Canadian Gaming Association expands board with inclusion of executives Kurt Gissane and Scott Woodgate

The Canadian Gaming Association (CGA) has announced the addition of Kurt Gissane and Scott Woodgate to its board of directors, as revealed during the association's annual general meeting on December 6th. Additionally, the CGA reaffirmed Richard Taylor's position as director of the board, extending his term for another three years.

Kurt Gissane, currently Senior Vice President of Sales for North America at Aristocrat Gaming, brings over 23 years of experience in the gaming industry to the CGA board. His international career includes stints in Australia, Asia, and North America. In his current role, Gissane oversees several gaming sectors, including tribal gaming, different gaming classes, and emerging markets. His expertise contributes to Aristocrat Gaming’s operational initiatives in North America.

Meanwhile, Scott Woodgate, who serves as the Vice President of BetMGM in Canada, brings a diverse background in the content industry. This includes roles at DAZN, a global streaming service, where he served as a content and production executive in the UK and New York.

Woodgate has also held various leadership and production positions at Rogers Sportsnet and CTV News, covering areas such as editorial, production, and strategy.

Paul Burns

Paul Burns, President and CEO of the CGA, expressed satisfaction with the positive impact that the additions are expected to have on the board. “We are excited to welcome Scott and Kurt to the Board," he stated.

"Their knowledge and expertise will add immense value as the CGA continues to drive our strategic mandate to advance the evolution of a regulated and responsible industry through collaboration, education, and advocacy. With Scott and Kurt, we are adding the right voices, experiences, and geographical representation to the table."

Ilkim Hincer, Chair of the CGA Board, also highlighted the significant contribution that both professionals are set to bring to the organization, enriching the diversity of experiences and knowledge within the CGA board.

“I want to thank Scott Woodgate and Kurt Gissane for accepting these positions, which will play an important role in supporting the growth and sustainability of Canada’s gaming industry, and I have confidence that their diverse experiences will be valuable to the Association as it delivers on its mandate,” said Hincer.

The Full 2023/2024 CGA Board of Directors:

• Scott Burton, CEO, FansUnite Entertainment Inc.
• Danielle Bush, Counsel, McCarthy Tetrault, LLP
• Bruce Caughill, Managing Director (Canada) Rush Street Interactive
• Dean Ehrlich, Executive Vice President & Games Business Leader, Everi
• Neil Erlick, Chief Corporate Development Officer, Nuvei
• Kurt Gissane, Senior Vice President, Sales Gaming, Aristocrat
• Jeffrey Haas
• Mark Harper
• Ilkim Hincer, Partner, Chair Gaming, Fogler Rubinoff LLP and Managing Director, FR Advisors LP
• Charmaine Hogan, Head of Regulatory Affairs, Playtech
• Dale Hooper, General Manager, FanDuel Canada
• Chuck Keeling, EVP, Stakeholder Relations and Responsible Gaming, Great Canadian Entertainment
• Carrie Kormos, Chief Marketing & Communication Officer, Gateway Casinos & Entertainment
• Adriane McGrath, Vice President, Business Development, Konami Gaming Inc.
• Niaz Nejad
• Rob Scarpelli, Managing Director, HLT Advisory Inc.
• Richard Taylor, President, Niagara Casinos
• Scott Vanderwell, CEO, PointsBet Canada
• Shelley White, President & CEO, Responsible Gambling Council
• Scott Woodgate, Vice President (Canada), BetMGM