Canada
Statement From The Chair Ontario Lottery And Gaming Corporation
“President and CEO to Leave OLG after Five Years”
This is to advise that Stephen Rigby has agreed with the Board of Directors that he will leave the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) after five years at the helm. Stephen will remain at OLG until the Summer when a new CEO is confirmed, working with new leadership to ensure a smooth transition.
The Board of Directors thanks Stephen for his outstanding service as the President and Chief Executive Officer of OLG. During that time, OLG has delivered unprecedented value to the Province. OLG’s returns have grown from $1.7 billion in 2015 to nearly $2.5 billion and are on track to attain over $3.0 billion by 2022-23. This growth reflects a healthy and thriving land-based gaming, lottery and digital business.
In land-based gaming, we implemented one of the largest public-private partnership projects in Canada. Through an open, fair and transparent procurement, four operators have been selected to manage the day-to-day operations of casinos, expend capital, and invest in communities throughout Ontario. Since 2015, four new facilities have opened in Belleville, Peterborough, Chatham, and Sarnia, with construction well underway for new casinos in Pickering and North Bay, as well as the Niagara Falls Entertainment Centre. So far, $600 million has been invested by the private sector in new capital, creating 500 new gaming jobs. By 2023, these investments will grow to $4 billion, creating thousands of new jobs across Ontario.
OLG’s growing returns also reflect a thriving lottery business, with nearly 10,000 points of sale across Ontario lottery retail in support of small business and larger outlets, featuring popular products such as LOTTO MAX. Lottery sales have hit an unprecedented $4 billion under Stephen’s leadership. OLG is now deploying new lottery terminals in each of these locations, marrying state-of-the-art integrity with customer service.
OLG is also making investments in new digital technologies that will transform its online presence, building on PlayOLG which has doubled its customer base in the last 18 months.
While generating more money for the Province to support critical public services, we’ve also served the broader public interest. We invested wisely in our responsible gambling programs which earned global recognition through the World Lottery Association.
At the same time, we’ve put in place historic agreements which fund 1,800 charities province wide, and put horse racing on the path of sustainability, protecting jobs in communities big and small.
As Chair of the Board of Directors, you have my assurance that OLG’s commitment to its business and stakeholder partnerships, and dedication to world-class gaming entertainment is unwavering, today and in the future.
As Chair of the Board, I have launched a process to identify a successor to the outgoing President and CEO. We thank Stephen Rigby for his outstanding tenure which positions OLG for continued success going forward.
Peter M. Deeb
Chair, Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation
OLG is a crown agency that develops world-class gaming entertainment for the Province of Ontario. Acting in a socially responsible way, OLG conducts and manages land-based gaming facilities; the sale of province-wide lottery games; PlayOLG Internet gaming; and the delivery of bingo and other electronic gaming products at Charitable Gaming Centres. OLG is also helping to build a more sustainable horse racing industry in Ontario. Since 1975, OLG has provided more than $52 billion to the people and Province of Ontario to support key government priorities like health care; the treatment and prevention of problem gambling; and support for amateur athletes. Each year, proceeds from OLG’s operations also support host communities, Ontario First Nations, lottery retailers and local charities across the province.
Tsleil-Waututh Nation (TWN) announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to acquire the casino business and related real property interests at Hastings Racecourse & Casino (Hastings) in the City of Vancouver from Great Canadian Gaming Corporation (Great Canadian Entertainment).
“We are thrilled to take another important step towards economic self-determination for our Nation in our traditional territory, and we are eager to work with the senior management team at Great Canadian Entertainment to finalize due diligence and execute a definitive agreement, as well as working with the City of Vancouver to ensure the best long-term use of this important asset within the City. We believe that this opportunity is historic for us in many ways, and we look forward to entering the gaming industry in due course,” said Jen Thomas, Chief of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation.
“We are excited about working with TWN on their potential acquisition of the casino operations and related real property interests at Hastings Racecourse & Casino. Recognizing that Hastings is part of the TWN’s traditional territory, we can think of no better entity to inherit this asset, and we look forward to supporting them in the transition after the anticipated close of the sale,” Matt Anfinson, Chief Executive Officer of Great Canadian Entertainment.
The agreement is subject to further due diligence, finalization of financial terms and the execution of a definitive purchase and sale agreement. Once a definitive agreement has been executed by the parties, it is anticipated that the transaction will be subject to customary closing conditions as well as customary approvals by gaming regulatory and other authorities, including certain approvals by the City of Vancouver given its ownership of the real property. It is expected that Great Canadian Entertainment will provide transition services to TWN for a period of time following the anticipated closing.
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High Roller Technologies, operator of the premium online casino brands High Roller and Fruta, announced the submission of its Internet Gaming Operator license application in Ontario, Canada, targeting the launch of its flagship brand HighRoller.com in the second half of 2025.
“The submission of our licensing application to access Ontario’s regulated online gambling market is an important milestone in our Company’s journey. Once our application is approved, we anticipate that we will have the opportunity to launch our online casino product into the market later this year,” said Ben Clemes, Chief Executive Officer at High Roller.
Ontario is one of the largest regulated online gambling markets in the world as measured by gross gaming revenue. In 2024, regulated online gambling operators within the province generated approximately $2.3B in gross gaming revenue, and growth continues to be recorded in the first half of 2025. Recently, the province of Alberta passed enabling legislation to establish a regulatory framework for online gambling. Once available, the Company also intends to pursue licensure in Alberta to expand its regulated market footprint in Canada.
“Ontario is missing an elegant brand like High Roller. We’re excited to roll out the red carpet for our new customers, and we’re looking forward to showcasing our tremendous product,” said Clemes.
The post High Roller Submits Gaming License Application in Ontario appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
The International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) has released the program for its upcoming annual conference, to be held in Toronto from 20-23 October.
With the theme ‘Resilient regulation: Exploring what works, why and what’s next’, the event brings together global regulators and thought leaders to examine how regulatory frameworks can evolve to meet today’s challenges.
The four-day program explores timely issues, including the rise of AI and behavioural analytics, the impact of converging technologies, cross-border collaboration and the continued push to strengthen responsible gambling policies.
IAGR President Ben Haden said the program offers a strong preview of the content and conversations delegates can expect in Toronto.
‘This year’s program showcases the breadth and complexity of the challenges facing gambling regulators worldwide, from protecting player wellbeing to tackling illegal markets and understanding new technologies,’ Haden said.
‘I encourage regulators, researchers and policy professionals from around the world to join us in Toronto. The conference is a space to learn, share experience, challenge assumptions and shape the future of effective, collaborative regulation.’
Confirmed speakers and panellists include:
- Andrew Rhodes, CEO, Gambling Commission, Great Britain
- Anders Dorph, Director, Danish Gambling Authority, Denmark
- Dr Karin Schnarr, CEO and Registrar, Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, Canada
- Mark Vander Linden, Director of Research and Responsible Gaming and Carrie Torrisi, Chief of Sports Wagering Division, Massachusetts Gaming Commission, United States
- Bashir Are, CEO, Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority, Nigeria
- Teo Chun Ching, Chief Executive, Gambling Regulatory Authority, Singapore
- Ladipo Abiose Akolade, Founder, GamblePause Initiative Africa, Nigeria
- Rasmus Kjaergaard, CEO, Mindway AI, Denmark
- Tracy Parker, Senior Vice President, Accreditation, Advisory and Insights, Responsible Gambling Council, Canada
- Pedro Romero, Chief of Safer Gambling Partnerships, BetBlocker, Gibraltar
- Sonia Wasowska, Head of Supervision, General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority, United Arab Emirates
- Steven Blackburn, Partner, Ashurst Risk Advisory, Australia
The event will be held at The Westin Harbour Castle on Toronto’s waterfront.
The post IAGR announces program for IAGR2025 conference in Toronto appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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