A judge in Ontario has dismissed a lawsuit brought by a First Nations group arguing against the province's regulatory framework.Ontario online casinos and sports betting was illegal.
Justice Lisa Brownstone of the Ontario Superior Court released a 26-page ruling on Monday favoring iGaming Ontario and the provincial attorney general. They were the respondents in a case initiated by the Mohawk Council of Kahnawá:ke from Quebec, who alleged that sports betting and online gaming enterprises in Ontario function as unofficial private contractors in this highly populated province.
Justice Brownstone, who heard the case in late February, stated, \"I determine that the province maintains essential decision-making authority over the iGaming framework.\" She emphasized that operators have no say in which games are permitted, nor can they choose their advertising methods. They must adhere strictly to the guidelines established by provincial authorities.Ontario sportsbooks and iGaming.
MCK Claims Financial Loss
The current online gaming regulatory system in Ontario has been operational for two years. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario established iGaming Ontario (iGO) to supervise companies wishing to operate in the province. During this time, federal legislators advocated for the repeal of the ban on single-event sports betting. The law’s passage was a significant milestone, allowing iGaming Ontario to manage both online casinos and operators.Ontario sports betting apps .
MCK, which operates the Sports Interaction sportsbook and casino in all Canadian provinces except Ontario, contended that being barred from offering services in Ontario could have dire financial consequences for the council, which runs various programs and services for its members. The Sports Interaction Ontario sportsbook is operated by Entain, a gaming company based in Britain.
A spokesperson from MCK did not immediately respond to a request for comments.
Ontario’s gaming leader celebrates the court's ruling.
Following the announcement of the ruling, Martha Otton, Executive Director of iGaming Ontario, released a statement commending the decision.
"We have always had confidence in our operational framework and are delighted that the court has ruled in our favor, enabling Ontarians to continue enjoying a secure experience within our regulated iGaming environment,\" she remarked.
The iGO oversees 49 licensed operators providing online sports betting and gaming throughout the province. Ontario stands out as the only province in Canada with a regulated market, though other provinces are contemplating similar initiatives. Meanwhile, over 30 jurisdictions in the United States have embraced online sports wagering and casinos.Ontario online poker In its second operational year, Ontario's iGaming operators recorded $63 billion CAD in total bets and generated $2.4 billion CAD in gaming revenue for the fiscal year concluding in March 2024.
"Ontario’s regulatory model fulfills necessary criteria and serves the public interest by ensuring player protection, safeguarding personal data and funds, while also supporting essential public services, creating high-skill jobs, and spurring economic growth in the province,\" Otton added.
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USA Today photo by Dan Hamilton
