Joseph Hillier Named New CEO of iGaming Ontario as Market Keeps Growing

Ontario’s regulated online gambling market is still young but already one of the busiest in the world. Now, it has a new leader at the helm. Joseph Hillier, a former executive at the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), has been appointed as the next president and CEO of iGaming Ontario, starting September 8.

Good to know

• Hillier takes over from Martha Otton, who led iGaming Ontario since 2021.
• Ontario’s iGaming market is the sixth-largest worldwide, trailing only the UK, Italy, Australia, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
• The province’s iGaming industry generated $63 billion CAD ($45.8 billion USD) by March 2024, up 78% year-over-year.

Hillier becomes just the second person to ever hold the role. He succeeds Otton, who stepped down in August 2024 after guiding the market from its launch in April 2022 through its meteoric rise.

Hillier is no stranger to the industry. At AGCO, he worked as chief strategy officer and corporate secretary, overseeing policies tied to alcohol, cannabis, gaming, and horse racing. Earlier in his career, he served as chief of staff to Ontario’s Attorney General Doug Downey, where he helped shape the province’s first private iGaming framework and played a hand in creating iGaming Ontario itself.

With his appointment, Hillier’s focus shifts to ensuring Ontario’s market continues to expand responsibly. His early tasks include strengthening anti-money laundering programs, building out self-exclusion tools for players, and tightening consumer safeguards against problem gambling.

Otton stayed in the role longer than expected while the board searched for her replacement. She leaves behind a market that went from concept to global heavyweight in just over two years.

Board chair Heidi Reinhart praised her leadership:

“On behalf of the entire Board, I extend my sincere appreciation for Martha’s leadership of iGaming Ontario. 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.”

Ontario’s Place on the Global Stage

Ontario’s launch on April 4, 2022, was a watershed moment. For the first time, private operators were allowed to offer online casinos and sportsbooks under provincial oversight. By 2023, Ontario had already secured a spot among the top six gambling markets worldwide.

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