British Columbia has recently stepped away from a legal dispute concerning the online gambling landscape in Ontario, Canada, according to a new re
British Columbia has recently stepped away from a legal dispute concerning the online gambling landscape in Ontario, Canada, according to a new report. The government of B.C. was positioned as a potential adversary in the case aimed at enhancing Ontario’s iGaming sector, which is the largest province by population in Canada.
Ontario Aims to Enhance Its Online Gambling Industry
The initiatives undertaken by Ontario were focused on expanding its online gambling industry, specifically by linking local poker enthusiasts and daily fantasy sports (DFS) participants with players from outside the nation. In pursuit of revitalizing its poker and DFS segments, the province ultimately sought guidance from the Court of Appeals.
A recent report from Covers indicates that British Columbia has been granted leave, effectively removing it as a potential challenger in this lawsuit. Previously, B.C. expressed concerns regarding allowing international players into Ontario’s market, arguing that such measures could inadvertently bolster unregulated markets and lead to an uptick in illegal operators within their jurisdiction.
Revival of DFS and Online Poker Dependent on Court Ruling
The actions taken by Ontario are not unexpected given that its limited DFS and poker offerings have seen a decline. Following the launch of its iGaming market in 2022, leading operators began offering DFS and poker options; however, due to a sparse player base, companies like FanDuel and DraftKings had to reduce their services within the province.
If the Court of Appeals rules favorably for Ontario, there may be an opportunity for rejuvenation within this market segment—potentially leading to a resurgence of both DFS contests and poker games. However, this revival hinges on whether or not the court approves Ontario’s plan to allow foreign players into these gaming activities.
If approved, residents of Ontario would gain access to participate alongside international players in both DFS contests and poker pools. It is important to note that while foreign participation would be permitted, players from other Canadian provinces would still be excluded from joining these games—a logical stance considering many provinces maintain strict online gambling monopolies; onlyAlberta is currently exploring avenues similar to those adopted by Ontario.
Since launching its online gambling platform in April 2022, Ontario has established itself as a significant player within North America’s gaming industry—offering diverse options for online casino gaming and betting opportunities.
COMMENTS
This is a huge win for British Columbia! It’s great to see the court recognize the importance of fair competition in the iGaming industry. Looking forward to how this will shape the future of online gambling in Canada!