Jeremy Locke, President of the North American Gaming Regulators Association (NAGRA), shared insights with Focus Gaming News regarding the developments and hurdles faced by the North American gaming industry in 2025, along with plans for the upcoming year. The sector has undergone significant transformation, resulting in new goals and a shift in priorities. This change has introduced challenges for regulators, prompting a need for heightened cooperation within the region.
The year 2025 was marked by rapid advancements in the North American gaming market, particularly in technological innovation and regulatory collaboration. Regulators across the United States and Canada prioritized working together to tackle mutual challenges, fostering an unprecedented level of cooperation and knowledge sharing. A key focus was maintaining sports integrity, with regulatory bodies responding to notable incidents involving major sports organizations by emphasizing robust oversight and cross-jurisdictional coordination. These measures are vital to maintaining public trust in regulated gaming products.
Responsible gambling initiatives remained a top priority, with efforts directed at unifying self-exclusion programs, improving player education, and offering proactive support tools. Such endeavors underscore a commitment to consumer protection and the promotion of safe gaming environments continent-wide. Concurrently, the fight against illegal gaming intensified, as regulators coordinated efforts to combat unregulated operators through legal actions and cease-and-desist orders, aiming to sustain a fair and secure gaming landscape.
Technological innovation, particularly the rise of prediction market platforms, necessitated regulatory adaptations to ensure consumer protections align with industry advancements. The regulatory response varied between the United States and Canada due to differing legal frameworks and regulatory approaches. Overall, 2025 was a year of progress and adaptation, positioning the industry for sustained growth and resilience.
In Ontario, significant regulatory progress included the establishment of the Responsible Gambling Forum, uniting operators and stakeholders to address critical issues. This led to new guidelines for monitoring and supporting at-risk players. Organizational changes, such as iGaming Ontario’s (iGO) separation from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), suggest a maturing regulatory framework with potential for reform. AGCO enforced substantial penalties for non-compliance in areas like responsible gambling and age verification, demonstrating a commitment to regulation.
Jeremy Locke, upon his appointment as NAGRA president, emphasized the importance of maintaining public confidence in regulated gaming products. He aims to strengthen the NAGRA community through international relationship-building and strategic planning, ensuring the organization adapts to the evolving gaming landscape.
Emerging trends, such as prediction markets, present significant challenges. These markets operate under the Commodities Futures Trading Commission in the U.S., lacking state-level consumer protection measures. In Canada, regulatory requirements differ, as gaming must be conducted under a “conduct and manage” regime. NAGRA is addressing these issues by promoting collaboration and sharing resources to support regulatory responses at the state or provincial level.
Looking ahead to 2026, NAGRA is committed to proactive leadership and collaboration within the regulatory community. Strategic plans include strengthening partnerships with international organizations like the International Association of Gaming Regulators and hosting educational events to facilitate knowledge exchange. The annual conference in Sarasota, Florida, will serve as a platform for regulators to discuss the rapid changes in gaming markets globally.
NAGRA aims to expand its presence at key industry events, fostering connections with members and allied associations. These efforts are designed to support regulators in navigating emerging challenges and enhance their ability to respond to industry developments effectively. In summary, NAGRA’s 2026 plans focus on strategic collaboration and sectoral leadership, preparing regulators to address current and future challenges in the gaming industry.
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