About SBC Summit Canada 2026 Premier North American Betting Industry Event
In 2026, the North American market hits a key turning point. New rules in Alberta, along with the huge business chances tied to the FIFA World Cup, set the stage for growth. SBC Summit Canada 2026 is really at the heart of this change. This event marks the rebranding of the Canadian Gaming Summit, turning the country’s longest-running industry gathering into a major player on the world stage. Organizers have synced it up with the global SBC portfolio, aiming to broaden the reach of the Toronto gaming conference. It acts as the main spot where 3,000 top executives gather. These leaders come together to influence the future of sports betting, iGaming, and physical casino operations nationwide.
Target Audience and Attendee Profile
The summit gathers senior executives from various industry sectors. These key players include international firms focusing on Canada, provincial government agencies shifting to digital platforms, and tech companies backing the market’s framework. The audience consists of 40% individuals in C-suite and VP-level positions who manage budgets and influence strategy.
The following profiles will get the most out of attending and networking at SBC Summit Canada 2026:
- Operators in Ontario and new provinces — CEOs and strategy leads from licensed iGaming brands in Ontario and companies preparing for Alberta entry meet partners and plan expansion;
- Lottery and First Nations gaming groups — Teams from major regional lottery bodies and community operators explore digital products, player retention tools, and tech partnerships;
- International betting platforms — Global brands and new entrants study launch timelines, speak with regulators, and connect with local tech and payment partners;
- Affiliates and marketing partners — Traffic teams and media buyers build deals with licensed operators and look for new revenue agreements across regulated provinces;
- Payments, fintech, and compliance providers — Payment processors, KYC, geolocation, AML, and analytics vendors present solutions that help operators meet Canadian regulations;
- Government and regulatory representatives — Officials from provincial regulators and market agencies discuss licensing rules, policy updates, and future market structure.
Conference Agenda and Important Sessions
The conference takes place across 3 stages featuring more than 120 speakers from the industry over 2 full days, plus an extra day for pre-event registration. The schedule focuses on keeping players safe with a special symposium along with sessions on regulatory trends and talks about affiliate strategies. The setup lets attendees create their own schedules, mixing content sessions with chances to network.
| Day and Date | Time Block | Activity and Details |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, May 19 | 12:00–17:00 | Attendee registration and badge collection at MTCC North Building with early venue exploration |
| Tuesday, May 19 | 19:00–00:00 | Official Opening Party at RS Sports Bar Toronto for casual networking and drinks |
| Wednesday, May 20 | 10:00–18:00 | Main exhibition floor open with 75+ vendor booths displaying products and services |
| Wednesday, May 20 | 10:30–17:00 | Conference program across 3 stages featuring keynotes and panel discussions on regulation, operators, and technology |
| Wednesday, May 20 | 19:00–23:00 | Official Networking Evening with complimentary food and drinks for full pass holders |
| Thursday, May 21 | 10:00–17:00 | Exhibition floor continuation with final product demonstrations and lead capture |
| Thursday, May 21 | 10:30–17:00 | Conference day 2 featuring advanced topic sessions and closing keynotes |
| Thursday, May 21 | 10:30–15:15 | Player Protection Symposium dedicated track covering responsible gambling and player safeguards |
Industry Speakers and Market Leaders
The lineup of speakers features political figures who are changing Canadian regulations along with CEOs who are implementing strategies. The blend makes sure everyone gets to hear both sides.
Notable industry speakers from government, operations, and compliance include:
- Government and Regulatory Leadership — Dale Nally (Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction) shares insights on Alberta’s regulations as the province rolls out its framework. Doug Downey, the Attorney General of Ontario, played a key role in shaping the province’s iGaming laws. Karin Schnarr (CEO, AGCO) oversees licensed operators in Ontario and establishes the standards for licensing;
- Operator Executives — Tolek Strukoff (CEO, Gateway Casinos & Entertainment) leads Canada’s largest land-based gaming operator. Scott Vanderwel (CEO, PointsBet Canada) manages an international operator’s Canadian entry and sports partnerships. Paul Burns (President and CEO, Canadian Gaming Association) speaks for the broader operator industry on strategic direction;
- Technology and Compliance Specialists — Ilkim Hinser (Chief Legal Officer, GeoComply) addresses geolocation and legal compliance for iGaming across provinces. Dr. Isabelle Martin (Lead Specialist, Loto-Quebec Responsible Gaming Office) presents research on addiction prevention and player behavior data relevant to Alberta and other markets entering regulation.
Floor Plan and Exhibitor Overview
The exhibition floor spans over 50,000 square feet in the MTCC North Building, arranged into zones that align with different market segments. Sports betting tech is just one part of the picture. iGaming sites hold a different spot. Payments, compliance, and marketing services take up specific areas.The exhibition area features these important vendor types and some examples:
- Sports Betting and iGaming Platforms — Altenar offers odds management and risk systems for sportsbooks looking to enter Canada. Mobinc Gaming provides tools to help operators attract and keep players as they grow their customer bases;
- Gigadat takes care of payment and financial services for handling deposits and withdrawals. Paramount Commerce oversees payment gateways for both cryptocurrency and traditional money. MNP gives tax and compliance advice aimed at gaming operators;
- Marketing and Customer Intelligence — Optimove supplies retention insights and customer relationship tools that help operators boost the long-term value of their players;
- Food and Networking — The exhibition area includes food service stations so attendees don’t have to step out of the venue. This design keeps conversations going about deals even during meal breaks.
Networking Opportunities and App Features
The SBC Connect app helps you plan your time and meetings before you even arrive. You can browse attendees, check the expo floor plan, message delegates, and book meetings in the SBC Connect Lounge. Many participants build their schedules weeks in advance to secure the best slots. The app also sends instant updates if sessions or meetings change, so you stay on track during busy days.
In the evening, the atmosphere becomes more relaxed and social. The main opening party takes place at RS Sports Bar in central Toronto and gives you a casual space to meet potential partners. Conversations often continue there over drinks, making it easier to build real connections. Full pass holders receive a hospitality package that covers key networking events, so you can focus on meetings and partnerships instead of logistics.
Passes and Registration Costs
You need to sign up online. The organizers do not sell tickets at the door. This policy guarantees thorough checks for everyone attending. The event stays trade-only to ensure the quality of interaction remains top-notch. You’ll want to grab your event pass soon if you’re thinking of bringing your team, as you can benefit from group pricing.
Here’s what you need to know about current pricing and access levels for the summit:
| Pass Type | Price (CAD) | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Full Event Pass | CA$995 | Conference sessions, exhibition, registration, parties, food & drink |
| Expo Plus Pass | CA$195 | Exhibition entry (Wed-Thu), Tuesday drinks (No conference access) |
| Operator/Affiliate Pass | Free | Full access (Requires strict verification of active operator/affiliate status) |
Tips for Event Success
Plan your attendee strategy about 4 weeks ahead of the event. Get ready for the summit by doing these things before it starts:
- Grab the SBC Connect app four weeks ahead and set up your profile with a photo, job title, company name, and focus area;
- Narrow down the attendee list by Ontario and Alberta interests to find the key operators and regulators you’d like to connect with;
- Schedule meetings in the SBC Connect Lounge throughout March and April for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday to get the best time slots;
- Make a list of 15–20 booths you want to visit on the exhibition floor, sorted by what matters most to your business;
- Show up at MTCC by noon on Tuesday for badge pickup, so you don’t have to deal with long registration lines on Wednesday morning;
- Scan QR badges at every booth you visit to help create your list of leads after the event;
- Export and tidy up your lead list right away Thursday evening before you leave Toronto;
- Send personalized follow-up emails within 48 hours that mention specific details from your conversations;
- Update your LinkedIn profile on Tuesday morning before the event to let everyone know you’re in Toronto;
- Plan three post-event discovery calls with your top three leads to keep the partnership talks going.
Travel and Accommodation Guide
The Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) North Building is where you need to go. It’s located right in the heart of 255 Front Street West. The place gives you quick and easy access to the Union Station transport hub. You can hop on the UP Express train straight from Pearson International Airport to Union Station in just 25 minutes.
Toronto is a major center for international flights. This simplifies travel plans for delegates from Europe and the US. You really ought to book a place to stay in Toronto right away. Hotels close to the MTCC tend to get booked up quickly. The event website frequently shows hotels that are partners, along with the special rates they’ve agreed on. Finding a place just a short stroll away can really help you save time every morning.