to $13.4 million, and total debt was reduced by over 50%. The group concluded the quarter with $16.2 million in cash, demonstrating a more prudent financial position post-transformation. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) showed new customer registrations climbing 41% year-on-year to almost 500,000, with active users growing 21% to 333,700. This underscores sustained demand across both physical and online platforms. In other areas, RKings Competitions recorded $7.7 million in sales within the UK, bolstered by better per-customer economics. In Australia, Classics for a Cause surpassed 10,000 VIP subscribers, and Mexplay, the group's brand targeting Mexico, saw its registrations more than triple year-on-year to 74,000. For the upcoming period, Meridian projects Q2 revenues to be between $51 million and $53 million, suggesting ongoing double-digit year-over-year growth of 18% to 23%. Meridianbet identifies substantial growth prospects in its core markets of Serbia and Montenegro, which are undergoing regulatory changes in the second half of the year. To conclude the update, Chairman William Scott reiterated the company's commitment to profitability as Meridian proceeds with its search for a new CEO, following Brian Goodman's departure in December 2025. Scott further stated: “These outcomes affirm that our transformation efforts are yielding results. Meridian Holdings now operates with enhanced discipline, more robust cash flow fundamentals, and a distinct path toward sustained long-term expansion.” This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Securing a competitive edge in Canada remains a primary hurdle for operators. We sat down with Andrew Garven, Head of Affiliate Marketing at BET99, to discuss why authenticity has become a vital component for affiliates aiming to drive player engagement. iGaming Expert: How has the affiliate marketing landscape in Canada transformed as the market has reached maturity? Andrew Garven: If you are still relying on traditional SEO volume tactics in Canada, you are already falling behind. The industry has moved away from a focus on CPA and search rankings toward a model built on trust, quality, and accountability. Regulation didn't stifle the market; it refined it. Today’s leaders are affiliates who cultivate genuine relationships with their audience rather than simply operating as traffic funnels. How vital are affiliates in guiding players toward the regulated market and away from unregulated alternatives? Having experienced both sides of the operator-affiliate dynamic, I believe affiliates hold more influence than most regulators or operators are willing to acknowledge. They serve as the primary gatekeepers at the top of the funnel, dictating discovery and establishing trust. When executed correctly, they steer players toward regulated platforms; when handled poorly, they can just as easily direct them toward unlicensed sites. In a landscape like Canada, where both regulated and unregulated ecosystems exist, the role of affiliates in educating users and fostering trust is essential—provided they prioritize quality and compliance. Why is authenticity such a key tool for affiliates to engage players and support the growth of regulated markets? Authenticity is paramount because affiliates operate at the intersection of discovery and trust. Users in regulated markets are more sophisticated and have higher expectations; they can easily spot generic or purely transactional content. Authentic affiliates distinguish themselves by providing genuine insights, transparent comparisons, and evidence-based recommendations, which fosters long-term credibility. This is particularly critical for toplists: if inferior or obscure brands are ranked above reputable, industry-leading operators, it erodes trust in the platform. Once that credibility is gone, users won't return. In regulated markets, authenticity is more than just a differentiator—it is a direct driver of retention, engagement, and the long-term viability of the affiliate ecosystem. What impact will the World Cup have on the ability of affiliates to engage the market and capture market share? Soccer is already the world’s leading sport for betting, so the 2026 World Cup will not necessarily create new demand, but rather concentrate existing attention. You will see casual bettors re-engaging, lapsed users returning, and experienced players becoming significantly more active—all simultaneously. For Canada, the fact that it is a co-host elevates the tournament from a global event to a domestic cultural phenomenon. That is significant. It brings betting into the mainstream conversation in a way we haven't witnessed before, perhaps with the exception of Canada vs. USA hockey at the 4 Nations and Olympics. For Canadian affiliates, this creates a uniquely favorable environment to capture market share quickly, but I would emphasize that this is a temporary spike, not a structural change. Success will go to those who can convert this surge in interest into lasting user value before the market stabilizes. Which types of iGaming affiliates have been most effective at engaging the Canadian market? The most successful affiliates in Canada are those that have transitioned into multi-channel, personality-driven media brands. The top brands are backed by real people—creators, analysts, and voices that audiences trust and return to consistently. While SEO and comparison tools remain important for discovery, they are merely the starting point. The user journey is no longer linear. A user might land on a site, but then check their social media, watch a video, read comments, and get a sense of who is behind the brand. That is what builds the trust that ultimately leads to conversion. It is no longer about a single channel. The winners are those who integrate multiple channels to build relationships, because in this market, while attention may be fragmented, trust remains personal. In a newly regulated market like Alberta, should affiliates that previously operated in the grey market be welcomed into the regulated space? Yes, provided they adhere to regulatory and compliance standards. In Alberta, grey-market affiliates bring established audiences, local expertise, and proven acquisition strategies, which are valuable in a new regulatory environment. However, we must see a definitive shift toward transparency, responsible gambling, and compliant operations. Those who adapt quickly can become trusted partners in the regulated ecosystem, while those who do not pose a risk to operators and the market should not be included. As Alberta opens up, what role will affiliates play in helping new operators gain market share? As Alberta launches, affiliates will be essential to capturing market share, and the strategy should mirror the Ontario model. However, unlike the early days of Ontario, category awareness is already high due to the significant marketing budgets of Tier 1 operators in Ontario and the U.S. This makes the affiliate landscape more competitive, not less. SEO alone will not suffice. The winners will be those who build trusted brands across content, social media, and community platforms, helping users decide where to play rather than just where to click. Garven is scheduled to speak at the SBC Summit Canada, taking place from 19–21 May at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The event will gather operators, suppliers, regulators, and affiliates at a critical juncture for the Canadian gaming industry as Alberta moves toward a regulated market expected to follow the Ontario framework. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   As artificial intelligence broadens the attack surface and cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, the gaming industry faces growing pressure to enhance oversight and control. The Cybersecurity in Gaming Summit returns in 2026 to tackle these challenges, with a strong emphasis on risk management, regulatory compliance, and organizational resilience. The event will take place on Wednesday, May 20, as part of the SBC Summit Canada 2026 conference programme. Developed in collaboration with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG), it unites cybersecurity professionals, legal and compliance experts, and industry leaders for an in-depth exploration of one of the sector’s most pressing concerns. Beyond identifying potential risks, the summit will examine how organizations can respond effectively—ranging from managing AI-driven threats to establishing governance frameworks capable of withstanding rising regulatory demands. “Gaming operators manage vast amounts of player data and financial transactions, making cybersecurity a top priority across the industry,” said Graham Reed, Vice President of Cyber and Information Security at OLG. “Each technological advancement brings new risks that evolve in tandem. With AI, the key difference today is the unprecedented speed and scale of those threats. The question of whether we’re moving quickly enough has never been more critical. This summit aims to ensure Canadian operators are actively planning for what lies ahead.” As the industry navigates these complexities, the summit will feature prominent voices in AI and ethics, including Nell Watson, a philosopher, engineer, and author who will participate twice during the day. With decades of experience spanning ethics, emerging technologies, and artificial intelligence, Watson has held leadership positions at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the European Responsible Artificial Intelligence Office (EURAIO). She has advised major organizations such as Apple and Amazon and delivered talks at leading institutions including the World Bank, the United Nations General Assembly, and the Royal Society. Watson will open the day with a keynote address titled “The Agent in the Machine: Trust, Capability and the New AI Era” on the Leaders Stage. The session will explore how agentic AI is transforming cybersecurity and compelling organizations to rethink concepts of trust and control. It will also address how operators can responsibly deploy AI while maintaining robust governance structures. She will also join OLG’s Graham Reed for the fireside chat “Bonus Level: An Interactive Conversation with Our Keynote.” Together, they will discuss strategies related to agentic AI before opening the discussion to a live audience Q&A. The session “Cybersecurity in Gaming: Emerging Risks and Opportunities” will analyze how cyber threats are becoming more automated, coordinated, and influenced by AI—including the emergence of agentic systems. Experts Rick Carville (VP, Cybersecurity & CISO, Great Canadian Entertainment), Bryan Pollitt (Associate Partner, Consulting, EY Canada), and moderator Graham Reed (Vice President, Cyber & Information Security Office, OLG) will discuss key vulnerability points, evolving attack methodologies, and strategies to strengthen overall resilience. “Mastering Agentic AI: The Playbook for Safe & Scalable Autonomy” will examine how agentic AI is reshaping operational models, necessitating a shift from passive risk management to proactive, organization-wide capability building. Led by Graham Reed and moderated by Tom Nightingale (Editor, Canadian Gaming Business), the session will focus on aligning cybersecurity, IT, and business teams to securely implement autonomous systems. The panel “Proving Control: Compliance and Accountability in a Changing Risk Environment” will address how organizations can transition from merely understanding risks to demonstrating concrete control and accountability amid rapid technological change. Participants include Graham Reed, Tony Wong (General Counsel, OLG), Karl Rempel (Senior Manager, Technology Regulation and Compliance, ACGO), and Danielle M. Bush (Senior Counsel, McCarthy Tétrault), who will explore adaptable compliance frameworks suited to evolving regulations and new technologies. “Cybersecurity is rapidly becoming one of the defining challenges facing the gaming industry,” stated Aidan Brain, VP of Conference Production at SBC. “Collaborating with OLG enables us to anchor this programme in practical, real-world experience and focus on the actual risks organizations are confronting today.” OLG is a Crown agency responsible for overseeing lottery, casino, digital, and charitable gaming operations in Ontario, as well as supporting the province’s horse racing sector. Since its establishment in 1975, OLG has contributed nearly $64 billion to the people and government of Ontario, funding vital initiatives such as healthcare, problem gambling treatment and prevention, and amateur sports. Its proceeds also benefit host communities, Ontario First Nations, lottery retailers, and local charities throughout the province. All of OLG’s profits are reinvested directly into Ontario. SBC Summit Canada will run from May 19–21 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, uniting operators, suppliers, regulators, and affiliates at a crucial juncture for the Canadian gaming landscape, especially as Alberta prepares to launch a regulated market expected to mirror Ontario’s model. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Greentube has further advanced its European expansion by acquiring Kingsbet CZ in the Czech Republic. Pending regulatory approvals, the developer will assume full ownership of the online sportsbook and casino operator, marking its entry into the Czech Republic’s B2C gaming sector. David Vaněk, CEO of Kingsbet, stated: “We are enthusiastic about joining the Greentube group. This collaboration provides us with opportunities for growth and investment, as well as access to cutting-edge technology and globally recognized game studios. It will enable us to enhance the player experience and continue expanding within the Czech market.” Following the acquisition, Greentube aims to leverage Kingsbet’s expertise to grow in a market valued at over €2.7 billion. Kingsbet was established in 2023 and commenced operations in the Czech Republic one year later. It became one of the initial operators to obtain approval under the country’s revised regulatory framework in 2024. Still in its early stages, the brand is striving to compete with more established names such as Tipsort, Fortuna, and Sazka. Through this acquisition, Greentube also intends to strengthen its existing B2B presence in the Czech Republic, where it has supplied games to Kingsbet for several years. Ronald van den Brink, CCO of Greentube, remarked: “Entering the Czech market aligns with our long-term growth strategy. The Czech Republic ranks among Europe’s most progressive and strictly regulated gaming markets. By partnering with Kingsbet, we gain a skilled local team that will support our continued expansion.” This marks another move by Greentube into the B2C sector. In the UK, Greentube operates the Admiral Casino brand, while it also owns StarGames in Germany. Meanwhile, Novomatic—the parent company of Greentube—has extensive experience managing both online and retail-based gaming operators. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Hub88 has enhanced its product lineup by introducing My Products. This new feature is now integrated into the company’s HubConnect solution, providing operators with a dashboard where they can view their complete product catalog, track activation status, adjust preferences, and enable multiple games in bulk. According to Hub88, the launch of My Products highlights its commitment to giving operators greater control and aligns with its ‘one-stop-shop’ approach. Ollie Castleman, Managing Director at Hub88, stated: “As operators grow and build more robust lobbies, managing game offerings can quickly become a complex and inefficient process. “My Products offers our partners a faster, more intuitive way to take charge of their content—from discovery to activation—all within a single, streamlined experience. Using the new feature, Hub88’s partners can now launch new titles with a single request, eliminating the need for manual follow-ups. Bulk activation also allows brands to roll out multiple products at once. Hub88 expands content via new studio partnership Alongside its new product launches, Hub88 has also strengthened its aggregation platform through a fresh partnership with ScatterKings, an emerging iGaming studio. Through this collaboration, ScatterKings’ content portfolio will now be available to Hub88’s network of operator partners. This includes games like Big Bob’s Gold, Coins Forged in Fire, and Coins of Cleo. ScatterKings is a relatively new player in the iGaming space, founded in 2024. The studio’s Chief Commercial Officer, Steve Cross, called partnering with Hub88 an ‘important step’ in expanding the company’s global distribution reach. On the deal, Castleman added: “ScatterKings has quickly made an impression in the sector, and we were drawn to their portfolio because of its focus on creating truly engaging entertainment. “The product quality and commercial benefits of these games will help us continue to provide operator partners with unique content that has lasting appeal in their lobbies.” This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Stake is welcoming a new regulatory era in Mexico as the nation continues moving away from its semi-regulated framework and takes stricter action against unlicensed operators. Gambling reform has been a high-priority discussion topic in Mexico over the past year, with widespread calls to modernize the country’s 1947 Federal Law of Games and Lotteries to put proper oversight measures in place for online casinos. Proponents of this reform argue it will improve player protection, boost industry investment, and crack down on criminal activity in the lead-up to the FIFA World Cup, which Mexico will co-host alongside the United States and Canada. While a gambling reform bill is expected to be introduced imminently, the Morena administration has added the gaming sector to the Special Tax on Production and Services (IPES), raising the tax on gaming revenue from 30% to 50%. Even so, this tax hike does not appear to have dissuaded Stake from launching its services in the Mexican market. Stake will run its operations in Mexico under a permit-based structure regulated by SEGOB (Ministry of Interior), functioning as an agent under Uno Capali’s existing licensing agreement. Securing approval to operate in Mexico marks another step in the operator’s expanding footprint across Latin American markets, where it already maintains a presence in Colombia and Peru. Stake Director, Jarrod Febbraio, said: “Mexico is an important and dynamic market for us – one that pairs strong underlying growth with a deep-rooted cultural passion for sport, which aligns perfectly with Stake’s core offering. “We have built considerable traction across Latin America in recent years, including in markets such as Peru and Colombia, and Mexico represents a logical next expansion step given its scale and long-term growth potential. “With Mexico set to co-host the 2026 football World Cup tournament, the timing of this launch reflects our ability to strategically enter high-value markets at the optimal moment. It gives us the opportunity to establish a strong foothold ahead of one of the biggest sporting events in the world and deliver a world-class experience for Mexican players.” This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   ATG Casino has extended its partnership with EveryMatrix to introduce exclusive titles from Fantasma Games to players in Sweden’s regulated iGaming market. This collaboration builds on the existing agreement between the iGaming provider and ATG, which operates the Swedish online casino under AB Trav och Galopp, integrating a wide range of content through aggregation. The initiative is supported by EngageSuite Jackpots, a system offering ‘real-time, customisable in-game widgets that grow as jackpots increase’. Operators can set up four jackpots per game without altering base bets, while simulation tools help predict win frequencies. Jan Sonnevi, Head of Casino at ATG, commented: “Our partnership with EveryMatrix has enabled us to deliver high-quality content and innovative engagement features to our players. The success of these additions was evident in January, when one of our players achieved a record-breaking win.” Titles from Fantasma Games now available to ATG players in Sweden include Explosive Banana X, Thundra Hydra Coins Max, and Mission Coinplete. Image: SBC Media Carl Gatt Baldacchino, Account Management Casino at EveryMatrix, stated: “Expanding our partnership with ATG to include Fantasma Games titles was the logical next step.” “By integrating our aggregated and proprietary content with our premium jackpot solution, ATG will be able to offer a more engaging and unique experience to its players.” EveryMatrix’s expansion efforts are not limited to Europe; the company has also strengthened its presence in Africa through a new partnership with Betsson Africa. Last month, Matt Cowan, Commercial Director at EveryMatrix for Africa, shared insights with iGaming Expert on the growth of iGaming across the continent. He explained the shift toward online casino games and how operators can leverage evolving player habits. Cowan remarked: “Sports betting and Crash games remain dominant, but as players mature and seek more immersive experiences, the transition to slots is inevitable. It’s only a matter of time.” This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   As AI broadens the attack surface and cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, the gaming industry is under growing pressure to boost oversight and control mechanisms. The Cybersecurity in Gaming Summit will return in 2026 to tackle these challenges, with a focus on risk assessment, regulatory compliance, and operational resilience. Held on Wednesday, May 20, the summit is a component of the SBC Summit Canada 2026 conference agenda. Co-developed with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG), it brings together cybersecurity leaders, legal and compliance experts, and industry specialists for an in-depth exploration of one of the sector’s most rapidly expanding areas of concern. In addition to identifying risks, the programme will examine how organizations can respond—from handling AI-powered threats to establishing governance frameworks that can withstand growing regulatory scrutiny. “Gaming operators manage large amounts of player data and financial transactions, which makes cybersecurity a key priority for the entire industry,” stated Graham Reed, Vice President of Cyber and Information Security at OLG. “Each time we advance with technology, the risks evolve alongside it. With AI, the current difference lies in the speed and scale of those threats. The question ‘are we moving quickly enough?’ is more crucial than ever. This summit is focused on ensuring Canadian operators are thinking about what comes next.” As the industry navigates these challenges, the summit will showcase prominent figures in AI and ethics, including Nell Watson—a philosopher, engineer, and author—who will participate in two sessions during the day. Watson has spent decades working in ethics, emerging technologies, and AI, holding leadership positions at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the European Responsible Artificial Intelligence Office (EURAIO), and providing advice to organizations like Apple and Amazon. She is also the author of two AI-focused books and has spoken at institutions including the World Bank, the United Nations General Assembly, and the Royal Society. Watson will present a keynote on the “Leaders Stage” titled “The Agent in the Machine: Trust, Capability and the New AI Era,” which explores how agentic AI is transforming cybersecurity and pushing organizations to reevaluate trust and control. The session will also cover how operators can implement AI responsibly while upholding effective governance. Watson will also join the fireside chat “Bonus Level: An Interactive Conversation with Our Keynote”. Alongside OLG’s Graham Reed, she will respond to questions about agentic AI and strategy before opening the session to a live audience Q&A. The session “Cybersecurity in Gaming: Emerging Risks and Opportunities” will look at how cyber threats are becoming more automated, organized, and influenced by AI—including the growth of agentic systems. Experts Rick Carville (VP, Cybersecurity & CISO, Great Canadian Entertainment) and Bryan Pollitt (Associate Partner, Consulting, EY Canada), along with moderator Graham Reed (Vice President, Cyber & Information Security Office, OLG), will discuss the most significant pressure points, evolving attack methods, and ways organizations can enhance their resilience. “Mastering Agentic AI: The Playbook for Safe & Scalable Autonomy” will center on how agentic AI is changing organizational operations, necessitating a shift from risk management to building cross-organizational capabilities. Led by Graham Reed and moderated by Tom Nightingale (Editor, Canadian Gaming Business), the session will explore how to align cybersecurity, IT, and business teams to safely deploy autonomous systems. The panel “Proving Control: Compliance and Accountability in a Changing Risk Environment” will tackle how organizations can go beyond understanding risks to demonstrating control and accountability as new technologies develop. Graham Reed, Tony Wong (General Counsel, OLG), Karl Rempel (Senior Manager, Technology Regulation and Compliance, ACGO), and Danielle M. Bush (Senior Counsel, McCarthy Tétrault) will discuss strategies for building compliance frameworks that can adapt to regulatory changes and emerging technologies. “Cybersecurity is emerging as one of the key challenges facing the gaming industry,” noted Aidan Brain, VP of Conference Production at SBC. “Partnering with OLG lets us root this programme in real-world operational experience and focus on the risks organizations are facing right now.” OLG is a Crown agency responsible for overseeing lottery, casino, digital, and charitable gaming operations in Ontario, as well as supporting the province’s horse racing industry. Since 1975, OLG has contributed nearly $64 billion to the people and Province of Ontario, supporting critical priorities like healthcare, problem gambling treatment and prevention, and amateur sports. Its revenues also benefit host communities, Ontario First Nations, lottery retailers, and local charities throughout Ontario. All of OLG’s profits are reinvested into the province. SBC Summit Canada will be held from May 19–21 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, gathering operators, suppliers, regulators, and affiliates at a critical juncture for the Canadian gaming industry—especially as Alberta progresses toward launching a regulated market that is expected to mirror Ontario’s model. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.