- University of Guelph
MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS
Burns has experienced an impressive career that has spanned a number of advisory and leadership roles. Prior to his involvement with the Canadian Gaming Association (CGA), Burns served as the Senior Advisor for the Office of the Mayor in Toronto, as well as the Vice President for RPC Gaming.
Through his work with the CGA, Burns has been hugely influential in the world of gaming in Canada. In fact, off the back of his role in the ongoing reformation of Canada’s sports betting and iGaming industry, Paul Burns was inducted into the Sports Betting Hall of Fame in 2022 - the first Canadian to receive such an honour.
Since March 2018, Burns has served as the President and CEO of the CGA, roles that he still holds to this day.
EMPLOYMENT
Burns’ career began in full force in 1997 when he served as the Corporate Gaming Compliance Officer for RPC Gaming. During his tenure with the company, Burns also worked as the Vice President of Corporate Affairs for RPC Anchor Gaming. He held these roles for three years before moving on in 2000.
Not too long after, Burns was appointed as the Account Director for Hill and Knowlton, Canada. Here, Burns was responsible for developing government relations and public affairs programs for a large variety of industries. He worked in this role for two years between 2001 and 2003.
Following on from this role, Burns served as the Senior Advisor to the Office of the Mayor in Toronto. This position involved Burns offering political guidance to the Mayor regarding political and policy agenda. Throughout his time here, Burns helped to lead the development of various policies across the realms of tourism, economic development and transit. He held this position from 2003 to 2005.
Shortly after, Burns joined the Canadian Gaming Association (CGA) as the Vice President in June 2005. In this role, Burns was vital in helping to establish the CGA as a unified voice within Canada’s gaming industry. He held this position for just shy of 13 years.
Following on from his instrumental role during these early years, Burns was appointed as the President and CEO of the CGA in March 2018. In these high-profile positions, Burns is responsible for the development and implementation of nationwide research and programs across Canada.
Burns is also heavily involved in vital areas such as legislation, regulation and responsible gaming. He is also tasked with offering leadership to help guide the industry through current and emerging issues. Burns continues to hold the President and CEO roles to this day.
