Martha Otton, the inaugural Chief Executive of iGaming Ontario, has announced her retirement, effective at the end of the year. Otton has led the organisation for nearly four years, overseeing the establishment and regulation of Ontario’s online gaming market.
Otton’s career has spanned several decades and multiple sectors within Ontario, including alcohol, cannabis, gaming and horse racing. Prior to her role at iGaming Ontario, she served as the CSO at the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), where she was involved in strategic planning and the expansion of the AGCO’s regulatory responsibilities to include horse racing and cannabis.
During her tenure at iGaming Ontario, Otton was responsible for building the organisation from the ground up. Under her leadership, the agency has overseen the regulation of online gaming in Ontario, contributing to the growth of the province’s iGaming market. This market has attracted industry players and has been a source of revenue for the provincial government.
Heidi Reinhart, Chair of iGaming Ontario’s board of directors, noted: “She has left an impressive legacy across her career and in particular to Ontario’s gaming sector. Ontario’s competitive iGaming market is a testament to her visionary leadership and commitment to working with our operators and broader stakeholders.”
The Board of Directors will now begin the search for her successor, who will be tasked with continuing the management and development of Ontario’s iGaming market.
Dave Forestell, former Chair of iGaming Ontario, said: “Martha Otton built a tremendous team of professionals, stood up a brand new industry in the province and oversaw growing revenue for the government while keeping players safe.”
Otton’s retirement comes at a time of significant activity in Ontario’s iGaming industry. This month, companies like DraftKings and EveryMatrix have expanded their operations in the province. EveryMatrix, a supplier of iGaming content, has partnered with DraftKings to provide casino titles to players in Ontario as part of a broader North American expansion strategy.
The selection process for a new executive director is expected to begin soon, as iGaming Ontario prepares for its next phase under new leadership. The incoming executive will be expected to sustain and build upon the market developments initiated during Otton’s tenure.
