The decision means that the Canadian province may interact with US online poker
Ontario’s online poker and gaming market could soon expand beyond national borders following a major ruling by the Ontario Court of Appeal. The court decided that provincially regulated gambling sites can legally allow players in Ontario to compete with participants outside Canada, provided the activity complies with the Criminal Code. Four judges supported the decision, while one dissented, marking a key shift in how the province may handle international gaming participation.
The case originated from a question submitted by Premier Doug Ford’s cabinet, asking whether online gaming would remain lawful if Ontarians could play against international opponents. The court determined that Ontario’s proposed model fits within federal law, clearing a path for the province to connect its online poker and daily fantasy sports pools with global players. The ruling, however, remains within the appeal window, and the Ministry of the Attorney General has declined to comment further.
The decision has drawn opposition from the Canadian Lottery Coalition, which represents gambling regulators from British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the Atlantic provinces. The group argues the change could fuel illegal gambling across Canada and insists that cross-border play should only occur through formal agreements between provinces. Legal experts believe an appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada is likely, though others say Ontario may now have momentum to proceed.
The potential impact in the hundreds of millions of dollars. According to provincial data, Ontario’s online gambling market handled $82.7 billion in wagers and $3.2 billion in revenue from April 2024 to March 2025. Peer-to-peer poker made up $1.7 billion of that total. Analysts say opening international liquidity would make Ontario’s platforms more competitive and attract players currently using offshore sites.
Still, experts warn of potential downsides. Andrew Kim, a psychology professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, said broader access could increase gambling engagement and addiction risks. While the court’s decision is seen as a win for gaming operators, it also signals a growing need for stronger safeguards as Ontario’s online market prepares for global integration.
