Martha Otton announced that she will retire from her position at iGaming Ontario by the end of this year.
Otton currently serves as the Executive Director, having previously held the position of CEO of iGO, but will retire from the Ontario igaming regulatory body on December 31, 2024.
iGO stated that Otton has contributed to the introduction of a regulated igaming market in Canada, leading the establishment of iGO as a commercial entity in February 2021, and creating a value-driven institution guided by the vision of leading the world's best gaming market.
iGO Board Chair Heidi Reinhart said: "On behalf of the entire board, I sincerely thank Martha for her leadership at iGaming Ontario.
"She leaves an impressive legacy in her career, particularly in the Ontario gaming industry. Ontario's competitive gaming market is a testament to her visionary leadership and her commitment to working with our operators and a broader range of stakeholders."
Throughout her career, Otton has been involved in Ontario's alcohol, cannabis, gaming, and horse racing sectors.
She served as the Chief Strategy Officer for the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, responsible for the agency's strategic planning and helping to implement AGCO's expanded mandates for horse racing and cannabis.
Otton also served as the Director of the Ontario Legal Aid Bureau and held multiple positions in the Ministry of Justice, including Acting Assistant Deputy Minister of Corporate Policy and Agency Relations and Director of Corporate Policy and Agency Relations.
AGCO Chairman and former iGO Chairman Dave Forestell said in a LinkedIn post: "One of the most important decisions any board makes is the selection of its leaders. As the former Chairman of iGaming Ontario, I was fortunate to be involved in selecting Martha Otton, who not only led the organization but also built it from the ground up.
"Martha Otton assembled an excellent professional team, established a new industry in the province, and oversaw government revenue growth while ensuring player safety.
"Long ago, iGaming Ontario set a mission to make Ontario the best gaming jurisdiction in the world. It sounded bold, but Martha Otton and the team at iGaming Ontario achieved this goal.
"Today, Martha announced her plan to retire at the end of this year, and I want to join others in congratulating her on her tremendous success. On a personal note, I want to share the joy of working with her. Along the way, I learned a lot from Martha.
"Thank you for your years of service to the people of Ontario."
The Canadian Gaming Association also commented on Otton's retirement decision, thanking her for her work and her role in shaping the future of igaming.
CGA said: "On behalf of CGA, the board, and members, I thank Martha Otton for her hard work and relentless efforts in establishing Canada's first regulated gaming jurisdiction and helping it grow into one of the most successful markets globally."
"Her retirement is well-deserved, and we appreciate her leadership and vision in shaping the future of igaming."
iGO noted that its board has begun the process of identifying the next Executive Director.
