Ontario’s top court says provincially regulated online gaming and sports-betting sites could legally allow users to play and bet against people outside of the province.
Currently, people using Ontario’s online gambling sites must be in the province and cannot take part in games or bets involving people outside of its borders.
In a 4-1 decision, the Court of Appeal for Ontario determined that the province’s regulated online gaming and sports-betting system would remain lawful under the Criminal Code even if users were allowed to play in games and bet with individuals outside Canada. The court’s review of the issue was from an order-in-council by Premier Doug Ford’s cabinet last year.
The decision allows private companies that operate under agreements with iGaming Ontario to include users outside of Canada. The proposed model would allow Ontarians to engage in peer-to-peer games, such as online poker and fantasy sports, against non-Canadian players. These players would access the system through separate sites and apps, under the laws and regulations of their own jurisdictions.
Other provinces and territories would still be prohibited from using Ontario’s online gambling system unless separate agreements were made.
The Appeal Court says many details have yet to be determined, including who in the provincial government would be responsible for choosing international operators or foreign regulators to approach, and who would negotiate these deals.can legally bet with international players
