Martha Otton, the inaugural CEO of the Ontario iGaming Association, announced her retirement by the end of this year. Otton has led the organization for nearly four years, responsible for establishing and regulating Ontario's online gaming market.
Otton's career spans several decades, involving multiple sectors in Ontario, including alcohol, cannabis, gaming, and horse racing. Before joining iGaming Ontario, she served as the Chief Strategy Officer at the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), where she participated in strategic planning and expanded AGCO's regulatory duties to include horse racing and cannabis.
During her tenure at iGaming Ontario, Otton was responsible for building the organization from scratch. Under her leadership, the agency oversaw the regulation of Ontario's online gaming, promoting the growth of the province's iGaming market. This market attracted industry participants and became a source of revenue for the provincial government.
Heidi Reinhart, Chair of the iGaming Ontario Board, noted, "She leaves an impressive legacy in her career, particularly in the gaming industry of Ontario. The competitive iGaming market in Ontario is a testament to her visionary leadership and her commitment to working with our operators and broader stakeholders."
The board is now beginning the search for her successor, who will be responsible for continuing to manage and develop Ontario's iGaming market.
Dave Forestell, former Chair of Ontario iGaming, stated, "Martha Otton assembled an excellent professional team, established a new industry in the province, and oversaw government revenue growth while ensuring player safety."
As Otton retires, Ontario's iGaming industry is in an active period. This month, companies like DraftKings and EveryMatrix have expanded their operations in the province. iGaming content provider EveryMatrix is collaborating with DraftKings to offer casino games to players in Ontario, as part of its broader North American expansion strategy.
The selection process for the new executive director is expected to begin soon, with iGaming Ontario preparing for the next phase under new leadership. The new executive is expected to continue and consolidate the market developments initiated during Otton's tenure.
