It’s a new dawn for daily fantasy sports and poker. British Columbia (BC) has unexpectedly stepped back from the case challenging iGaming Ontario, but what does that actually change? This breakdown shows the core facts, why BC withdrew, how it affects daily fantasy sports (DFS) and international poker, and what it means for provincial gaming power dynamics. All insights come from our Canadian gambling analyst who have followed this court process from the moment it was filed.
British Columbia Pulls Its Evidence: A Quiet but Meaningful Shift
British Columbia has formally removed its submitted evidence from the ongoing Court of Appeal case focused on Ontario’s iGaming framework. While the province has not provided a public explanation, its withdrawal resets the balance of voices challenging Ontario’s position on DFS and cross-border poker participation.
As Ontario Attorney General spokesperson Jack Fazzari pointed out: “The federal Criminal Code is not sufficiently clear on whether Ontarians can participate in online gaming with players in other countries.”
To resolve this Canadian gambling laws issue, Doug Ford and iGaming Ontario petitioned the Court of Appeal. The Ontario Premier requested that the court decide if DFS and international poker rooms are legal in Ontario.
Canadian Lottery Giants Make the Case Against Full Legalization
The Atlantic Lottery Corporation (ALC), British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC), Lotteries and Gaming of Saskatchewan (LGS), and Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation (MBLL) all make the case that DFS and international live poker rooms should remain off-limits.
BC’s original submission supported other provincial lottery corporations who argued that legalizing international pooled play could siphon players away from locally regulated gambling platforms. With BC stepping back, the coalition’s front now appears thinner, and Ontario’s path looks a touch clearer.
Why Ontario took the case to court
Ontario is seeking a definitive legal answer to a long-standing grey area, “Can Ontarians legally participate in online games or poker pools that include players outside Canada?”.
The province has asked the Court of Appeal to interpret the Criminal Code and confirm whether DFS contests and international poker liquidity are permitted. The goal isn’t to open the floodgates overnight, it’s to obtain clarity, so both regulators and operators can act within firm legal boundaries.
A spokesperson for the Attorney General’s office has stated that the rules around cross-border play remain ambiguous and require a formal judicial interpretation. Without this ruling, provinces and operators are left navigating uncertainty – an untenable position for a regulated market.
Why BC’s Withdrawal Matters
This move is subtle, but strategically significant:
1. A major province has stepped out of the opposition camp. That alone gives Ontario more breathing room.
2. It signals shifting confidence in the coalition’s position. When one of the biggest provinces exits the stage, it changes the energy behind the challenge.
3. Ontario may now face fewer political and regulatory obstacles. Courts don’t weigh political optics, but regulators and governments do.
Even though other provinces remain active in the case, BC’s exit tilts the narrative slightly toward Ontario, especially in the eyes of operators watching for signals of future market movement.
What This Could Mean for DFS and International Poker in Canada
None of these outcomes are guaranteed, but the momentum is noticeably different now that BC has stepped away. If the Court rules in Ontario’s favour, several outcomes become possible:
A return of major DFS operators
Platforms like FanDuel and DraftKings could re-enter the broader Canadian market with clearer regulatory footing — a major shift for players who’ve watched DFS availability shrink over time.
New life for online poker liquidity
Trusted Ontario online gambling sites could potentially join larger, international player pools, improving table variety, tournament sizes, and prize potential.
Pressure on other provinces to modernize
Once one regulated market sets a clearer precedent, others often follow – especially, when competitiveness is at stake.
The Future Looks Bright
Just imagine the excitement if DFS sites like FanDuel and DraftKings were able to operate again in Canada. Their return could provide access to millions of new players. Even the live poker scene in Ontario could see a boost, with players able to benefit from the diverse competition and higher stakes that global participation in these gaming markets could bring.
While there’s still a fair chance the Court could rule against Ontario, the momentum seems to be shifting in a positive direction. If, like me, you favour a more diverse online gambling landscape, this is definitely a story to watch closely. I know I’ll be following it with keen interest as it unfolds. Hold on tight, online gamers – these are exciting times indeed!
In the meantime, check out these expert-tested Ontario online casinos:
