Heidi Reinhart Named iGaming Ontario Chair

iGaming Ontario (iGO), a pivotal organization overseeing Ontario-licensed online casinos and sports betting in Ontario, has recently appointed a new chair for its board of directors. Ontario, the most populous province in Canada, has become a pioneer in the online gambling industry, and the leadership of iGO plays a crucial role in this achievement.

Heidi Reinhart’s Professional Background

Heidi Reinhart, succeeding Dave Forestell as the new chair, has an extensive legal background which equips her well for developing the iGaming market in Ontario. Forestell, iGO’s inaugural chair, has moved into becoming the board chair for the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).

Reinhart’s dual law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy and the University of Windsor, coupled with her partnership at a practice specializing in corporate and securities law, positions her as a major asset for iGO. This legal background can significantly aid the expansion and evolution of Ontario’s iGaming market.

Reinhart’s Commitment to Community

Beyond her legal career, Reinhart has a history of community service, having served as a board member for Volunteer Toronto, a Toronto-based charity volunteer center, and as a volunteer at the Kitchener Waterloo Humane Society and the Hospital for Sick Children. She also served as a group advisor and caseworker for Community Legal Aid in Windsor.

Impending Changes in iGaming Policy

Reinhart’s appointment comes at a critical juncture as the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, iGO’s parent organization, is considering a ban on certain celebrities and athletes from appearing in iGaming-related advertising in Ontario. As chair, Reinhart could significantly influence the finalization of this proposed ban.

Reinhart’s Professional Achievements

Professionally, Reinhart is a partner at Norton Rose Fulbright LLP and a member of the Toronto Stock Exchange Listing Advisory Committee and the Ontario Securities Commission’s Securities Advisory Committee. She has served on the AGCO board since 2020, making her transition to iGO a logical step.

The Growth of Ontario’s iGaming Market

Ontario’s iGaming market has seen exponential growth since its launch in early 2022. According to Martha Otton, iGaming Ontario’s executive director, the performance of the province’s local online casino market is expected to triple year-over-year. A report from Deloitte titled “Economic Contributions of Ontario’s Regulated iGaming Market” supports this optimism, estimating the overall economic impact of the Ontario iGaming industry at $1.6 billion CAD and providing over 12,000 full-time jobs.

Employment and Earnings in the Ontario iGaming Industry

iGaming Ontario has proven to be profitable for the average employee within the industry, offering an average salary of $103,000 CAD, 41% higher than Ontario’s average salary.