Ontario Considers Allowing Online Gambling with International Players
Ontario’s government is seeking a court ruling that could allow residents to gamble online with international players, a move that could significantly expand the province’s gaming market. As legal debates heat up, the outcome could set a new precedent for Canada’s online gaming industry.
Potential for a Boost in the Online Poker Industry
Ontario’s government, led by Premier Doug Ford, is pursuing legal clarity on whether the province’s online gaming platforms can allow residents to engage with international players. This unprecedented legal move, prompted by an order-in-council, will be addressed in the Ontario Court of Appeal this fall.
The Canadian Gaming Association (CGA) supports the initiative, anticipating a significant boost in Ontario’s online poker sector if international play is permitted. Currently, Ontario’s poker industry loses many players to unregulated international sites that offer higher stakes.
Allowing Ontarians to participate in global gaming pools could draw these players back to regulated platforms, potentially increasing revenue and enhancing the gaming experience.
Opposition from Other Provinces
However, the proposal has met with opposition from several provincial lottery and gaming agencies, including those in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the Atlantic provinces. These agencies express concern that Ontario’s plan could inadvertently encourage illegal online gambling in their regions by tempting players to join global platforms, which, while regulated in Ontario, would remain illegal in other parts of Canada.
At the heart of the case is the ambiguity within the federal Criminal Code regarding the legality of mixing domestic players with international participants in online gaming sessions. Ontario’s Attorney General Doug Downey’s office has submitted extensive documentation to the court, seeking legal clarity to ensure the province’s online gaming market can operate with certainty and within the law.
The government stresses the importance of getting this ruling right, as it could set a precedent for the future of online gaming across Canada.
Court Decision May Lead to International Expansion of Ontario’s Gaming Industry
The court’s decision could reshape Ontario’s online gaming landscape by allowing global participation in games like poker and daily fantasy sports betting. Industry experts emphasize the value of “pool liquidity,” where larger pools of players enhance the gaming experience and profitability.
If the court rules in favor of the government’s plan, Ontario could become a model for other Canadian provinces, demonstrating how to expand online gaming markets while maintaining rigorous regulatory standards.
The proposal outlines stringent safeguards, including identity verification, age checks, and anti-money laundering protocols, to ensure that only eligible Ontarians participate in international gaming pools.
Similar frameworks are already in place in several European countries, such as Germany, the UK, and Sweden, where global participation in online poker is permitted under strict regulations. Ontario aims to adopt a comparable model, ensuring a secure and responsible gaming environment.
As the case draws national attention, the decision could set a significant precedent for the Canadian iGaming industry. Should the court rule in favor of Ontario’s plan, it may open the door for other provinces to follow suit, further integrating Canadian players into the global online gaming community.
