The View 242

1755 – 2025 – The Year That Was

As we are quickly closing in on the year end, we thought it was a good opportunity to reflect on ‘The Year That Was’ within cGaming.

We have continued to make steady progress on multiple fronts through carefully planned re-investments by our members, combined with readjusting of the product portfolio, all within the Ontario Regulation 81/12.

We have become very aware of ‘consumers behaviour and more importantly consumer confidence’. This is being monitored closely by our Chair [Mr. Tony Rosa] and Vice Chair [Mr. Cam Johnstone]. Both are extremely attuned to consumer impact. Throughout the year we have traded within management expectations and, as a Sector, we are generally pleased with our performance.

It has been extremely encouraging to see our members continue the process of re-investing back into their venues and the operational teams. The relocation of the Delta Gaming Centre [Etobicoke] was a major achievement for the sector and a reflection of the confidence our members now have in the business framework. Also, seeing that Power-Play Gaming Centre [Windsor], Jackpot Time [Timmins] and Play-Entertainment [Kingston] leverage their concepts through their first full year has been encouraging, all tailored to the local market. There is a real focus on ‘Customer Experience’ and ensuring we are forging a compelling consumer experience in our venues.

Equally, we are seeing the ‘Risk Environment’ evolve, especially around AML & Safer Gambling. We are, as a Sector, through and with the co-operation and support of the OLG cGaming & RGC Teams, meeting those changing processes. As we move into 2026, we project that this area will continue to evolve and we need to be supporting our members and their compliance teams in that challenge.

Through the hard work of our in-venue teams, we continue to deliver tremendous contributions to our Charity Partners and the excellent work and difference they make in their local communities. We will deliver over $C100m this fiscal year, shared among the 2,500 charitable groups aligned to the cGaming, which is an amazing result.

The Revitalization of Charitable Bingo & Gaming continues to gain measured traction. This is only achieved through the established ‘partnership model’ that has been formed. Hence, we would like to acknowledge and thank each of our partners for their ongoing support and commitment. Our partners are OCGA, OLG [cGaming Team], AGCO, iGO, Municipal Colleagues and RGC. Their combined efforts are making a real difference.

One the numerous highlights has been the engagement of Minister Cho [MTCG] and his interest and support for the sector, attending the opening of Delta Gaming Centre [Etobicoke], hosting a roundtable with the CGAO in Toronto and attending our Joint Conference in October. It has been encouraging to see his commitment and interest in what cGaming is doing and where we are going.

We look forward to maintaining our progress in 2026.

1756 – Security & Awareness

As we enter this Christmas period, we are encouraging our members and their operational teams to be a little extra vigilant on consumer behaviour in our venues, especially individuals who may look slightly out of place or are acting strangely.

We want to ensure that we offer a safe and relaxing environment through the Christmas holidays and keeping our awareness high will ensure we achieve that goal.

1757 – PlaySmart

We have continued to make steady progress in the ‘PlaySmart Program’ within cGaming. In 2026 we are looking to have all in-venue PlaySmart Champion appointed. This is an important role within the venue as they are the ‘anchor’ of information, in-venue events and support.

As we closed the year, we completed a ‘Pilot Project’ at Delta Gaming Centre [Etobicoke], who are the first to offer a PlaySmart Lounge in a cGaming venue. We have the results and they will be released to the Delta Executive Team in early January 2026 before we shared more broadly with the cGaming Sector. We wanted to acknowledge the support and co-operation of the Chief Operating Officer at Delta Gaming Group, Mr. Shawn Fisher, and his team.

We have also been briefed on the recent Player Health Index results. This is data we need to have a greater understanding of and what it means going forward for the sector. More to come on that through 2026.

1758 – Golf Day 2026 – Save The Date

Our Golf Day is set for 4th of June 2026 at the Springfield Golf & Country Club in Guelph. This has always been a positive and enjoyable networking event for the cGaming Sector. The event is open to anyone with a connection to cGaming.

We will shortly be releasing the 2026 sponsorship package. If you need any immediate information please contact our Golf Co-Ordinator – Ms. Brenda Bennett at bbennett@cgeg.ca, who will assist you.

1759 – Membership Renewal

Please be advised that all membership renewal information is being released this week, via Ms. Sandi Nesbitt. Once you receive your information, if you have any questions please contact the CEO [CGAO] directly.

1760 – People on the Move

There have been various people on the move since our last newsletter. We have not managed to capture them all but see some highlighted movements below.

• Ms. Jill Dunlop - Has been appointed Delta Gaming Centre [Etobicoke] Manager, reporting directly to Mr. Shawn Fisher, Chief Operating Officer.
• Mr. Joseph Hillier - Has been appointed as CEO & President at iGO, taking over the organization at a critical point in its development. Joseph becomes the first Full-Time CEO & President of iGO.
• Mr. Aaron Glyn-William - Has been appointed Vice President of Safer Gambling Unit at OLG. This is a newly forged unit within the PlaySmart Team OLG, reporting to Ms. Michelle Eaton, Senior Vice President.
• Ms. Amanda Brewer - Has been appointed Vice President-Communications at Canadian Gaming Association. Amanda will report directly to Paul Burns – CEO & President.
• Ms. Catherine Meade - Has joined the Crown Resort Group in Australia and will be based at the Crown Casino [Sydney].

1761 – Charitable Gaming : Community Good

We continue to see the progress and ongoing development of the ‘Charitable Gaming : Community Good’ brand and the work that has been undertaken by Ms. Mary O’Neill and her team.

It is encouraging to see throughout the year the various joint projects that have been undertaken within venues to bring greater awareness and connection to the money raised and cGaming venues.

One initiative that will be undertaken in early 2026 will be down in the Windsor area with Community Gaming and Entertainment Group and the OCGA brand. Jointly, they will be undertaking to trial of a 15 to 25 second video clip that will play prior to the start of each Bingo Session. This will be developed at Power-Play Gaming Centre initially and we will monitor both for consumer reaction and consumer awareness.

This is another example of a great partnership between OCGA & CGAO, while supported by OLG cGaming Team. Surely a winning combination.

1762 – Christmas Holiday

From everyone at the CGAO, we wanted to wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas and continued Success in 2026. Trust you take the time to be with Family & Friends and re-charge to be ready for an exciting 2026.