The Canadian Gaming Association (CGA) announced several personnel changes this week as Canadian gaming looks ahead to a seminal year in 2026.
PointsBet Canada CEO Scott Vanderwel, a member of the CGA board since late 2022, has been named as the national gaming industry trade association’s new chair.
“This opportunity comes at a time where there promises to be much that is new and exciting in the Canadian regulated iGaming market,” wrote Vanderwel on LinkedIn. “Looking forward to working closely with Paul and all members of the CGA and stakeholder[s] in this industry to ensure we continue to advance and advocate for an industry that works for Canada.”
In other board changes, Gaming Laboratories International’s (GLI) Managing Director for Canada, Salim Adatia, and Blake, Cassels & Graydon Partner Mike Maodus have joined the board as new members.
Three former CGA board chairs — Integrity Compliance 360 President of Canadian Operations Ilkim Hincer, CK Consulting Inc. President and Gateway Casinos and Entertainment executive Carrie Kormos and Light & Wonder Chief Business Development Officer Bob Parente — have been named chairs emeritus.
The full Canadian Gaming Association board for 2026 is as follows, comprised of leaders from numerous operators, suppliers, legal firms and other industry stakeholders:
- Salim Adatia, GLI
- Bruce Caughill, Rush Street Interactive
- Peter Czegeldy, Aird & Berlis LLP
- Neil Erlick, Nuvei
- Kurt Gissane, Aristocrat
- Charmaine Hogan, Playtech
- Dale Hooper, FanDuel
- Chuck Keeling, Great Canadian Entertainment
- Mike Maodus, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
- Terry McInally, Gateway
- Niaz Nejad, non-member director
- Derek Ramm, Kinectify
- Lindsay Slader, GeoComply
- Richard Taylor, Niagara Casinos
- Shane Thompson, Konami
- Scott Vanderwel, PointsBet Canada (Chair)
- Scott Woodgate, BetMGM
CGA names two new operational executives
Meanwhile, the CGA has named longtime consultant Amanda Brewer to the full-time role of senior vice president of policy and communications and Brandon Aboultaif as VP for Western Canada. Vanderwel said the pair will together help to oversee several important national campaigns as the association prepares for “an active workload” in 2026.
Brewer has served as a consultant to the CGA for more than 15 years. As SVP, she will continue to represent the CGA and the industry in advocacy and operational work including with respect to federal anti-money laundering and advertising bill initiatives and the Alberta iGaming consultation process.
“I am confident she will apply her enthusiasm and expertise to this new position, which more precisely aligns with her ongoing contributions on behalf of our members,” said CGA President and CEO Paul Burns.
CGA beefs up western presence
Aboultaif was formerly the press secretary for Alberta Minister Dale Nally, working with the minister and stakeholders throughout the legalization of iGaming in Alberta and the lead-up to the market launch, slated for mid-2026.
The CGA said his key responsibilities as VP will include advancing industry research and education initiatives, supporting and increasing engagement across Western Canada and fostering collaboration on responsible gaming, innovation and market development initiatives.
“Alberta just opened the registration process and is poised to become the second market in Canada to embrace an open, competitive and regulated iGaming market,” wrote Vanderwel. “The CGA is guiding the industry toward standards and perspectives that will continue to legitimize this entertainment category by promoting responsible communication and advertising, and we continue to see consumers choosing to play on regulated offerings.”
“With the Alberta market soon opening, it has been an important goal to expand our presence into the western part of the country,” added Burns. “Amanda brings extensive CGA experience, while Brandon contributes knowledge of government policy at both federal and provincial levels. Coupled with our enhanced board, I am confident they will help drive CGA’s objectives and ongoing growth.”
