The Government of Ontario has made a reference to the Court of the Appeal for Ontario, asking a question about permitting international play in an online provincial lottery scheme.
The Government of Ontario, by Order in Council 210/2024 dated the 2nd day of February 2024, has referred to the Court of Appeal the following question:
Would legal online gaming and sports betting remain lawful under the Criminal Code if its users were permitted to participate in games and betting involving individuals outside of Canada as described in the attached Schedule [to the Order-in-Council]? If not, to what extent?
See the schedule.
The Attorney General of Ontario has submitted a Statement of Particulars.
Justice van Rensburg made a procedural order on March 1, 2024 and issued endorsements on May 3, 2024 and July 16, 2024, and case management directions on October 1, 2024.
The online gaming reference will be heard by the Court of Appeal for Ontario November 26-28, 2024.