Ontario’s government has won a legal ruling that supports its plan to allow online gamblers in the province to participate in games with players outside Canada.
The Ontario Court of Appeal issued a 4–1 decision stating that online gaming and sports betting would remain lawful under the province’s proposal. The government had sought clarification in early 2024 on whether cross-border peer-to-peer play was permitted under the Criminal Code.
Chief Justice Michael Tulloch, writing for the majority, said allowing Ontario to regulate residents who wish to play against players abroad “advances public safety by bringing such gaming under protective regulation, thereby reducing such risks as fraud and addiction.”
The judgment enables Ontario’s regulated operators to offer poker and other peer-to-peer online games with international pools, which were previously restricted to players located within the province. A study cited in the ruling noted that around 20 per cent of Ontario players continue to use unregulated offshore sites.
Most other provinces opposed Ontario’s plan, arguing it could increase illegal online gambling and draw players away from their own regulated markets. The Canadian Lottery Coalition said it is reviewing the decision. A request to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada must be filed within 60 days.
Ontario launched iGaming Ontario in 2021 to oversee private-operator online gambling. Government revenue from the sector is forecast at $253m for 2025–26, roughly triple the amount three years ago.
The ruling is thought to strengthen the viability of online poker and daily fantasy sports in the province.
The post Ontario court backs cross-border online play appeared first on G3 Newswire.
Ontario’s government has won a legal ruling that supports its plan to allow online gamblers in the province to participate in games with players outside Canada. The Ontario Court of Appeal issued a 4–1 decision stating that online gaming and sports betting would remain lawful under the province’s proposal. The government had sought clarification in…
The post Ontario court backs cross-border online play appeared first on G3 Newswire.