Another Step Forward For Internet Gaming In Ontario: International Pooled Liquidity

Key takeaways

• The Ontario Court of Appeal confirmed the legality of a new "pooled liquidity" model for online gaming, allowing Ontario players to engage with players outside Canada.
• The Ontario government can now implement a model that permits peer-to-peer games that include both Ontario and non-Canadian players, enhancing game variety and promoting public safety.
• The decision emphasizes provincial discretion in regulating online gaming, as long as the province continues to "conduct and manage" local player participation.

The Ontario Court of Appeal recently released its decision in Reference re iGaming Ontario (the decision). This significant ruling confirms the legality under Canada's Criminal Code of Ontario's proposed "pooled liquidity" model (the proposed model) for Internet gaming in Ontario. The proposed model would permit players in Ontario's regulated iGaming market to participate in peer-to-peer games (such as poker or fantasy sports) with