The average Ontario-based sports or casino bettor might not immediately recognize the name Martha Otton. If you’ve spent any time wagering on sports or playing slots, blackjack, or another game through an online sportsbook or casino that is part of Ontario’s regulated iGaming market, you owe Otton a debt of gratitude as she prepares to retire.
Otton served as the Chief Executive and eventually the Executive Director during her four years with iGaming Ontario. She played a key role in introducing the first regulated iGaming market in Canada in April 2022. Since launching, this iGaming market has welcomed about 50 operators and more than 80 gaming websites while catering to over 1.5 million sports and casino bettors across the province.
Otton plans to retire from her Executive Director position with iGaming Ontario on December 31, 2024. Many past and present iGaming Ontario executives showed their appreciation for her by releasing statements in the aftermath of her retirement announcement.
Discover How Martha Otten Spearheaded Ontario's iGaming Triumph
Dave Forestell, the former Chair of iGaming Ontario’s Board of Directors, credited Otton with being the driving force behind the ambitious plans for iGaming Ontario. “Early on, iGaming Ontario set a mission to make Ontario the best gaming jurisdiction in the world,” Forestell wrote in a post on LinkedIn. “It sounded audacious, but Martha Otton and the team at iGaming Ontario made it happen.”
Forestell added: “I wanted to join so many others in congratulating her on her tremendous success. And, on a more personal note, share what a pleasure it was to work together. I learned so much along the way from Martha. Thank you for your many years of service to the people of Ontario.”
Heidi Reinhart, the current Chair of iGaming Ontario’s Board of Directors, echoed Forestell’s sentiments while speaking on behalf of the Board. “I extend my sincere appreciation for Martha’s leadership of iGaming Ontario,” Reinhart said in a statement. “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 Canadian Gaming Association also released a statement thanking Otton for her service to sports and casino bettors in Ontario. “We thank Martha Otton for her hard and tenacious work in launching Canada’s first regulated gaming jurisdiction and for helping to grow it into one of the world’s most successful markets,” the statement said. “Her retirement is well-earned, and she has our appreciation for her leadership and vision in shaping the future of iGaming.”
From past achievements to crowning glory
Otton’s success with iGaming Ontario represents the most recent notch in her belt, but she has enjoyed her fair share of success throughout her storied career. Before joining what would become iGaming Ontario in the early 2020s, Otton set the stage for her success with iGaming Ontario during a stint with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario as the Chief Strategy Officer. In this role, she was responsible for coming up with a strategic plan for the AGCO’s oversight of the cannabis and horse racing industries.
Before working for the AGCO, Otton also held a series of other high-profile positions with the Ministry of the Attorney General, including Acting Assistant Deputy Attorney General of the Agency Relations Division as well as Director of Corporate Policy and Agency Relations.
Otton appeared at the Canadian Gaming Summit at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in June 2024 and discussed the accomplishments that iGaming Ontario achieved during just its second year. She revealed that Ontario’s regulated iGaming market contributed $2.7 billion to the province’s gross domestic product in year two, after contributing $1.58 billion to it in year one. She also touched on how iGaming Ontario has created about 15,000 jobs through its first two years.
The Search for a Successor: Finding the Next Key Player
The iGaming Ontario Board of Directors has announced that it has already started conducting a search for Otton’s successor. However, they’ve yet to give any indication as to who might be considered for the position. No matter who steps up to take over Otton’s role, it’s clear she will leave some big shoes behind that will no doubt be difficult for iGaming Ontario’s next Executive Director to fill.
