Martha Otton, one of the most prominent figures in Ontario’s gaming industry, has postponed her retirement date as the iGaming Ontario chief executive in order to guarantee a smooth leadership transition for the company.
Initially set to step down on December 31, 2024, Otton has agreed to remain in her role until March 31, 2025, at the request of the Board of Directors.
The postponement was announced on December 16. This extension will allow the agency to maintain stability while the search for her successor continues.
Earlier this year, Otton informed the Board of her decision to retire after a distinguished career in public service. Since then, the Board has partnered with a recruitment firm to identify her replacement, emphasizing their commitment to continuing the agency’s mission of fostering a safe and competitive online gaming market.
A Career Rooted in Visionary Leadership
Otton has served as the inaugural chief executive of iGaming Ontario since its establishment in February 2021, guiding the agency through the province’s introduction of a governmentally regulated iGaming market.
Her leadership has been instrumental in shaping the organization into a value-driven entity grounded in its vision to create a world-class gaming market. Since its inception, the province’s iGaming industry has presented excellent results.
Before leading iGaming Ontario, Otton held several senior roles across Ontario’s alcohol, cannabis, gaming, and horse racing sectors. As Chief Strategy Officer at the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), she spearheaded the agency’s strategic planning efforts. The ACGO is one of the three governmental organs that support iGO.
Otton oversaw the integration of expanded mandates, including oversight of horse racing and cannabis. Her extensive career also includes serving as Director General at Legal Aid Ontario and holding essential positions within the Ministry of the Attorney General, where she advanced regulatory and corporate policy initiatives.
Heidi Reinhart, Chair of iGaming Ontario’s Board of Directors, praised Otton’s contributions on an official press announcement made on the company’s website.
Reinhart stated, “On behalf of the entire Board, I extend my sincere appreciation for Martha’s leadership. Her impressive legacy spans multiple sectors, and her work in establishing Ontario’s competitive iGaming market reflects her visionary approach and commitment to collaboration with operators and stakeholders.”
iGaming Ontario’s mission for the future
iGO plays a critical role in the province’s online gambling market. Working alongside the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG), and the Government of Ontario, the agency ensures the delivery of world-class online gaming experiences in a regulated and consumer-protected environment.
Launched as part of Ontario’s effort to modernize its gambling framework, iGaming Ontario heads a rapidly growing market that balances player safety with consumer choice. Through partnerships with licensed operators, the agency has established Ontario as a leader in regulated online gaming.
Its mission includes supporting responsible gambling initiatives, protecting consumers, and fostering an innovative and competitive market.
A collaborative vision
The extension of Martha Otton’s tenure reflects her dedication to the agency and her belief in a collaborative approach to leadership. By agreeing to remain until March 2025, she provides continuity as the agency navigates a pivotal period in its development.
iGO’s board’s ongoing search for a successor aims to identify a leader who shares Otton’s commitment to innovation, transparency, and stakeholder engagement.
As the agency transitions into its next phase, its focus remains on enhancing the player experience while maintaining stringent regulatory oversight. The efforts to ensure a smooth transition underscore their dedication to iGO’s vision and the broader goals of Ontario’s regulated gambling sector.
The search for a new iGaming Ontario Chief Executive
Since Martha Otton announced her retirement in August, the company has been searching for someone to fill her shoes.
According to the job opening posted online by iGO, “the ideal candidate is adept at navigating both the private and public sectors, seamlessly engaging with a wide range of stakeholders including operators, regulators, government, players, and iGaming Ontario’s employees.”
Although the search was announced only in November, with a deadline for the first week of December, it’s still unclear whether the recruitment firm found someone fit to be the next chief executive of iGaming Ontario or if the Board of Directors will continue their process during the transition period.
This period is set to last for three more months.
Otton’s Lasting Legacy
Martha Otton’s decision to delay her retirement highlights her unwavering commitment to the success of iGaming Ontario. Her leadership has shaped the agency’s identity and cemented Ontario’s position as a global leader in the online gaming industry.
Reinhart remarked on her contributions, “Martha has set a high standard for leadership in the gaming sector. Her work has laid the foundation for continued growth, ensuring that Ontario remains a beacon of innovation and responsibility in the global iGaming community.”
As the company prepares for its next phase, Otton’s influence as the first iGaming Ontario chief executive will undoubtedly remain a guiding force. Her leadership exemplifies the values of integrity, vision, and collaboration—with her stellar success through the last two years setting the stage for the agency’s future.
