CANADIAN GAMING ASSOCIATION LAUNCHES INNOVATORS LA

TORONTO, March 17, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Canadian Gaming Association (CGA) today announced that it has launched the Canadian Gaming Innovators Launchpad, a competition specifically designed to stimulate innovation in the Canadian gaming industry.

The originality, strength, and impact of the Canadian gaming industry on the global scene are already well-known. The pace at which the industry continues to evolve is relentless, and Canada remains at the forefront – its companies, technologies, products, and expertise are in constant demand. However, the gaming industry needs to continuously embrace change and innovation to attract a new generation of customers. From mobile wagering and marketing, to providing entertainment experiences that millennials will enjoy, the Canadian gaming industry is looking for fresh ideas.

"The gaming industry is a significant generator of jobs and income in this country," said Paul Burns, Vice President of the Canadian Gaming Association. "It is also on the leading edge of technological advances for products and services that are recognized throughout the world. However, we continue to push forward, as changing consumer tastes and market demands require the industry to persistently evolve and innovate."

The competition is made up of two rounds: A preliminary round and a final round, consisting of an exhibition and a pitch-off presentation. Finalists will be selected from the preliminary round and invited to the final round at the Canadian Gaming Summit, June 19-21, 2017 in Vancouver, British Columbia, to display their entry in the Summit's exhibition hall, followed by a pitch-off on the main stage.

The competition is open to Canadians ages 19 and up with a great idea, product, or business that has the potential to revolutionize the gaming industry. The CGA is partnering with Hai Ng and Doug Reed, founders of the Innovators' Circle pitch contest, to run the Innovators Launchpad.

"The CGA is giving entrepreneurs a chance to pitch their ideas to a panel of top industry judges," added Mr. Burns. "Finalists will also be seen by dozens of key decision makers in the gaming industry and gain access to potential investment capital. It's the chance of a lifetime for someone!"

The preliminary round is now open for submissions and has a deadline of April 28, 2017. More information and the entry form are available at www.canadiangaminginnovatorslaunchpad.ca

About the Canadian Gaming Association The fundamental goal of the Canadian Gaming Association is to create balance in the public dialogue about gaming in Canada.

Our members are among the largest most established gaming operators, suppliers and gaming equipment manufacturers in Canada.

Our mandate is to create a better understanding of the gaming industry through education and advocacy.

Visit our website at www.canadiangaming.ca and find more about the CGA. About Hai Ng and Doug Reed

Hai Ng is a co-founding partner at Neomancer — a technology strategy and management group — and works with a wide variety of clients, ranging from individuals to corporations to startups, over a broad industry spectrum. He is also the Fantasy & eSports Section Editor for iGaming Business North America and brings a fresh approach to gaming: always looking outside the box, but knowing how to make it work inside the box.

Doug Reed is principal for RGE, a horse racing and gaming consulting company, and he is director/lecture emeritus at the University of Arizona, Race Track Industry Program. He is one of the founders of the 2015 Innovators' Circle, a similar pitch contest for the horse racing industry that drew almost 90 entries from five continents.

For further information please contact: Paul Burns, Canadian Gaming Association (416) 579-3922 pburns@canadiangaming.ca

Paul Burns, Canadian Gaming Association (416) 579-3922