IAGR 2026 Lima: Full Schedule

Welcome to IAGR2026. We’re looking forward to four-days of insights and networking as we explore our conference theme, ’Steady Hands, Shifting Ground: Advancing regulation in a connected world’.

1:15pm GMT-05

Where the wind is blowing – emerging trends and market dynamics

Monday October 19, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm GMT-05

Harbour Ballroom A/B

Four regulators from different regions share their perspectives on the shifting dynamics of the global gambling industry — from the rise of AI and rapid product diversification to new technologies, cross-border challenges and the ongoing balance between innovation and consumer protection.

Speakers

Bashir Are

Chief Executive Officer, Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority

Bashir Are is a dynamic, innovative, result-driven private and public sector executive with over 28 years of proven technical, entrepreneurial, and managerial expertise. He’s vastly skilled in conceptualizing and implementing transformative business solutions. His background includes... Read More →

Peter Czegledy

Partner & Chair of the Gaming Practice, Aird and Berlis, LLP Canada

Peter is a member of the firm’s Corporate/Commercial Group, as well as the Intellectual Property, Mergers & Acquisitions, Technology and Licensing Groups. He is Chair of the Gaming Group and Co-Chair of the firm’s Esports & Gaming Group and Sports, Media & Entertainment Group... Read More →

Michel Groothuizen

Chairman, The Netherlands Gaming Authority

Michel Groothuizen is the Chairman of the Executive Board of the Netherlands Gambling Authority (Kansspelautoriteit). Previously, he served as Deputy Director of the Netherlands Custodial Institutions Agency (DJI) for over four years.

From 2015 until 2020 he was the Managing Direc... Read More →

Karin Schnarr

Chief Executive & Registrar, Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario

Dr Karin Schnarr joined the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) as CEO and Registrar in September 2023 after successful careers in government, management consulting and academia. Her role at the AGCO includes regulatory oversight of the province’s alcohol, gaming (land-based... Read More →

Chun Ching TEO

Chief Executive, Gambling Regulatory Authority of Singapore

TEO Chun Ching is the Chief Executive of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Singapore (GRA). He took the helm of Casino Regulatory Authority on 1 Aug 2018. Prior to 1 Aug 2022, GRA was the Casino Regulatory Authority of Singapore. He successfully led the transformation to GRA, involving... Read More →

Monday October 19, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm GMT-05
Harbour Ballroom A/B

Panel Session

3:30pm GMT-05

Regtech – the regulator’s ally or an unregulated shortcut?

Monday October 19, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm GMT-05

Harbour Ballroom A/B

The gambling sector is undergoing a profound transformation as regulatory scrutiny intensifies globally. As regulatory scrutiny evolves within jurisdictions and across borders, it’s natural that the gambling sector mirrors the use of technology in other sectors.

Regulatory technology (RegTech) tools and platforms are designed to help gambling operators comply and regulators to understand that level of compliance.

This panel explores how RegTech has evolved in the gambling industry, the regulatory and operational challenges it addresses, and what innovations and policy shifts are likely to shape its future.

Speakers

Daniel Grabher

Founder & CEO, ComplyGuard

With over two decades of experience in the gaming industry, Daniel Grabher has consistently been at the forefront of innovation and ethical transformation. Starting his career as Austria’s youngest state-licensed bookmaker, Daniel quickly established himself as a trailblazer, founding... Read More →

Jean Claude Kasala

Chairman, SONAL

Jean Claude Kasala is a seasoned executive and strategist from the Democratic Republic of Congo, bringing over three decades of international and multi-sector experience to his leadership role.

After graduating in Economic Sciences, he began his career with leading global corporations, serving for 10 years in commercial roles at Heineken and Coca-Cola’s bottling operations, where he built a strong foundation in business development and corporate management. He then advanced... Read More →

Dr Ian Messenger

Founder & CEO, ACGCS

Dr Ian Messenger is the Founder and CEO of the Association of Certified Gaming Compliance Specialists (ACGCS), a training and certification body for compliance officers in the casino and iGaming sector. ACGCS offers a range of courses—most notably the Certified Gaming Compliance... Read More →

Dr. Aftab Rizvi

Founder, Gaming Associates

Dr Aftab Rizvi is an internationally recognised iGaming compliance and regulatory advisor with over 25 years of experience in iGaming compliance, audits, regulatory frameworks, and cybersecurity. He is the founder of Gaming Associates, an internationally recognised, accredited test... Read More →

Birgitte Sand

Senior Gaming and Regulation Associate, Gaming advisor, industry and authorities

Birgitte Sand is a Senior Executive with over 25 years of experience, including most recently as Director of the Danish Gambling Authority. During her twelve-year tenure as the head gaming regulator in Denmark, she was responsible for the successful construction and consolidation... Read More →

Monday October 19, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm GMT-05
Harbour Ballroom A/B

Panel Session

5:10pm GMT-05

Match-fixing: In conversation

Monday October 19, 2026 5:10pm - 5:25pm GMT-05

Harbour Ballroom A/B

Speakers

Lara Hayes

Director of Sports Wagering and Competition Manipulation, Sport Integrity Australia

Lara Hayes is the Director of Sports Wagering and Competition Manipulation at Sport Integrity Australia. Prior to this, she held various roles with the Australian Sports Commission and the Australian Commonwealth Department of Health, where she developed and implemented key policy... Read More →

Harper Ko

President, International Association of Gaming Advisors (IAGA)

IAGA President Harper Ko was most recently Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary for Penn National Gaming where she was responsible for all legal matters for Penn, including commercial transactions, litigation matters, corporate governance and securities law... Read More →

Simon Hørkjær Pedersen

Chief Adviser, Danish Gambling Authority

Simon Hørkjær Pedersen is Chief Adviser at the Danish Gambling Authority with a legal background, specializing in preventing match-fixing. He acts as coordinator for the Danish national platform to combat match-fixing and has played a central role in Denmark’s efforts to tackle... Read More →

Monday October 19, 2026 5:10pm - 5:25pm GMT-05
Harbour Ballroom A/B

Panel Session

8:45am GMT-05

Navigating complexity – tackling key challenges in responsible gambling regulation

Tuesday October 20, 2026 8:45am - 9:45am GMT-05

Harbour Ballroom A/B

This session explores some of the most pressing challenges in responsible gambling regulation today — including emerging gambling products, VIP programs, non-traditional advertising and shifting financial behaviours. Panellists will examine current regulatory responses, identify potential gaps, and consider the real-world impact of these measures on player protection and market sustainability.

Speakers

Elizabeth Arzadon

Chief Culture and Ethics Officer, The Star Entertainment Group

Elizabeth is an internationally recognised expert on effective governance, corporate culture, and ethical conduct. She is Managing Director of Kiel Advisory Group Pty Ltd, currently acting as Chief Culture and Ethics Officer of The Star Entertainment Group

Elizabeth’s profession... Read More →

Dr. Eugenia Chidhakwa

Chair, Lotteries and Gaming Board, Lotteries and Gaming Board Zimbabwe

Dr Eugenia Chidhakwa is the first woman to be appointed the Chairman of the Lotteries and Gaming Board, Zimbabwe since October 2020. She is also a seasoned Sport Administrator in the Government of Zimbabwe as the substantive Chief Director Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture; currently... Read More →

Tracy Parker

Senior Vice President, Accreditation, Advisory and Insights, Responsible Gaming Council Ontario (RGCO)

The Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) is a respected, independent non-profit organization. We have been a leader in the prevention of problem gambling in Canada and globally for over 40 years. We design and implement evidence-based prevention programs across populations at high risk of experiencing harm. We partner with gov... Read More →

Dr. Jennifer Shatley

Executive Director, ROGA

Dr Jennifer Shatley is the Executive Director of the Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA), representing nearly 85% of the legal U.S. online gaming market by handle. With nearly three decades of experience in responsible gaming, corporate social responsibility, public policy... Read More →

Linda Woo

Principal, Linda M Woo Consulting

Linda is an independent consultant specialising in gambling, consumer and not-for-profit policy, regulation and practice.

She retired from the Queensland Public Service in 2017 and has extensive experience in senior executive roles providing legislative and strategic policy advice to Ministers and chief executives; evidence to parliamentary committees and inquiries. Linda has developed, advised and led... Read More →

Tuesday October 20, 2026 8:45am - 9:45am GMT-05
Harbour Ballroom A/B

Panel Session

9:45am GMT-05

Regulatory toolbox 101 – the inner workings of the risk management machinery of a regulator

Tuesday October 20, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am GMT-05

Harbour Ballroom A/B

The regulator’s data and compliance functions play a crucial role in managing industry risks. Building effective risk management frameworks that facilitate the identification and processing of complex datasets supports more targeted regulatory interventions at a pre-enforcement stage, creating more opportunities for compliance. Understanding emerging risks, utilisation of data and automation are vital components in effective processing of licensed entities’ information at scale and being able to leverage the available information in a way that promotes a result-driven methodology.

This panel will delve into the challenges faced by regulators, focusing on the importance of utilising data in regulatory risk management frameworks, specifically risk matrix methodologies, compliance oversight and automation, regulatory reporting, and facilitating the engagement of licensees in delivering better compliance programs.

Speakers

Martha Brincat

Head of Compliance, Player Protection, Investigations & Sports Betting Integrity, Malta Gaming Authority

Martha Brincat is Head of Compliance, Player Protection, Investigations, and Sports Betting Integrity at the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA). She brings a strong background in payments compliance and regulatory advisory, Martha transitioned from senior roles in the private sector to... Read More →

Mamadou CISSE

Managing Director, Gambling Regulatory Authority (ARSJPA), Guinea Gambling Regulatory Authority

Mamadou CISSE is the Managing Director of the Guinea Gambling Regulatory Authority “ARSJPA” that monitors and regulates all gambling activities in Guinea through the Gambling Act of D/2023/045/PRG/CNRD/SGG of 2023.

Previously he served as Expert Consultant to several gambling companies and operators in Africa and Europe: Ministry of Finance of the DRC, LONAGUI, PMU-MALI, FLEXBET, CASINO DU MALI, 1XBET, KORALPLAY, UBIQ PAY, DME, etc.; various gaming advisory missions, from operation to regulation... Read More →

Trude Felde

Lawyer/Senior Adviser, The Norwegian Gambling Authority

Trude Høgseth Felde is a lawyer and Senior Adviser with over 20 years’ experience from working in gambling regulation at the Norwegian Gaming Authority.

Trude works with general legal matters in the gambling area, and her main responsibility is the writing new legislation, working to prevent illegal gambling, and the borderline between law and technology. Trude has been involved in the Gaming Authority’s international activities... Read More →

Jennifer LaMont

Agent in Charge of Tribal & Licensing, Washington State Gambling Commission

Jennifer has more than 25 years of experience regulating gambling in Washington State. Currently, she is the Agent in Charge/Tribal Certification Program Manager of the Licensing Unit for the Washington State Gambling Commission. Her staff is responsible for processing all individual... Read More →

Tuesday October 20, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am GMT-05
Harbour Ballroom A/B

Panel Session

11:00am GMT-05

Considering the varied implementation of self-exclusion and its place in a wider safety framework

Tuesday October 20, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm GMT-05

Harbour Ballroom A/B

Speakers

Tammi Barlow-Marang

Associate Vice President & Manager of Responsible Gaming, General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority

Tammi Barlow-Marang serves as the Associate Vice President and Manager of Responsible Gaming for the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority in the United Arab Emirates, where she develops, implements, and enforces responsible gaming policies and programs that uphold the national... Read More →

Brittany Dale

Director, Business Transformation & Program Delivery, iGaming Ontario

Pedro Romero

Chief of Safer Gambling Partnerships, Third Sector - Non for Profit Organisation

Pedro is a seasoned Safer Gambling expert combining consultancy and training for leading operators with charitable work as Chief of SG Partnerships at Betblocker. He has worked in senior roles at leading iGaming companies including 888, William Hill, GiG, JPJ Group (Gamesys Group... Read More →

Matt Zarb-Cousin

Co-founder, Gamban

Matt Zarb-Cousin is a co-founder of Gamban, director of Clean Up Gambling, a senior government affairs advisor to YieldSec and an advisor to the Campaign for Fairer Gambling in the US. As spokesperson for the Campaign for Fairer Gambling in the UK, he lobbied successfully for a reduction... Read More →

Tuesday October 20, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm GMT-05
Harbour Ballroom A/B

Panel Session

2:30pm GMT-05

IAGR past, present and future – a fireside chat

Tuesday October 20, 2026 2:30pm - 3:00pm GMT-05

Harbour Ballroom A/B

Past and present IAGR presidents, Tom and Ben, will consider the role IAGR plays in the context of the gambling sector today and the power of collective action.

Speakers

Thomas Auriemma

Former IAGR President

Thomas N. Auriemma is one of the casino industry’s leading gaming attorneys and consultants. He previously spent almost 30 years as a gaming regulator in New Jersey, U.S.A. and served 5 years as the Director of the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement.

As a regulator, he was one of the founders of the International Association of Gaming Regulators and chaired its 2005 conference in Vancouver, Canada. After retiring from government service, Auriemma became the Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and Chief Compliance Officer for... Read More →

Ben Haden

IAGR President

Ben works in the UK as a director at the Gambling Commission. He has responsibility for a portfolio which brings together the Commission’s market and social research function. His team produces the Commission’s official statistics and delivers a varied research programme to s... Read More →

Jeremy Locke

President, Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario

Jeremy Locke is the Deputy Chief Operating Officer at the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), where he leads the agency’s compliance functions across Ontario’s cannabis, racing, liquor, lottery, and gaming sectors. In this role, Jeremy is responsible for ensuring... Read More →

Tuesday October 20, 2026 2:30pm - 3:00pm GMT-05
Harbour Ballroom A/B

Panel Session