Published on: November 11, 2024, 03:31h. 

Last updated on: November 11, 2024, 03:31h.

The Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) has appointed Sarah McCarthy as the new Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Shelley White who served in this role for eight years.

RGC praised McCarthy’s leadership skills, stating, “Sarah is a collaborative executive leader with fifteen (15) years of experience in leading teams to build and deliver social impact through the development of innovative solutions to complex challenges.”

RGC Appoints McCarthy as CEO

White announced her retirement in June after playing a significant role in the industry, particularly following the launch of the regulated market in Ontario in April 2022. She was also actively involved in the annual Canadian Gaming Summit, with her most recent appearance in June in Toronto. White has been in the CEO position since 2016.

McCarthy will assume her new role on Jan. 6, 2025. She previously served as Vice President, Strategic Initiatives at Rick Hansen Foundation, where she played a key role in strategic planning, program implementation, and business development strategies.

RG Check Required for Licensed Operators

During her tenure at the Rick Hansen Foundation, McCarthy led the launch of the RHF Accessibility Certification program, evaluating nearly 2,000 buildings and training over 2,600 professionals to promote inclusivity in various sectors. RHF aims to remove barriers faced by individuals with disabilities.

Additionally, McCarthy oversaw the expansion of the RHF School Program, reaching over 270,000 Canadian children since 2016, educating them about disability and accessibility.

RGC also highlighted McCarthy’s expertise in securing and managing over $20 million in government funding for Accessibility Certification, demonstrating her ability to establish significant government and corporate partnerships to enhance outreach and impact.

Focus on Preventing Problem Gambling

RGC is a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing problem gambling nationwide in Canada. It offers an accreditation program, RG Check, for operators that meet its standards.

“Shelley has been a dedicated advocate for responsible gambling and the gaming industry in Canada during her time as CEO of the Responsible Gambling Council,” said Paul Burns, President & CEO of the Canadian Gaming Association, in June. “It has been a pleasure working alongside her as we legalized single-event sports betting nationwide and launched Ontario’s regulated iGaming market. Her retirement is well-deserved, and the industry appreciates her contributions.”