Loading…
Welcome to the IMGL Spring 2025 Conference!
Wednesday, April 23
 

8:00am PDT

Running/Walking Club
Wednesday April 23, 2025 8:00am - 9:30am PDT
Run/walk the seawall and earn your breakfast coffee and croissant at a seawall café. RSVP HERE.

This scenic seawall run along False Creek offers breathtaking views of the skyline, mountains, and marina. This invigorating experience allows attendees to enjoy Vancouver’s picturesque waterfront and engage in physical activity while networking with fellow attendees. Along the route, participants might even have the chance to catch glimpses of pods of orcas gracefully navigating the waters, adding an unforgettable natural element to the experience. Participants can reward themselves with a well-deserved breakfast of coffee and croissants at a charming seawall café, adding a delightful culinary touch to the experience.
Wednesday April 23, 2025 8:00am - 9:30am PDT
JW Marriott Parq Vancouver 39 Smithe St, Vancouver, BC V6B 0R3, Canada

10:00am PDT

Visit to Anthropology Museum at UBC
Wednesday April 23, 2025 10:00am - 2:00pm PDT
$25 CAD, Limited to 25 guests

Self guided tour of one of the largest collections of Pacific Northwest Indigenous Art in the world, located on a bluff with views of the Burrard Inlet.

Designed by renowned architect Arthur Erickson, the Museum of Anthropology is a masterpiece of modernist architecture inspired by First Nations structures. The museum’s extensive collection of Indigenous art and artifacts provides a fascinating insight into global cultural heritage. Knowledgeable tour guides will be available throughout the visit to provide in-depth descriptions and insights into the museum’s remarkable collection. These guides will offer detailed commentary on the significance of key exhibits, and the cultural importance of artifacts, ensuring a rich and educational experience for all attendees. Attendees will also enjoy a scenic drive through Pacific Spirit Park, a lush, tranquil forest that offers a perfect introduction to Vancouver’s natural beauty. For more details and to book your experience, visit the Museum of Anthropology’s official website: https://moa.ubc.ca.

Attendees will pay individually upon arrival for a self guided tour of the museum. Transportation will be provided.

From JW Parq to MOA
Pick up time: 10:00 am
Arrive at Museum of Anthropology by 10:45 am

From MOA to JW Parq
Pick up time: 1:45 pm
Arrive at JW Parq by 2:30 pm

Wednesday April 23, 2025 10:00am - 2:00pm PDT
Anthropology Museum 6393 NW Marine Dr, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2, Canada

2:30pm PDT

IMGL Member Meeting
Wednesday April 23, 2025 2:30pm - 5:00pm PDT
Please arrive by 2:30 pm for coffee/tea/water prior to the start of our member meeting. We will start at 3:00 pm sharp.

Wednesday April 23, 2025 2:30pm - 5:00pm PDT
Kitsilano Salon D 39 Smithe St, Vancouver, BC V6B 0R3, Canada

6:30pm PDT

Opening Reception
Wednesday April 23, 2025 6:30pm - 8:30pm PDT
Tap & Barrel Bridges on Granville Island – Aquabus charter to/from Granville Island, departing from Plaza of Nations Pier (a 5 minute walk from hotel)

The Opening Reception will take place at Tap & Barrel Bridges on Granville Island, a venue offering a relaxed atmosphere with stunning waterfront views. Attendees can enjoy the charm of the harbor, indulge in a variety of local craft beverages, and take in breathtaking views of the city skyline, nearby marinas, and the dynamic energy of False Creek. One of the highlights of this experience is Vancouver’s unique Aquabus system, which adds an element of exploration and fun to the evening. These colorful, small ferries provide scenic travel across the water, offering panoramic views and a unique perspective of the city’s bustling waterfront.

Aquabus transportation will depart from Plaza of Nations Pier starting at 6:00 pm, which is just a 5 minute walk from the hotel.

The last departure window is at 8:45 pm. Attendees can show their lanyard to an Aquabus person for a complimentary pass, if they want to leave early and join regular traffic back to Plaza. Anyone who misses that departure window from Granville will need to find alternate transportation from the venue back to their hotel.

For those that miss the 6:00 pm pickup, they can also join regular traffic to Granville.
Wednesday April 23, 2025 6:30pm - 8:30pm PDT
Taps and Barrels 1696 Duranleau St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3S4, Canada
 
Thursday, April 24
 

8:00am PDT

Continental Breakfast
Thursday April 24, 2025 8:00am - 9:30am PDT
Please join us prior to the start of the sessions and enjoy a light breakfast that includes juice, fresh fruit, yogurt, steel cut oats, and more!
Thursday April 24, 2025 8:00am - 9:30am PDT
Fairview Ballroom III - V 39 Smithe St, Vancouver, BC V6B 0R3, Canada

9:00am PDT

Welcome and Conference Overview from IMGL President, Marc Dunbar
Thursday April 24, 2025 9:00am - 9:20am PDT
We will kick off with a warm welcome to Vancouver and the 2025 Spring Conference from IMGL President, Marc Dunbar, followed by a Territory Acknowledgement. This welcome prayer includes a brief blessing by an Elder of a BC First Nation.
Thursday April 24, 2025 9:00am - 9:20am PDT
Kitsilano Ballroom 39 Smithe St, Vancouver, BC V6B 0R3, Canada

9:20am PDT

Emerging Jurisdictions – The Americas
Thursday April 24, 2025 9:20am - 10:00am PDT
In this session, our panel of experts will review major jurisdictions in the Americas that may unlock growth in the next few years (California, Texas, Alberta, B.C., Brazil, Argentina, Chile). Panellists will review the current state of affairs, likelihood of changes coming, impediments to change, as well as possible commercial challenges to be faced by stakeholders.
Moderator: Peter Czegledy, Partner, Aird & Berlis LLP, Canada
Speakers:
Brant Martin, Partner, Wick, Phillips, Gould & Martin, LLP, United States
Juan Camilo Carrasco, Partner, Asensi Abogados, Colombia
Dennis Ehling, Partner, Blank Rome, United States

Thursday April 24, 2025 9:20am - 10:00am PDT
Kitsilano Ballroom 39 Smithe St, Vancouver, BC V6B 0R3, Canada

10:00am PDT

Emerging Jurisdictions – Africa and Asia
Thursday April 24, 2025 10:00am - 10:40am PDT
In this session, our panel of experts will review major jurisdictions in Africa and Asia that may unlock growth in the next few years (Thailand, Japan, Vietnam, Philippines, India, Botswana, Ghana). Panellists will review the current state of affairs, likelihood of changes coming, impediments to change, as well as possible commercial challenges to be faced by stakeholders.
Moderator: Quirino Mancini, Partner and Director, WH Partners Italy, Italy
Speakers:
Akkaraporn Muangsobha, Partner, Rajah & Tann, Thailand
Manav Bhargava, Head of India Desk, Segev LLP, Canada/India

Thursday April 24, 2025 10:00am - 10:40am PDT
Kitsilano Ballroom 39 Smithe St, Vancouver, BC V6B 0R3, Canada

10:40am PDT

Networking Break
Thursday April 24, 2025 10:40am - 11:00am PDT
Refuel yourself with some energy bars, granola and yogurt, and citrus madeleines! 
Thursday April 24, 2025 10:40am - 11:00am PDT
Fairview Ballroom III - V 39 Smithe St, Vancouver, BC V6B 0R3, Canada

11:00am PDT

Risk and Reward
Thursday April 24, 2025 11:00am - 11:30am PDT
In this session discussion, we team commercial and legal thought leaders up to discuss emerging commercial opportunities and legal issues.
  • Crypto – The rise of crypto native casinos
  • New game types
  • Lossless games
  • Elon Musk’s Earn a Prize vs Win a Prize
  • Sweepstakes globally
  • Prediction markets
  • Marketing – New UA Strategies
Moderator: Jack Tadman, Lawyer, GME Law, Canada
Speakers:
Michael Lipton, Senior Partner, Dickinson Wright, Canada
Bill Gantz, Partner, Duane Morris LLP, United States
Thursday April 24, 2025 11:00am - 11:30am PDT
Kitsilano Ballroom 39 Smithe St, Vancouver, BC V6B 0R3, Canada

11:30am PDT

First Nation and Native American Gaming Opportunities in North America and Globally
Thursday April 24, 2025 11:30am - 12:00pm PDT
In this session, our panel of experts will guide us through some of the most important issues and compelling opportunities in First Nations and Tribal gaming globally. Topics to be covered will include:
  • Current stakeholders and opportunities in Canada, including a discussion on Bill S-268 and whether it will create a national First Nations gaming framework.
  • How are Canada’s First Nations positioned to be global partners?
  • What happened in Florida and what could it mean for national and international strategies?
  • Native American casino tribes’ global ambitions.
Moderator: Kevin Quigley, Indian Affairs & Gaming Business Counsel, Foley & Quigley PLC, United States
Speakers:
Anthony Novac, President, Sonco Gaming Inc., Canada
Ashley Stacey, Partner, OKT Law, Canada
Joseph Webster, Managing Partner, Hobbs, Straus, Dean & Walker, LLP, United States
Thursday April 24, 2025 11:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Kitsilano Ballroom 39 Smithe St, Vancouver, BC V6B 0R3, Canada

12:00pm PDT

Smart Money, Smart Founders
Thursday April 24, 2025 12:00pm - 12:45pm PDT
What is VC, and PE looking for in emerging opportunities? How are they structuring deals? What does the push-pull look like among investors and founders and how do you find the balanced middle ground?
Moderator: Ron Segev, Founding Partner, Segev LLP, Canada
Speakers: 
Joel Simkins, CEO and Founder, XST Capital Group LLC, United States

Thursday April 24, 2025 12:00pm - 12:45pm PDT
Kitsilano Ballroom 39 Smithe St, Vancouver, BC V6B 0R3, Canada

12:45pm PDT

IMGL Luncheon – With Wine Tasting by La Stella and Le Vieux Pin Wineries of Osoyoos B.C.
Thursday April 24, 2025 12:45pm - 2:00pm PDT
Attendees will have the opportunity to savour exquisite wines from two of British Columbia’s most renowned wineries. La Stella and Le Vieux Pin are known for their exceptional craftsmanship, combining Old World tradition with the unique terroir of the Okanagan Valley. This exclusive experience will be a directed wine tasting, led by experts from the wineries who will guide attendees through the unique characteristics and flavours of each selection, providing insights into the winemaking process and the region’s rich viticultural heritage.
Thursday April 24, 2025 12:45pm - 2:00pm PDT

2:00pm PDT

The State of M&A and Finance – Transactional Year in Review, Trends and Learnings Going Forward
Thursday April 24, 2025 2:00pm - 2:40pm PDT
In these two back-to-back Ted Talk-style presentations, two experts (one regulatory, one transactional) will team up to present the most compelling trends and learnings from the last 12 months of transactions in Europe and in North America.

Each presentation will include insights on:
  • Key data
  • Nature of financings and other transactions over LTM
  • YoY comparison, emerging trends for 2025 and going into 2026
  • Deals that died and why
  • Major takeaways
Speakers: 
Christian Tirabassi, Senior PartnerFicom Leisure, United Kingdom
Thursday April 24, 2025 2:00pm - 2:40pm PDT
Kitsilano Ballroom 39 Smithe St, Vancouver, BC V6B 0R3, Canada

2:40pm PDT

Public Capital Markets – Case Study
Thursday April 24, 2025 2:40pm - 3:20pm PDT
In this session we explore how to take a gaming company public. Our presenters will navigate you through the process of taking a company public. How do you work with issuers, investors, regulators, exchanges, commissions, boards, committees, IR companies, analysts and the Street? Find out in this session.
Moderator: Peter Kulick, Attorney, Dickinson Wright, United States
Speakers:
Katie Lever, General Counsel, Chief Privacy Officer & Corporate Secretary, Great Canadian Entertainment, Canada
Robbie Bressler, CFO, Bragg Gaming, Canada
Thursday April 24, 2025 2:40pm - 3:20pm PDT
Kitsilano Ballroom 39 Smithe St, Vancouver, BC V6B 0R3, Canada

3:20pm PDT

Networking Break
Thursday April 24, 2025 3:20pm - 3:45pm PDT
Need an afternoon reboot? Enjoy some Wild Berry Rice Crisp Bars, Chia Date Energy Bites, and Quinoa Triple Fudge Power Cookies! 
Thursday April 24, 2025 3:20pm - 3:45pm PDT
Fairview Ballroom III - V 39 Smithe St, Vancouver, BC V6B 0R3, Canada

3:45pm PDT

M&A and Finance – War Stories and Lessons Learned
Thursday April 24, 2025 3:45pm - 4:30pm PDT
With Global Gaming Women

This panel of leading M&A and finance lawyers and members of Global Gaming Women will share their war stories and lessons learned from years of closing deals and watching as some didn’t quite cross the finish line.
  • What are the most common deal killers and how to avoid them
  • What are the biggest blow ups you’ve seen?
  • Are some deals destined for the dust bin and how can you spot those?
  • How to get certain clients ready for the regulator?
Moderator: Cosmina Simion, Managing Partner, WH Simion & Partners, Romania
Speakers:
Becky Harris, Distinguished Fellow in Gaming and Leadership, University of Nevada Las Vegas, United States
Charmaine Hogan, Head of Regulatory Affairs, Playtech, United Kingdom
Danielle Bush, Senior Counsel, McCarthy Tétrault, Canada
Kate Lowenhar-Fisher, Executive Vice President, Everi Holdings, Inc., United States
Thursday April 24, 2025 3:45pm - 4:30pm PDT
Kitsilano Ballroom 39 Smithe St, Vancouver, BC V6B 0R3, Canada

6:30pm PDT

IMGL Gala Dinner: Sponsored by Wyzia Financial, Inc.
Thursday April 24, 2025 6:30pm - 10:00pm PDT
The Teahouse at Stanley Park, with a Photo-op Stop at Stanley Park Totem Poles. This dinner is proudly sponsored by Wyzia Financial Inc.



**Shuttle buses will begin departing at 5:45 pm, with the last one leaving at 6:00 pm.

The IMGL Gala Dinner will be held at The Teahouse in Stanley Park, offering attendees a unique dining experience in one of Vancouver’s most scenic locations. Originally built as an officer’s mess during WWII, the Teahouse has since evolved into a beloved dining establishment, offering guests breathtaking views of English Bay and the surrounding lush greenery of Stanley Park. The menu, curated by Executive Chef Adam Meade, features locally sourced ingredients and seasonal dishes that highlight the best of West Coast cuisine.

Before arriving at the Teahouse, attendees will have the opportunity for a photo-op stop at Stanley Park’s totem poles. These totem poles represent the artistic expressions and traditions of Indigenous peoples who reside across the provinces unceded territory of local indigenous peoples. Learn more about the history of the totem poles here: https://www.heritagesitefinder.ca/location/totem-pole-and-visitor-centre-at-brockton-point-yakdzi-myth-wakias-nhe-is-bik-vancouver-bc/.

Check out the Teahouse here: https://www.vancouverdine.com/teahouse/.

Thursday April 24, 2025 6:30pm - 10:00pm PDT
Teahouse in Stanley Park 7501 Stanley Park Dr, Vancouver, BC V6G 1Z4, Canada
 
Friday, April 25
 

8:30am PDT

Breakfast with Future Anthem / BCLC & Welcome from President, Marc Dunbar
Friday April 25, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am PDT
Join us for a casual conversation beginning just after 9 am, where you will learn more about how state lotteries and the technology companies are creating Private Public Partnerships to create leading bespoke AI solutions for government agencies, operators and players. Is this a new path for companies to raise capital and build technology? Is this a new avenue state lotteries can take to drive growth and provide best in class offerings to its players? Future Anthem and BCLC will share perspectives on their innovative PPP and how it might translate to other market participants globally. Breakfast will be served starting at 8:30 am.
Friday April 25, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am PDT
Kitsilano Ballroom 39 Smithe St, Vancouver, BC V6B 0R3, Canada

10:00am PDT

Responsible Gaming
Friday April 25, 2025 10:00am - 10:20am PDT
Speakers:
Connie Jones, Director of Responsible Gaming, AGEM, United States
Rasmus Kjaergaard, Chief Executive Officer, Mindway AI, Denmark
Kahlil Simeon-Rose, Assistant Professor at the School of Hospitality Business Management, WA State University, United States
Friday April 25, 2025 10:00am - 10:20am PDT
Kitsilano Ballroom 39 Smithe St, Vancouver, BC V6B 0R3, Canada

10:00am PDT

Technological Developments
Friday April 25, 2025 10:00am - 12:15pm PDT
Our morning sessions will be spent reviewing the most compelling technological developments in gaming and betting. Join us for a series of short Ted Talk style presentations which will feature 20-minute presentations, each to be structured and presented by one expert lawyer in tandem with one or two private sector leaders.

These short presentations will answer questions such as what are the latest issues requiring attention in the regulatory and compliance landscape, how is technology trying to solve for those issues, and what are those limits if any. Here we present six technology case studies.

Each presentation will cover the following topics:
  • What issues require attention in our current compliance landscape or to mitigate regulators’ concerns?
  • What are the current solutions and are there any commercial or regulatory shortcomings with those?
  • Can technology provide the right fix, and what risks or shortcomings should we be alive to?

10:00 am – 10:20 am
Responsible Gaming
Speakers:
Connie Jones, Director of Responsible Gaming, AGEM, United States
Rasmus Kjaergaard, Chief Executive Officer, Mindway AI, Denmark
Kahlil  Simeon-Rose, Assistant Professor at the School of Hospitality Business Management, WA State University, United States

10:20 am – 10:40 am
Regulatory Tech
Speakers:
Tom Rafferty, Chief Executive Officer, OPTX, United States
Lindsay Slader, SVP Compliance, GeoComply, Canada

10:40 am – 11:00 am
Payments Tech
Speakers:
Olivier Bourreau, Chief Innovation & Strategy Officer, Gigadat Solutions Inc., Canada
Darren Simmons, Executive Vice President & FinTech Business Leader, Everi Holdings Inc., United States

11:00 am – 11:20 am
Security and Integrity
Speakers:
Jeremie Kanter, Director of Regulatory Affairs, Continent 8 Technologies, United Kingdom
Paul Leger, Senior Director Information Security Services Americas at Bulletproof, a GLI Company, Canada

11:20 am – 11:40 am
KYC, AML
Speakers:
Giorgi Tsamalaidze, CLO, Random Systems Georgia, Georgia
Jennifer Carleton, CFO, Sightline Payments, United States

11:40 am – 12:00 pm
Martech and Social Media
Speakers:
Matthew Showell, CEO, Snap Call Media, Canada
Zachary Pearlstein, Associate, GME Law, Canada

Friday April 25, 2025 10:00am - 12:15pm PDT
Kitsilano Ballroom 39 Smithe St, Vancouver, BC V6B 0R3, Canada

12:15pm PDT

IMGL Buffet Luncheon
Friday April 25, 2025 12:15pm - 1:30pm PDT
Friday April 25, 2025 12:15pm - 1:30pm PDT
Fairview Ballroom III - V 39 Smithe St, Vancouver, BC V6B 0R3, Canada

12:45pm PDT

Optional Lunch Workshop: Practical Blockchain for the Untokened
Friday April 25, 2025 12:45pm - 1:15pm PDT
Learn how to buy, hold and transfer, and receive mBTC (millibitcoin).

At the end of this session, you will have opened a crypto wallet, bought some BTC, transferred it out and received some too. Learn it by finally doing it.

Friday April 25, 2025 12:45pm - 1:15pm PDT
Kitsilano Ballroom 39 Smithe St, Vancouver, BC V6B 0R3, Canada

1:30pm PDT

Asia Regulatory Updates
Friday April 25, 2025 1:30pm - 2:15pm PDT
  • Philippines
  • Thailand
  • Japan
  • Vietnam
  • India
Moderator: Jamie Nettleton, Partner, Addisons, Australia
Speakers:
Marie Antonette B. Quiogue, Founder, Arden Consult, Philippines
Friday April 25, 2025 1:30pm - 2:15pm PDT
Kitsilano Ballroom 39 Smithe St, Vancouver, BC V6B 0R3, Canada

2:15pm PDT

North America – Reactions to a Spreading New-Games Contagion
Friday April 25, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm PDT
  • Michigan
  • Washington
  • Kentucky
  • Ontario
Moderator: Christopher Hebert, Chairman, Louisiana Gaming Control Board, United States
Speakers:
Dave Phillips, Chief Operating Officer, Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, Canada
Laura D’Angelo, Partner, Dinsmore & Shohl LLP United States
Tina Alagna, Deputy Director of Licensing and Investigations, Michigan Gaming Control Board, United States
Jennifer LaMont, Agent in Charge (Licensing Unit), Washington State Gambling Commission, United States
Friday April 25, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm PDT
Kitsilano Ballroom 39 Smithe St, Vancouver, BC V6B 0R3, Canada

3:00pm PDT

Networking Break
Friday April 25, 2025 3:00pm - 3:20pm PDT
Last chance of the day to get some extra snacks in!
Friday April 25, 2025 3:00pm - 3:20pm PDT
Fairview Ballroom III - V 39 Smithe St, Vancouver, BC V6B 0R3, Canada

3:20pm PDT

Mandatory Emerging Regimes
Friday April 25, 2025 3:20pm - 4:00pm PDT
  • UAE
  • Brazil
  • Finland
  • Botswana, Ghana, Nigeria and other African jurisdictions
Moderator: Neil Montgomery, Founding and Managing Partner, Montgomery, Brazil
Speakers:
Pia Ek, Tech & Comms Partner, Bird & Bird, Finland
Friday April 25, 2025 3:20pm - 4:00pm PDT
Fairview Ballroom III - V 39 Smithe St, Vancouver, BC V6B 0R3, Canada

5:30pm PDT

IMGL Closing Reception
Friday April 25, 2025 5:30pm - 7:00pm PDT
The Vancouver Art Gallery is housed in a historic neoclassical building that was originally built in 1906 as Vancouver’s provincial courthouse. It is home to the iconic Emily Carr collection, which highlights the artist’s profound connection to the landscapes of British Columbia and her unique interpretation of Indigenous culture and nature. Carr’s work is considered foundational in Canadian art, bridging European modernist styles with Indigenous themes. The gallery’s carefully curated exhibitions ensure a diverse and evolving cultural experience for visitors, featuring both international and local artists. This venue will host the closing reception, providing a memorable atmosphere to reflect on the conference while enjoying world-class art and hospitality. To learn more about the Vancouver Art Gallery, visit: https://www.vanartgallery.bc.ca.
Friday April 25, 2025 5:30pm - 7:00pm PDT
Vancouver Art Gallery 750 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2H7, Canada
 
Share Modal

Share this link via

Or copy link

Filter sessions
Apply filters to sessions.