Atlantic Lotto fights Ontario gambling scheme in front of Supreme Court
Atlantic Lottery and other provinces challenge Ontario's online gambling expansion at the Supreme Court, citing revenue losses and illegal activity.Summary
The Atlantic Lottery Corporation, along with lottery corporations from Manitoba, British Columbia, and Quebec, is challenging Ontario's online gambling model before the Supreme Court of Canada. Ontario introduced iGaming Ontario in 2022, allowing private operators to offer online casino games and sports betting, and now proposes to expand certain games to international players through "pooled liquidity," which would let Ontario players compete against users abroad. The coalition argues this would infringe on their markets and exceed provincial powers under the Criminal Code. They warn that Ontario-licensed operators are already promoting illegal international websites to Canadians outside Ontario, diverting an estimated $1.86 billion in revenue in 2023 that funds social services. New Brunswick's gambling revenues have declined, with the province projecting further drops. The case hinges on whether federal law permits Ontario to conduct lottery schemes involving players outside the province. Ontario argues it controls the experience within its borders, while the coalition contends that anything not expressly permitted is prohibited. The Supreme Court has reserved its decision.
(Source：The Tj News)