Canadian Gaming Association awaits a crucial court decision that could reshape daily fantasy sports (DFS) and online poker in Ontario. The ruling will determine if Ontario-based players can legally compete against players outside the province.

The Ontario Court of Appeal recently held three days of hearings, with multiple parties presenting arguments about the legality of cross-border play. Currently, gambling sites licensed by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario can only accept wagers from Ontario residents, leading major operators like DraftKings and FanDuel to suspend DFS contests in the province.

Key arguments centered on:

• The CGA and Ontario Attorney General's office advocating for controlled international play
• The Canadian Lottery Coalition and Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke opposing such changes
• Interpretation of what constitutes legal international play under the Criminal Code

iGaming Ontario (iGO), which regulates the province's online gaming industry, is set to become an independent agency in 2025 under the new iGaming Ontario Act, separating it from the provincial lottery corporation.

Paul Burns, CEO of the Canadian Gaming Association, emphasized that Ontario players would remain under provincial regulatory oversight even in international pools. The court's decision could take up to six months due to backlog, potentially bringing significant changes to Ontario's gaming landscape.

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