“Canadian Gaming Summit is designed to be a real learning experience”
(Exclusive interview).- Focus Gaming News accessed to a preview of the renowned event for the Canadian gaming industry.
The Canadian Gaming Summit will be held from June 13th to 15th in Gatineau and Ottawa. The Casino du Lac-Leamy will host education sessions and networking events, whilst Ottawa convention centre will also focus in education sessions and company’s showcasing of latest technology. Bill Rutsey, President and CEO of the Canadian Gaming Association, talked to Focus Gaming News about the expected event.
Can you tell us which will be the main topic of the Summit?
The summit is all about information and education, with the emphasis on how it all relates to the Canadian gaming scene. You can see that we literally “cover the waterfront” with education tracks that include lottery, charitable gaming, food and beverage, iGaming, marketing and communications, legal and regulatory, responsible gaming, security and surveillance, property operations, business and finance, and human resources. When you add the depth and breadth of products and services showcased on the exhibit floor and the multiple formal and informal networking opportunities it’s very apparent that the Summit is where the Canadian gaming industry meets and is the must-attend event for gaming professionals.
How would you describe the networking events during the event?
Our networking events are varied and great! People come from all aspects of the industry across the country and around the world. They relish the numerous opportunities to meet, learn, communicate, catch up with friends and colleagues, and make new acquaintances and relationships. They get to do this during our formal and informal networking events that include the Opening Reception, Delegate and Exhibitor Reception, VIP Reception, on-site breakfasts and lunches, and our very popular Summit Golf Classic. People have a great time and at the same time are learning new things, meeting old and new friends and creating new opportunities.
When you add the depth and breadth of products and services showcased on the exhibit floor and the multiple formal and informal networking opportunities it’s very apparent that the Summit is where the Canadian gaming industry meets and is the must-attend event for gaming professionals.
How much do you think it helps the Canadian gaming industry an event like this one?
As I’ve said, the Summit is designed to be a real learning experience for everyone who attends, from both the formal and informal perspectives, as well as a prime opportunity to network. And the networking is a very positive extension of the learning experience. The Summit allows industry participants to discuss, debate and evaluate what’s going on across Canada and around the world, and discover things that will allow them to be better at what they do.
What is your opinion about the current state of the gaming industry in Canada compared, for example, with the United States?
The Canadian gaming industry is very healthy and operates under a different legal framework than the United States. Here in Canada gaming must be “conducted and managed” by provincial governments through their agencies, for example, Loto-Quebec and BCLC, as well as be regulated by provincial regulators such as the AGCO. Depending upon interpretation, private gaming companies may own and operate gaming businesses subject to such oversight. In the United States the role of government is limited to regulation and taxation.
The Summit is designed to be a real learning experience for everyone who attends, from both the formal and informal perspectives, as well as a prime opportunity to network. And the networking is a very positive extension of the learning experience.
What are your expectations for the industry after this event happens?
Well, first of all, I expect the industry to be pleased by their experience of the Summit. Beyond that my expectation is that the industry will continue to be robust and successful as it moves inevitably forward into the virtual gaming world re-inventing and repurposing itself to meet the expectations of both its traditional customer bases and the ever-growing online community.
Are the attendees from North America or you’re also expecting visitors from Latin America?
People attending the Summit come from all over the world – Europe, Asia, South and Central America, as well as the United States, Mexico and Canada.
