Ontario opens the door to peer-to-peer iGaming: What to expect
The Ontario Court of Appeal has found that local provincial regulations allow for peer-to-peer online gambling, potentially paving the way for international poker and similar iGaming products.
Announced on November 12, the ruling directly responds to a question posed by Premier Doug Ford’s Government in 2023 – which sought clarity on whether existing frameworks could support global interactive iGaming facilities, like poker, daily fantasy sports and more.
According to four of five judges on the panel, Ontario’s current gambling systems could permit such ventures.
This decision marks a potentially pivotal moment for iGaming in Ontario. While traditional domestic gambling has blossomed since launching in 2022 – proven by consecutive record-breaking player expenditure in September and October 2025 – the region has lacked an international presence.
News of this advisory ruling could drastically alter the trajectory of Ontario’s iGaming scene, with all-new gateways to poker, prize pools and other player-focused activities on the cusp of being unlocked for players.
Ontario iGaming law: How it works now
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (ACGO) and iGaming Ontario (iGO) share regulatory duties within the province, with the former overseeing land-based operations and the latter managing online functions.
Until this point, players in Ontario have not been permitted to access international peer-to-peer iGaming products, rooms or pools. Contrary to laws in other territories, this blanket lock-out has not been enforced by any particular law but rather the omission of specific legal permission.
So, this ruling is not the overturning of a ban. It is simply confirmation that Ontario players can legally engage in foreign peer-to-peer activities through licensed operators under a regulated structure.
It is important to note that domestic peer-to-peer gaming has been available since the introduction of iGaming – and this walled-garden approach culminated in a flourishing, albeit widely inaccessible, market.
What might this court decision mean for iGaming in Ontario?
Ontario could now join the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA); a scheme that allows players located in certain US states to connect with others across the nation to play specific iGaming products. Entry into this programme would require permission from the US.
However, the ruling court expressed that its decision was formed under the assumption that other Canadian territories would not be granted the same peer-to-peer permissions as a result of this declaration. Similarly, this does not open the door to iGaming interactivity across provinces.
Crucially, major peer-to-peer DFS operators – like FanDuel and DraftKings – may look to re-enter the province following departures in 2022, citing limited market scalability and liquidity. The exit of both organisations has left Ontario without a licensed DFS vendor for more than three years.
Whilst ring-fenced online poker has remained available for several years through BetMGM Poker, GGPoker, PokerStars and 888Poker, the Court of Appeal’s verdict could allow Canadian players to play alongside US competitors in virtual rooms.
Such a maneuver could deliver a boost for the peer-to-peer Ontario iGaming scene; regulated peer-to-peer poker covers around 2% of overall wagering and revenue on a monthly basis.
That fact drove significant support for international play from key figures, including the Canadian Gaming Association, NSUS, Flutter and the Ministry of the Attorney General. These entities agreed that expanded peer-to-peer poker would be regulated to the same degree as platforms under the existing framework, leaving little reason to neglect a potentially fruitful arena.
And, as foreign players would enter rooms overseen by their respective iGaming regulators, Ontario-based officials would not be burdened by a heavier workload.
Two vocal firms unsuccessfully mounted opposition against the ruling, with the Canadian Lottery Coalition (CLC) and Mohawk Council of Kahnawake arguing that the inclusion of international players in pooled games should make foreign peer-to-peer engagement illegal.
Ontario judges say peer-to-peer iGaming upholds law
A panel of five judges concluded that peer-to-peer gaming integration complies with the law, by a vote of 4-1.
In a statement, judges supporting peer-to-peer iGaming agreed that the suggested model could authorise Ontario-situated players to play against foreign individuals:
“The proposed model would permit players in Ontario to play peer-to-peer games against players who are physically situated outside Canada, and to bet on the outcomes. Examples of the peer-to-peer games that would be permitted include poker and daily fantasy sports wagering.”
Specifically, the letter referenced Canada’s Criminal Code, which reads: “It is lawful for the government of a province, either alone or in conjunction with the government of another province, to conduct and manage a lottery scheme in that province, or in that and the other province, in accordance with any law enacted by the legislature of that province.”
Therefore, any regulated pooled-liquidity international DFS or online poker format would qualify as legal.
Further, the judges pointed to a narrow, arguably misguided understanding of the law – which some may interpret as a blanket ban on cooperation with foreign powers:
“In summary, the phrase ‘conduct and manage a lottery scheme in that province’ can be read narrowly to prohibit linking in-province gaming to gaming in foreign jurisdictions. However, a broader reading that permits provincial governments to enter into cooperative arrangements with foreign jurisdictions is also available. On our reading, the text of s. 207(1)(a) favours this broader interpretation.”
The sole anti-peer-to-peer judge favoured that narrow view, while the remaining four magistrates took the “broader” stance.
What next for iGaming in Ontario?
Despite the court recommendation, nothing is settled yet.
Much deliberation over rules, frameworks, technicalities and operators will now ensue – as Ontario regulators endeavour to unearth a practical solution. Several unanswered questions must be addressed, spanning regulatory oversight, negotiation representatives and funding liability.
Moreover, the CLC may opt to appeal the court decision within 30 days. Any review would extend the implementation process.
Paul Burns, CGA CEO and President, lauded the landmark result in a public message: “This marks a significant victory for Ontario, bringing back a valuable option for consumers who enjoy pooled gaming activities such as poker and daily fantasy sports. We look forward to collaborating with both the Province of Ontario and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario as they begin implementing these changes.”
Burns also confirmed that there is no hard-and-fast timeline for a peer-to-peer iGaming strategy – but this pivotal outcome ensures that the door for such facilities is wide open.
