The government of Ontario Premier Doug Ford is pursuing a historic decision that would completely alter the state’s online gambling market. Ford’s cabinet recently issued an order-in-council that sparked a lawsuit that will be heard in Toronto this autumn. The main question is whether citizens of Ontario can lawfully compete with gamers from other countries on online gaming sites.
When gamers in Ontario are allowed to interact with people outside of Canada, the Ontario Court of Appeal will decide whether internet gaming and sports betting can continue to be legal under the Criminal Code. With hundreds of millions of dollars in potential wagers on daily fantasy sports betting and online poker, this judgment has enormous financial implications. These activities are currently limited to players who reside in the country.
CGA’s CEO, Paul Burns, highlighted the potential for growth, stating that allowing international players could lead to a “significant increase in the poker business in the province.” Ontario’s regulated poker industry could see a resurgence as local players, who currently flock to unregulated international sites, might return to regulated platforms.
Controversy and Opposition
The proposal has stirred controversy among various provincial lottery and gaming agencies. Agencies from British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the Atlantic provinces have voiced concerns that Ontario’s plan might worsen the spread of illegal online gambling in their regions. They argue that allowing international play could undermine their regulated systems and lead Canadian players from outside Ontario to engage with global platforms managed by Ontario-regulated companies.
“It’s important that we get this right,” emphasized Jack Fazzari, press secretary for Attorney General Doug Downey, in an email to CBC News. Downey’s office has submitted over 700 pages of documents to support the proposal, seeking clarity on the federal Criminal Code’s stance regarding international online gaming interactions.
The outcome of this case could significantly reshape Ontario’s online gaming market. Industry experts stress that larger “pool liquidity” from international participation can enhance the gaming experience and drive profitability. The Canadian Gaming Association and online gaming companies argue that expanding player pools will provide better consumer experiences while ensuring activities remain within a regulated framework.
The court’s decision could set a precedent for other Canadian provinces, potentially influencing their approach to online gaming regulations. Ontario’s proposal also includes measures by iGaming Ontario to ensure the identity, legal age, and eligibility of Ontarians participating in international pools while upholding strong anti-money laundering and responsible gambling practices.
Several European nations, such as Germany, the UK, and Sweden, already permit global participation in online poker, offering a model for Ontario’s potential new direction.
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