Canada
Kahnawake challenging Ontario on iGaming
The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) has launched a constitutional challenge against iGaming Ontario and the Attorney General of Ontario over the provincial government’s unilateral changes to the way gaming is managed.
It says the changes are illegal and unconstitutional and is contesting Ontario’s re-interpretation of Section 207 (1) of the Criminal Code, which permits provinces to regulate single-event sports betting. MCK’s legal challenge asserts that iGaming Ontario is not “conducting or managing” the gaming that takes place on private operators’ sites. Instead, iGaming is allowing operators to conduct and manage themselves, subject to the payment of a portion of their revenues to Ontario.
MCK has facilitated, conducted, and safely regulated gaming activities on behalf of the Mohawks of Kahnawake for decades, and says this new regime ignores their expertise in the gaming sector, and will result in the loss of significant revenue to the community of Kahnawake.
The Notice of Application was filed in the Ontario Superior Court. Olthuis Kleer Townshend LLP is representing MCK.
MCK was a vocal opponent of C-218, the bill that became the legislation that changed the iGaming/sports betting landscape to the detriment of Indigenous People. The bill became law in June 2021, and opened the door to Ontario re-interpreting the management of the gaming sector.
As a result, in April 2022, iGaming Ontario (a subsidiary of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario) was able to launch its iGaming Framework, which includes single-event sports wagering and relies exclusively on private operators.
The MCK is concerned the Framework disregards the expertise and the rights of First Nations to operate and regulate safe and responsible gaming.
For the past 25 years, the Kahnawà:ke Gaming Commission has provided players with access to safe, well regulated, and responsible gaming. The MCK previously operated in Ontario through its wholly owned subsidiary, Mohawk Online Limited, but is not submitting to this new framework.
Consequently, it is being shut out of the Ontario market because of its unwillingness to participate.
“The plain facts are that Ontario’s actions are causing a significant loss of important revenues for our community. Until these actions were taken, we were operating legally, safely and successfully across Canada. To be shut out of Ontario – by far the largest province in Canada – will have devastating effects on a source of income that has supplemented programs and services in our community for the last two decades,” Ratsenhaienhs (elected Council Chief) Mike Delisle Jr.
Canada
ComeOn Group adds sportsbook to its offering in Ontario
ComeOn Group announced a significant milestone in its sportsbook expansion journey with the addition of sportsbook to their offering in Ontario following the successful acquisition of the required permits. This addition represents a strategic advancement in the Groups sportsbook growth trajectory where they are set to double its sportsbook business in the coming years.
ComeOn Group is one of 51 active operators in Ontario. The Ontario market has experienced robust growth since its launch, reaching C$6.7 billion in revenue in 2023.* By 2029, the market is forecasted to grow by a total of 29%, with 2024 expected to close with a 20% increase.
ComeOn keeps investing in its sportsbook business acceleration that is powered by its proprietary sportsbook platform and in-house risk management and trading team. As a multi product vertical operator, ComeOn is striving to give its customer base a safe and exciting entertainment destination and this approach is now expanded to their Ontario audience.
Juergen Reutter, Chief Executive Officer at ComeOn Group, said: “We are very excited about the opportunities this new milestone opens up for us. As a casino-led operator it represents a key part of our sportsbook strategy to double our business in the coming years. Like in any of our other markets, we are striving for a differentiated sportsbook entertainment experience that is powered by our in-house technology. Our goal is to deliver top-tier entertainment to our players while fostering safe and innovative gaming experiences.”
*Source – H2GC H2 Ontario Data 25.10.2024 (excl. Lottery)
Canada
INTRALOT Announces New Project with the British Columbia Lottery Corporation for Online Lottery Platform
INTRALOT S.A. has announced the undertaking of a new project between the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC), the sole lottery operator for the Government of British Columbia in Canada, and INTRALOT Inc., its US subsidiary, for the provision of an online lottery platform. The project also includes the digitalization of the existing land-based network.
The solution will be based on the Player X platform, part of the Lotos X ecosystem, and adds to the company’s overall partnership with BCLC, which has been extended until 2028.
INTRALOT is a leading player in a changing world of gaming. With significant experience in looking forward and anticipating emerging trends, the company provides future-proof solutions to regulated lottery and gaming operators around the world.
Canada
IAGR announces Toronto as host city for 2025 conference
Hot on the heels of its most attended conference in history, the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) is excited to announce that its 2025 conference will take place in Toronto, Canada, from October 20 to 23, 2025.
The event will be held in partnership with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) at the Westin Harbour Castle, offering stunning waterfront views and a premier, downtown Toronto location.
‘Fresh off the success of our Rome conference, we’re thrilled to continue the momentum with next year’s event in Toronto,’ said Ben Haden, IAGR President.
‘The IAGR 2025 conference promises to be another unparalleled opportunity for our global community to come together, collaborate and shape the future of gaming regulation. We’re looking forward to working with AGCO to bring it all together.’
AGCO CEO and Registrar Dr. Karin Schnarr, added, ‘We’re excited to welcome IAGR and its members to Toronto. This partnership provides a great opportunity to share Ontario’s innovative regulatory practices and foster meaningful discussions that drive positive change in the industry.’
Stay tuned for registration details early next year.
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