The View 240

1740 – People on the Move

As we start 2025 there have been numerous people on the move within the Gaming Sector in Ontario. 

• Ms. Lynn Cassidy - On the 3rd of January 2025, Lynn formally steps down as Executive Director of the Ontario Charitable Gaming Association [OCGA], which she has guided through numerous important initiatives over the past twenty seven [27] years leading the Organization. Throughout that time, she remained a critical partner in the development and revitalization of Charitable Gaming in this Province. Lynn will remain as an Executive Advisor to the OCGA for initially twelve months to ensure a smooth and effective transition.
• Mr. Sam Goodwin - In December 2024, it was announced that Sam will transition into retirement. Sam has been a key figure/advisor to numerous organizations in the province and especially to the OCGA. He has been extremely impactful and added real value to the various projects he was engaged in. His experience, knowledge and wisdom will be missed. 
• Mr. Shelley White - After six [6] years leading the Responsible Gambling-Council [RG-C], Shelley formally stepped down as CEO on the 3rd of January 2025. During her six years of leadership, she has built off the foundation of her predecessor and transformed the organization, where it is now internationally recognized as a leader in the field of RG. 
• Mr. Stephen Johnston - At the end of January 2025, Stephen will step down from his role at Diamond Game (Canada) and retire. With over thirty-four [34] years in the Gaming Sector, holding numerous roles with numerous companies, his positive outlook has been well noted by those who have interacted with him over the years. 
• Mr. Richard Schwar - On the 6th of January 2025, Richard was formally promoted to Executive Director on the OCGA, after holding the role as Director of Operations. Richard brings a depth of knowledge and understanding of the Charitable Gaming Sector within this province and we are sure he will continue to succeed in his new role. 
• Ms. Sarah McCarty - On the 6th of January 2025, Sarah undertook her new role as CEO of the RG-C. Although Sarah is new to the Gaming Sector, she is certainly not new to the Association Management world. She brings a broad and fresh view to the sector and we look forward to building and developing a partnership going forward.
• Ms. Jessica Baker - Has been appointed Director of Operations at the Delta Gaming Venue (Etobicoke), which is due to open in near future. Jessica will oversee the team at the venue and continue to report to the Chief Operating Officer – Mr. Shawn Fisher.
• Mr. Max Pyatnochka - Max has been appointed Operations Manager at Delta Gaming Venue (Etobicoke) and will report to Ms. Jessica Baker. Max has recently held the position of Operations Manager at Delta Gaming Centre (Downsview). 
• Ms. Juile Nascimento - Julie has been promoted to Operations Manager of the Delta Gaming Centre (Downsview). Julie previously held the position of Operations Manager at Delta Gaming Centre (Barrie).
• Mr. David Thomson - David has been promoted to Vice President – Gaming Systems & Product. This is reflective of his work and energy and will remain part of the Chief Operating Officers (Mr. Shawn Fisher) core team. 

I am sure you will join us in wishing those who are undertaking new opportunities through retirement with their family and friends and equally to those undertaking new positions within their companies. We wish everyone tremendous success for the future.

1741 – PlaySmart – cGaming

We continue to make progress with enhancing our ‘PlaySmart’ presence within cGaming. We have various initiatives occurring and/or planned throughout the year as well as ongoing development.

This work would not happen without the support and partnership of both OLG PlaySmart Team and RG-C PlaySmart Teams. Our combined approach of ‘partnership, collaboration and open communication’ sees progressive positive movement. Equally, I want to flag the ongoing work with the OLG c-Gaming Team, led by Mr. David Fraser, who are fully engaged in these initiatives.

A couple of initiatives that are proceeding through 2025 are as follows:

• Champions Program - We continue to roll out the Champions Program across all venues. This is an important initiative for the Sector and very supportive to complete all venues being active in this program.
• PlaySmart Lounge - There will be a Pilot launched at the Delta Gaming Venue (Etobicoke) of embedding a PlaySmart Lounge into the cGaming Venue. I wanted to acknowledge the progressive thinking by Mr. Shawn Fisher – Chief Operating Officer of the Group, to allow the opportunity to come to market.
• In-Venue Activities - There are various in-venue activities that occur through the year, which generate numerous ‘touch-points’ directly with the consumers and staff teams.

1742 – Upcoming Joint Charitable Gaming Conference – 2025

Initial planning is underway between OCGA and CGAO on the Joint Charitable Gaming Conference 2025. The dates will be slightly earlier this year and we would ask you to save the date[s] in your calendar.

We are looking at placing together an exciting and informative agenda of speakers and topics to highlight the tremendous work and contribution our sector brings to the province.

1743 – Golf Day 2025

Our Golf Day is set for 5th of June 2025 at the Springfield Golf & Country Club in Guelph. This has always been a positive and enjoyable networking event for the cGaming Sector. The sponsorship package has been released and the initial response has been encouraging.

At the request of the Chair [Mr. Tony Rosa] the cost for a Team (foursome) is being held, for the fourth year in a row, at $C1,000 (+HST). This includes Golf, Cart, Lunch, Dinner and Prizes.

For those who have attended in previous years, we look to have the day wrapped up and golfers on the road by 6:45pm, at the direction of the Chair [TR].

1744 – Charitable Gaming : Community Good

The Brand continues to be built and developed within the province and directly in the Communities where a cGaming Venue is located.

It has been rather encouraging to see, each month and year, how the brand has made an impact and connection, linking the activities within our venues to the benefits and real contributions to the communities they are connected to.

The initiative is led by the OCGA’s Senior Marketing Manager – Ms. Mary O’Neill, who guides the agency to maximize and deliver value through every dollar deployed by the fund.

Recently, Mary shared some key indicators of success with everyone on the 2024 digital campaigns.

• Ad Impressions - 25.8 million Impressions 
• Video Views - 2.78 million views 
• Ad Clicks - 235.2 thousand clicks
• Website Views - 219.2 thousand views

As always, Mary is available to speak with the Commercial Operators to see if there are any opportunities for joint promotions/marketing relating directly to their marketplace. Please feel free to reach out to Mary directly.

1745 – cGaming Wayfinding Initiative

Our Strategic Advisor – Ms. Diane Gartshore, has completed the third model in series coming forth from the Marketing Research. This initiative is designed to appeal to new ‘consumers’ who are visiting a cGaming Venue for the first time. Thus, we have developed a ‘Wayfinding’ deck to lay out the consumer journey in and through the venue. 

The materials are designed to be ‘genetic’ to be easily adaptable to an individual member brands to retain in-house designed features. 

There will be a presentation to all CGAO Operator Members in early February and this will be delivered by the agency. 

The Chair [TR] & Vice Chair [CJ] wanted to publicly thank the co-ordination of this project by Ms. Diane Gartshore, who worked closely with our CEO and the agency. 

1746 – Ontario Heading to an Election

As communicated late last week, the province will be heading to an election during the month of February. The writ will be dropped on the 29th of January 2025. Throughout the campaigning period we will be updating our members via our GR Advisor Team on what is happening and the key themes coming through and who has traction.