Canadian Gaming Summit to host Cybersecurity Symposium chaired by OLG cybersecurity lead Graham Reed

On June 18^th, the Canadian Gaming Summit, in partnership with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG), will bring together diverse experts in a Cybersecurity in Gaming 2025 Symposium that spotlights this critical priority for the gaming industry.

Held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, the highly anticipated symposium will convene regulatory bodies, cybersecurity leaders, and gaming executives to tackle the new digital threats that target Canada’s casinos and their players.

As a sector that handles vast volumes of sensitive customer data and financial transactions, the gaming industry has become a prime target for cybercrime worldwide. This event will provide a vital platform for knowledge-sharing, discussion, and network-building to fortify Canadian cybersecurity resilience across the industry.

Continuing to build on the commitment to cybersecurity established at OLG’s inaugural Cybersecurity in Gaming Summit in December 2023, their presence at Canada’s premier gaming event is a pivotal step in uniting stakeholders to protect the integrity and security of Canadian gaming.

Mikko Hyppönen, a globally acclaimed cybersecurity expert, author, and Chief Research Officer at WithSecure, will deliver the day’s keynote address. With a distinguished career spanning over 30 years, Hyppönen will provide unparalleled insights into the tactics of cybercriminals, the evolving threat landscape, and the critical role of Generative AI in modern cyber threats.

In his keynote, Hyppönen will explore how connected gaming and betting platforms have become prime targets for organized cybercrime. He’ll unpack who the attackers are, how they operate, and the rising role of Generative AI in their tactics. 

The first session of the day will be “Regulations and Security: A Winning Hand,” a conversation dedicated to unpacking the complex regulatory frameworks that underpin cybersecurity compliance in the gaming sector. Speaking on the panel will be Tony Wong (General Counsel, OLG), Karl Rempel (Senior Manager, Technology Regulation & Compliance, AGCO) and Lina Dabit (Officer in Charge, Cyber Crime Investigative Team, RCMP). Attendees will gain insights into how AGCO regulations directly influence casino operations and how Right to Audit provisions are being leveraged to enhance cybersecurity accountability. The discussion will also examine the implications of Ontario’s Bill 194 and federal Bill C-26 on data protection standards, and how harmonizing provincial and national policies can ensure a secure and compliant gaming ecosystem across Canada. 

The spotlight will then shift to “Beyond the Bet: Securing Networks from Lateral Attacks,” featuring a tactical exploration of how cybercriminals infiltrate and navigate casino and betting platforms. The session will shed light on the methods threat actors use to exploit vulnerabilities, gain access, and target sensitive systems and data. Providing firsthand insights into the evolving threat landscape will be Dan Whiteley (CTO, BEDE Gaming), Rick Carville (VP, Cybersecurity & CISO, Great Canadian Entertainment), and Bryan Pollitt (Partner - Cybersecurity, EY).

“Patch it up: Securing Casino Networks from Cyber Loopholes” will then spotlight the growing cybersecurity threats faced by the casino and betting sector. Led by Graham Reed (Vice President Cyber and Information Security, OLG), the session will unravel the lifecycle of vulnerability management, starting from the identification of security flaws to deploying patches and sustaining proactive monitoring. The highlight of the session will feature a live demo where Microsoft’s AI Red Team hacker will expose how unpatched vulnerabilities can be exploited in real-time, offering the audience a rare behind-the-scenes look at cyber threat mitigation.

According to Graham Reed, Vice President Cyber and Information Security at OLG and chair of the Cybersecurity in Gaming 2025 Summit, Canadian gaming is in a pivotal era for information security, and the industry is increasingly on the front lines of the fight against cybercrime. As part of our ongoing commitment to player security, we felt it was important to collaborate with SBC and contribute OLG’s insights to the conversation. By fostering dialogue between industry players, we can help everyone navigate the challenges with more confidence.”

“As the technology evolves, so do the threats,” added Aidan Brain, VP of Conference Production, SBC. “This symposium is about creating a united front—strengthening our collective defenses to ensure the continued integrity of the gaming experience across Canada. Thank you to OLG for lending their hand in educating our audience on this very important subject.”

For more information about the Cybersecurity in Gaming 2025 Summit and to register for the Canadian Gaming Summit, please visit ttps://sbcevents.com/canadian-gaming-summit/. 

You can meet OLG representatives at the “Crown Corporations Lounge” on the show floor. 

OLG is a crown agency that contributes to a better Ontario by delivering great entertainment experiences for customers. Acting in a socially responsible way, OLG conducts and manages land-based gaming facilities; the sale of province-wide lottery games; Internet gaming; and the delivery of bingo and other electronic gaming products at Charitable Gaming Centres. OLG is also helping support the horse racing industry in Ontario. Since 1975, OLG has generated approximately $59 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 profits from OLG's operations also support host communities, Ontario First Nations, lottery retailers and local charities across the province.

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