All in Series: Discovery 2022

The spirit of Discovery has always been rooted in its collaborative nature and ability to bring together all stakeholders for meaningful debate and discussions. This year is no different. In a world – and industry – that are ever evolving, Discovery remains unchanged in its goal to advance responsible gambling, together.

The industry has gone through immense growth and diversification over the past year, with no signs of slowing down. Here in Ontario and other jurisdictions around the world, new markets are being launched and different gambling offerings are being legalized. We know that regulated and legalized gambling is the safest route for players and the public, but still, this comes with risks and challenges. We strive to turn those challenges into opportunities to reinvent and innovate the way we look at and deliver consumer protections. Discovery is a catalyst that connects likeminded leaders in the industry to debate issues relevant now and into the future.

360 RG: Keeping pace with the global, omnichannel experience

This year’s theme could not be more fitting for the current and future state of our industry. We are pleased that Discovery will be offered as a hybrid conference this year. From November 8-10^th, 2022, Discovery will be in-person at Vantage Venues in downtown Toronto, Ontario and streamed online globally. For two days, delegates will focus on the evolution of RG in a world where gambling is becoming more normalized, and an industry that is increasingly global, digital and integrated. How do we continue to ensure that the player is at the centre of the discussion? What contributes to successful player protection and harm minimization efforts related to gambling and has that changed? These are some of the important questions we hope to unpack at Discovery this year.

Rethinking RG in a time of change

We kick off Discovery with a dynamic keynote presentation Tim Miller, Executive Director of the UK Gambling Commission and Board Member of the Gaming Regulators European Forum. With over 20 years of experience across the regulatory and public sectors in the UK, Tim’s depth of experience and insight will inspire operators and regulators worldwide to rethink RG. In his presentation, Tim will share his perspective on effective harm reduction strategies and player safeguards from across Europe and what lessons can be learned and applied in other jurisdictions. Following the presentation, Tim and a panel of leaders that includes Tom Mungham, Chief Executive Officer of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission in Ontario, will engage in a discussion about what player protection really means in this new era and how we can challenge traditional thinking.

I am thrilled to be moderating this vital discussion on the importance of reframing the traditional ideas around player protections and what that means and providing new perspectives that meet the needs of the new player profile in a new environment.

Along with this insightful keynote, Discovery’s agenda is packed with curated breakout and plenary sessions that will inspire action to expand the depth of our RG strategies. Whether in-person or virtual, Discovery will share the latest research and trends and what programs and policies have been successful in other jurisdictions, all with the goal to advance responsible gambling in the industry.

If you’ve attended Discovery before, we look forward to seeing you again.

If this is your first Discovery conference, we look forward to welcoming you.

Together, we are all in for safer gambling.

Shelley White is one of Canada’s foremost visionary leaders, and has dedicated her life and career to empowering organizations that create better futures for thousands of people in their communities. In 2017, she became the new CEO of the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC).