For close to 20 years, the Responsible Gambling Council has played host to the pre-eminent responsible gambling conference in Toronto. Discovery brings together leaders from the global gaming stakeholders to share the latest research and innovation, engage in thought-provoking discussions and ultimately drive positive change in responsible gambling.

In the spring of 2020, Discovery, like all conferences, was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now, after a two-year hiatus, Discovery is back – virtually – from October 19-21, 2021.

Attendees can look forward to a Discovery conference that feels different, and not just because it’s virtual. At its core, Discovery is a knowledge sharing hub for operators, regulators, government, researchers, treatment partners and allied health professionals to examine all sides of responsible gambling in purposeful ways.

As a community, the collective work done in this field will only become more important from here on out. Discovery is the stage for RG visionaries.

Now, more than ever, it is important that leaders come together. Discovery is a tremendous opportunity for us to collectively address the changes that are occurring, the impact the changes are having on consumer behaviour and society, share what we are doing and commit to what we must do together to advance the prevention of gambling harms, now and into the future.

When asked about her thoughts on the conference, Shelley White, CEO of the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) said “Without a doubt, Discovery will be unique. We are living in unprecedented times. The impact of the pandemic, combined with other scientific, technology, social justice, political and economic trends are all having a profound impact on the gambling industry and consumer behaviour. As a result, the potential that Discovery presents to the industry and broader worldwide community is immense.”

Expanding and innovating the field of RG

RGC’s Centre for the Advancement of Best Practices is the architect behind the framework for Discovery. Through their expertise in the field, Discovery offers different tracks for all interests. From innovative and future forward sessions, to sessions that reimagine and redefine the issues that continue to be barriers to responsible gambling.

“Discovery is about moving the field forward: signposting to the future while also building on historical best practices. This year we want to create an environment that supports and inspires leaders to move the responsible gambling agenda in new and more integrated ways. Our goal is to spotlight innovation in the field, while maintaining a focus on improving ongoing safeguards, like prevention programming. Discovery blends these tracks and themes to create a future-forward, 360 picture of RG,” said Janine Robinson, Director, Centre for the Advancement of Best Practices, on the importance of providing delegates with a spectrum of session content.

New and emerging topics at this year’s Discovery conference.

Single-event sports betting is on the radar for many. While it has long existed in other markets, its debut is new to Canada. A deep-dive on identifying markers of harm and player protections in this rapidly evolving field will be explored.

Advancements in technology mean greater and increased access to online gambling via phones, tablets and laptops. Youth and young adults have long been a focus to researchers as this age group are at a heightened risk of experiencing gambling harms. Digital resilience as it relates to youth and young adults will be unpacked, with the goal to help stop gambling harms before they start.

Industry-leading experts will explore sessions like these and more.

“Discovery is more than just a conference. It is an opportunity for all of us to explore all sides of the issues and leverage our respective wisdom and discover new ways to advance safer gambling,” said White. “It is also a time to listen and learn from each other so we can be visionary, strategic and collaborative in our approaches. I invite everyone to join us as we reconnect, re=strategize and recommit to RG. Together we will create the change the industry needs.”

RGCs Virtual Discovery Conference takes place October 19-21, 2021. Register for the conference and view the agenda here.