In a game-changing move, Ontario’s top court has ruled that players in the province can now join peer-to-peer games like online poker and daily fantasy sports with people from around the world. This decision shatters previous barriers, promising bigger prize pools and more excitement for gamers. But what does it mean for the future of online betting in Canada? Stick around to find out the details and impacts.
The Court of Appeal for Ontario handed down its decision on November 12, 2025, after a year-long wait since the hearing. Four judges supported the move, while one dissented, creating a clear majority. This ruling allows Ontario’s regulated iGaming sites to connect players with international users outside Canada, focusing on peer-to-peer formats.
The case started as a reference from Premier Doug Ford’s cabinet, asking if cross-border play violates Canada’s Criminal Code. The court said no, as long as the games stay within regulated platforms and don’t involve other Canadian provinces without agreements.
One key point: the setup keeps everything legal by treating international play as separate pools, each under their own rules. This avoids issues like match-fixing or unfair odds.
The dissenting judge worried about potential loopholes in national gambling laws. Still, the majority view won out, calling it a safe expansion.
How This Changes the Game for Players
Ontario players have been stuck in province-only pools since the market opened in 2022. That meant smaller groups for games like online poker, leading to less action and smaller wins. Now, with global access, things could heat up fast.
Imagine jumping into a worldwide poker tournament from your living room in Toronto. Experts predict this could revive interest in daily fantasy sports (DFS) and poker, drawing back players who left for unregulated sites.
But it’s not all smooth. Implementation might take time, possibly months or years, as operators adjust tech and get approvals. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario will oversee this, ensuring fair play.
Players should watch for updates from sites like those run by iGaming Ontario. Early signs show excitement, with some operators already planning international links.
- Bigger prize pools: More players mean higher stakes.
- Better competition: Face off against global talent.
- Safer environment: Stays within regulated borders.
This shift could boost the province’s iGaming revenue, which hit over $2 billion in its first year, according to official reports from 2023.
The Bigger Picture in Canadian Gambling
Canada’s gambling laws date back decades, with provinces controlling their own markets under the Criminal Code. Ontario launched its regulated online scene in April 2022, becoming North America’s biggest at the time. But cross-border limits kept it isolated.
Other provinces opposed this ruling, arguing it could disrupt their own systems. Lottery agencies from places like Quebec and British Columbia fought against it in court, fearing a domino effect.
The decision doesn’t allow play between Canadian provinces yet. That would need special deals, which aren’t in place. Instead, it targets international users, like those in Europe or the U.S. states with legal gaming.
Looking back, Ontario’s market has grown fast. A 2024 study by the Canadian Gaming Association showed over 1 million active users, with poker and DFS making up 15% of activity. This ruling builds on that, potentially adding millions in economic value.
One paragraph here for a quick note: It’s a win for consumer choice, but critics say it risks more gambling addiction.
Challenges and What Comes Next
Not everyone is cheering. The one dissenting judge highlighted risks of illegal betting creeping in. Plus, there’s talk of an appeal to Canada’s Supreme Court, which could delay things.
Operators face hurdles too. They must build separate platforms for global play, ensuring compliance with international laws. For example, matching Ontario rules with those in the UK or Australia.
On the bright side, this could set a model for other provinces. If successful, it might encourage talks for nationwide pooling, though that’s a long shot given current tensions.
Here’s a simple table to show key differences before and after the ruling:
| Aspect | Before Ruling | After Ruling |
|---|---|---|
| Player Pools | Ontario-only | Global (outside Canada) |
| Game Types | Limited peer-to-peer | Expanded poker and DFS |
| Revenue Impact | Steady but capped | Potential growth in billions |
| Legal Risks | Strict borders | Monitored international links |
Industry watchers estimate a 20-30% jump in participation, based on similar changes in U.S. states like New Jersey, where pooled play boosted engagement in 2018 data from the American Gaming Association.
This isn’t just about fun; it touches on jobs in tech and regulation, with Ontario’s iGaming supporting thousands of positions.
The Ontario Court of Appeal’s ruling marks a bold step forward for online gaming, freeing up players to compete on a world stage while keeping things legal and safe. It highlights the evolving nature of digital entertainment, balancing innovation with oversight, and could inspire changes across Canada. As gamers gear up for bigger challenges, this decision reminds us how laws adapt to modern life, sparking hope for more inclusive play.
