Canada’s regulated online gaming industry has appointed a new leader with proven experience in the iGaming industry. Joseph Hillier will assume the roles of president and chief executive officer of iGaming Ontario on September 8, 2025. He will be taking over from David Smith, who held the position temporarily after Martha Otton’s retirement. This appointment highlights the need for strong direction at a critical juncture and represents a significant transformation for Ontario’s gaming business.
iGaming Ontario’s Board of Directors has provided Hillier with two top goals right now: establishing a centralized self-exclusion platform for players in Ontario and implementing a trustworthy anti-money laundering system. Both deal with issues that have plagued the market from its inception.
Industry participants have expressed concerns about the slow development of these systems. The popularity of rewards based mechanics helps explain why platforms that offer features like a CS GO case opening appeal to players so much. Sites like these provide a mix of benefits like new ways to engage with gameplay, the excitement of collecting items, and the sense of reward that keeps players invested.
However, Ontario’s anti-money laundering process is vulnerable to oversight problems and inefficiencies due to its lack of automation. In addition to being necessary for compliance, a robust AML program is also necessary to preserve player and operator trust. These are some of the reasons why it’s become imperative to implement such measures.
The self-exclusion mechanism is just as crucial. Months have passed since the regulator granted the platform contract, yet no functional system has been developed. As a result, attendees are unable to easily exit the event at any point. A market that generates over half a billion dollars annually, according to critics, needs systems that are commensurate with its size and power. The speed at which Hillier can advance these projects will be a determining factor in his first months in office.
Hillier has experience in the field. The most recent position he held was that of Corporate Secretary and Chief Strategy Officer at the Gaming Commission of Ontario iGaming. He was instrumental in directing regulation and supervision in that capacity. He was also ready for this next step from his stint in government. Hillier directly contributed to the development of Canada’s first iGaming driven by the private sector while serving as Chief of Staff to Doug Downey, the Attorney General of Ontario. He was also in the group that helped create iGaming Ontario.
It matters when he takes charge. Since its formal start in April 2022, Ontario’s iGaming market has swiftly risen to one of the most active platforms globally. In its first year, the province came in sixth place in the world, behind New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Italy, Australia, and the United Kingdom. The market had already produced CA$63 billion in wages by March 2024. This outcome demonstrated the province’s desire for regulated gaming as well as the market’s strength. Hillier is in a position to supervise the market’s ongoing growth because of his prior role in its establishment.
The gaming industry in Ontario is still growing. Compared to June, total wagers in July 2025 increased by 4% to CA$7.56 billion. The growth was primarily due to casino-style gaming. These findings support the continuing need for interactive experiences and the continued high level of interest in regulated platforms.
Hillier’s work experience aligns with the upcoming problems. He gained knowledge of the regulatory environment from his job at the Ontario Gaming Commission. He was able to influence the market he currently heads during his tenure as the attorney general’s chief of staff. These encounters enable him to recognize both the advantages and disadvantages of Ontario’s current strategy. They also enhanced his ability to recognize what needed immediate correction. His prior experience in financial and legal services enhances his qualifications and bolsters his capacity to lead the company.
The relevance of his leadership is further demonstrated by the recent structural reorganization at iGaming Ontario. Since May 2025, the regulator has operated on its own and reports directly to the Ministry of Gaming, Culture, and Tourism. The purpose of this change was to give iGaming Ontario more independence and focus, but it also adds more pressure. The market is expected to keep growing and has grown to be a substantial source of revenue. Hillier will need to provide both strategic results and operational improvements to keep Ontario competitive on a global scale.
Players’ readiness to transition from unregulated platforms into regulated spaces has been the foundation of Ontario’s success thus far. That shift won’t be successful until participants believe the system is fair and protects their interests. The next actions will determine the strength of that trust. Vulnerable players are protected by self-exclusion methods, and exploitation is prevented by anti-money laundering regulations. These measures not only satisfy regulators but also preserve public confidence in the market.
It is expected that Hillier would spearhead these initiatives, emphasizing both viability and effectiveness. According to industry sources, technical fixes are not enough. All platforms situated in Ontario must have flawless operation of the systems. This requires cooperation from technology providers, regulators, and operators. It is also essential to have leadership that can bring these groups together and maintain progress. Hillier has a solid basis for this challenge because of his background in both government and regulation.
The ability of Hillier to execute these long-promised technologies in a timely and efficient manner will be the basis for evaluating his leadership. His duties will also include preparing Ontario for the upcoming market and regulatory changes. As technology advances, new products and gaming formats are expected to appear. Player safety must be Ontario’s first priority as it decides how to regulate these advances. Finding a balance between responsibility and creativity will be a major task during his term.
The province also faces growing competition from other regions. Pennsylvania and New Jersey are two examples of markets that are still growing and gaining international notice. Although Ontario has already demonstrated its ability to compete with them, maintaining that position will call for a well-defined plan and solid alliances. If Ontario wants to continue to be one of the most prosperous gaming markets in the world, Hillier will have to lead both internal processes and external interactions.
The appointment of Joseph Hillier as president and CEO of iGaming Ontario presents both opportunities and challenges. After years of observing the growth of the province’s gaming business, he now takes on the responsibility of directing it. One of his initial duties is to deliver practical systems, such as a centralized self-exclusion platform and automated anti-money laundering. These tools are long overdue, but they are crucial for establishing stability and trust. Ontario has already experienced significant growth, and now that Hillier is leading the province, it has the opportunity to solidify its standing and carry on with responsible development.
Photo: ELLA DON, Unsplash
