Tougher anti-money laundering laws likely coming to Canada
The Canadian Gaming Association has lobbied for strengthened AML laws. A push from the incoming Trump administration, plus a likely Conservative government here, suggest new rules are coming.
The Canadian Gaming Association (CGA) has pushed for enhanced Anti-Money Laundering (AML) legislation in Canada and it may get its wish.
The likelihood of tougher AML laws coming to Canada soon comes on two fronts.
As part of the threat to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian goods, the incoming Donald Trump administration in the U.S. has specifically mentioned Canada needs to strengthen its AML laws, which are generally considered much weaker than those of the U.S.
Trump advisor David Asher, a top U.S. expert on criminal financing, told the CBC in December that Canada needs stronger AML legislation (and other tougher laws on crime) because criminal networks are known to use Canada as a money-laundering hub for cross-border drug trafficking.
"The money laundering that makes drug trafficking work is largely run out of Canada," Asher said.
Apart from Trump’s push for stronger AML laws in Canada, our country’s own Conservative Party has indicated it will pursue tougher AML rules if it comes to power, which appears likely. The Conservatives currently enjoy both the support of 45% of Canadians and a 24% lead over the next closest party (now the NDP) in the most recent Angus Reid poll. Given Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s announcement Monday morning that he will resign as soon as a new leader of the Liberal Party is chosen, an election could come as early as May.
Currently, the Conservative Party’s policy on crime includes a section that says “international criminal organizations are active in Canada in money laundering and drug trafficking,” followed by a list of proposed changes to tighten legislation. Though, so far, the Conservatives are light on proposed changes specific to strengthen AML laws.
Among its 2024 advocacy policies, the CGA says it wants to “actively participate in the Parliamentary Review of the Proceeds of Crime [Money Laundering] and Terrorist Financing Act [PCMLTF Act] to ensure Canada’s AML laws and regulations better reflect the evolution of Canada’s gaming industry.”
Stay tuned.
Senate bill restricting gambling advertising truly on life support now
While we’re scribbling on politics, Trudeau’s announced intention to resign, coupled with the proroguing of Parliament until March 24, means Senator Marty Deacon’s bill placing restrictions on gambling ads is all but dead now.
Tom Nightingale wrote in an article published Monday at Canadian Gaming Business that:
Canadian federal law dictates that prorogation means bills which have not received Royal Assent are ‘entirely terminated’ and must be reintroduced if they are to be taken up in the new session. However, a provision allows bills to be reinstated at their most recent stage if a motion to do so is agreed upon under certain conditions.
However, with Parliament closed for nearly three months and a bill about betting advertising very low on the priority list in an uncertain political climate heightened by looming Trump tariffs and other serious economic challenges, Deacon’s bill is likely toast.
As GNC previously reported, given the current state of federal politics, it was unlikely to be passed anyway. But, the odds are now worse.
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Cooper and Silver on the latest Gaming News Canada Show podcast
Canadian sport business/media gurus Brian Cooper and Mark Silver join host Steve McAllister for the latest Gaming News Canada Show Presented by GBG.
Among the many hats he wears, Cooper is a board member of NorthStar Gaming.
Silver is the co-founder and CEO of GNC’s parent company, The Parleh.
You can listen to the podcast here via your preferred podcast app or watch it on YouTube here:
Topics covered on the show included:
• What’s next for sports media in Canada: from the reduction of journalists in newsrooms to the continuing growth of podcasts, the increasing influence of “content creators,” and the future of sports talk radio.
• What will the Canadian sports and sports media landscape look like now that Rogers controls much of it?
• What’s next for Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment’s Larry Tanenbaum who is bringing a WNBA franchise to Toronto?
• Ongoing investments in sports media by sportsbook operators.
• The ongoing fragmentation of sports broadcasting rights.
• Stories to watch in 2025. Cooper and Silver’s answers may surprise you.
Worth A Watch & Listen
Our most popular Gaming News Canada shows from the past few months.
Ellen Hyslop on The GIST of sport in the world of women 🎙️ 🎥
Are You Watching This?! Founder on helping sports fans through the maze of media rights 🎙️ 🎥
DFS and online poker has its day(s) in the Court of Appeal for Ontario 🎙️ 🎥
Grand Slam of Curling gets together with ALT Sports Data on sports betting deal, and more 🎙️ 🎥
Happy retirement to the RGC’s Shelley White
All of us at Gaming News Canada wish Shelley White, the CEO of the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC), a happy, healthy retirement.
White has long been a force in the nation’s responsible gambling field and her work has been essential in building a part of the industry crucial to both player health and the sector’s sustainability.
In a post on Monday on LinkedIn, Shelley said, in part, “I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you. It has been an incredible journey working alongside such talented, dedicated and visionary individuals.
“For nearly 44 years, I have had the privilege of learning from you, growing with you and experiencing the results of our collaborative efforts to create positive change. The memories we've created together and the challenges that we've overcome will always hold a special place in my heart.
In November, Sarah McCarthy was named as White’s replacement at the helm of the RGC. McCarthy’s most recent position was the Vice President, Strategic Initiatives at the Rick Hansen Foundation.
People on the Move
Jim Warren is reappointed as Chair of the board of directors for OLG.
Monday was Shelley White’s final day as Chief Executive Officer of the Responsible Gambling Council. White announced in 2024 that she would be leaving her leadership role at RGC, and the organization introduced Sarah McCarthy in November as White’s successor.
Ontario-licensed Betty introduced a trio of new senior leadership team members over the holiday season: Emil Yordanov as Chief Operating Officer, Aneliya Vu as Chief Compliance Officer, and Dan Evans as Chief Financial Officer. Also, Peter Trifonov comes on board as Senior Technical Recruitment Specialist.
Digitain promotes Gil Soffer to Chief Commercial Officer.
EGR Global reported yesterday that Chief Financial Officer Jacob Kaplan is leaving Evolution and will be replaced next month by Joakim Andersson.
Sharon Parr steps down as CEO of the EPIC Restart Foundation, which is now seeking her successor.
Former Enthusiast Gaming content executive Scotty Tidwell is the new Chief Marketing Officer for PuK Gaming.
Mark McLaughlin exits Kindred Group after more than 14 years, the last four-plus as the Head of Risk Operations, North America.
Adam Seaborn has earned himself a promotion at Better Collective to Head of Sales, Canada.
Justin Black departs Bally’s Interactive to rejoin the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario as Senior Manager – Anti-Money Laundering Oversight.
Amnon Liebermann is the new Regional Business Manager – North America for Relax Gaming.
Matthew Kredell leaves the journalism industry to become the new Senior Manager of Legislative Affairs at FanDuel.
Jimmy Pugh takes leave from Spotlight Sports Group for a new role as Head of Social at re:act.
Jack Richards bids farewell to SBC to join Newsquest Media Group as Senior Conference Producer.
Owen Welsh has a new business card with the Canadian Football League: Vice President, Growth & Innovation.
Alex Levy is promoted to Senior Manager, Global Partnerships at the NBA’s Toronto office.
The NBA Players Association hires Morgan Cato as its Executive VP, Player Operations.
Classified (Jobs) Information
Very good gig alert. . . Flutter Entertainment has posted an opening for a Head of Strategy, Trading & Sportsbook to be based in Dublin (Ireland, not Ontario nor Ohio. . . .)
BCLC is in the market for a Manager, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging, and has a remote opportunity for a Data Scientist.
Pinnacle is hiring a Senior Soccer Trader to work out of its North York, ON office.
TheScore has an opening at its Gibraltar location for a Sports Trader.
RAW iGaming has an opening for a Senior Artist.
The Gambling Group has a job posting for an Editor to manage NFL and college football content.
Betty is on the lookout for a Data Engineer to work at its offices in Sofia, Bulgaria.
DraftKings has a remote opportunity in our home and native land for a Mobile Release Manager, iOS and Android.
Tundra Esports is searching for a Social Media Manager.
Front Office Sports is on a seek-and-employ mission for a Business of Women’s
Thomas Hall’s departure from the Canadian Olympic Committee creates an opening for a new Director, Communications and Media Relations.
The PGA Tour is looking for a Director of Business Development – EMEA.
Your Toronto Blue Jays are in the market for a Senior Manager, Partnership Strategy.
Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment is in hiring mode for an Account Executive, Sales (Hockey).
The National Hockey League has an opportunity in Europe for a Senior Manager, Broadcast Sales & Relationships. The league also has an opening at its New York offices for a Senior Manager, Marketing.
Speed Skating Canada is seeking a Director, Finance.
Pickleball Canada is hiring a Program and Events Director.
The Western Hockey League is on the hunt for a Manager, Analytics & Marketing.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are searching for a Manager, Digital Marketing.
From the Canadian corporate world: The Coca-Cola Company is hiring a Senior Manager, Communications & Public Affairs.
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