Visionary iGaming Ontario Chief Martha Otton Retires
iGaming Ontario’s celebrated Chief Executive Officer Martha Otton has announced her retirement. This will take effect on 31 December 2024. The search has now begun for a new CEO to build on the strong foundation that Otton had laid.
Otton, who has worn many hats in the Canadian online casino industry, has been particularly instrumental in shaping Ontario’s competitive regulated igaming market.
Otton was tasked with overseeing the implementation and development of the province’s newly regulated online casino market. Under her leadership, iGaming Ontario has not only established itself as a value-driven agency but has also been recognized for its ambition to lead the world’s best gaming market. Otton’s tenure is marked by a commitment to creating a safe, competitive, and transparent environment for the best online casinos in Ontario.
Otton’s distinguished career spans multiple key sectors in Ontario, including alcohol, cannabis, gaming, and horse racing. Before her role at iGaming Ontario, she served as the Chief Strategy Officer at the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), where she was pivotal in expanding the agency’s mandate to include horse racing and cannabis regulation.
Prior to this, she was the Director General at Legal Aid Ontario, and earlier on she held a series of positions at the Ministry of the Attorney General, including Director of Corporate Policy and Agency Relations.
The board of iGaming Ontario described Otton as a true visionary in the Canadian online casino sector.
“On behalf of the entire Board, I extend my sincere appreciation for Martha’s leadership of iGaming Ontario. She has left an impressive legacy across her career, and in particular to Ontario’s gaming sector,” Heidi Reinhart, chair of iGaming Ontario’s board of directors said in a press statement.
“Ontario’s competitive igaming market is a testament to her visionary leadership and commitment to working with our operators and broader stakeholders.”
The function of iGaming Ontario
Formed in July 2021, iGaming Ontario operates as a subsidiary of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG), and the Government of Ontario.
The organization was established to bring regulated online gambling to Ontario, creating a safer, more transparent environment for consumers. It is dedicated to providing world-class gaming experiences while prioritizing consumer protection and responsible gambling.
The agency plays a crucial role in ensuring that Ontario online casino is conducted in a fair, responsible, and secure manner, contributing to the broader objectives of the province’s gaming strategy.
Gaming operators that have successfully registered with the AGCO and have executed an operating agreement can offer their games to players in Ontario.
Background of gambling in Ontario
Ontario made history in April 2022. This was the month when Bill C-218 was enacted into law, making it possible for each Canadian province to create its own regulated casino and sports betting market. Ontario was the first province to scoop up the opportunity.
The transition to a regulated market has translated into a number of benefits, with low-deposit casinos Ontario able to obtain a license that allows them to operate freely while also significantly contributing to job creation across the province.
Statistics collected by regulatory intelligence company Vixio and iGaming Ontario show that the top Canadian online casinos regulated market did not take too long to catch on, making it to the top 6 in the world according to gross gaming revenue, surpassing even markets like Michigan and New York.
The positive results led to Vixio recognizing iGaming Ontario as their 2023 Regulatory Initiative of the Year, which is one of the highest seals of approval a market can obtain.
In Ontario, regulated sites are held to the highest standards of game integrity, data security and player protection, including having significant responsible gambling safeguards.
While it’s positive to see most players choosing regulated gaming options, those who are not are unfortunately risking far more than their wagers.
Two years down the line, it’s safe to say that what started out as an experiment has more than proven its worth, with the regulated environment creating a better experience for all players, which contributed to a stronger economy within the province.
And with so many new online casinos in Canada in the pipeline, the high standards required by the gambling regulator certainly contribute to peace of mind.