Ontario Court Opens Door to Global Poker Pools

By Alex Drummond, Editor-in-Chief · November 20, 2025

On November 14, 2025, the Ontario Court of Appeal issued a 4-1 ruling that the province has the legal authority to allow its regulated online poker operators to share player pools with operators in other jurisdictions. The decision marks the most significant legal development for Ontario online poker since the market launched in April 2022.

What the Court Decided

The case centered on whether cross-border online poker play would violate Section 207 of the Criminal Code, which governs gambling in Canada. The majority held that Ontario's authority to conduct and manage gaming within its borders extends to allowing its regulated operators to facilitate play across jurisdictional lines, provided the activity is conducted under Ontario's regulatory framework.

The decision does not automatically enable shared liquidity. It confirms the legal authority exists, but the actual implementation would require Ontario to develop new rules, designate approved partner jurisdictions, and ensure compliance frameworks are in place.

Why It Matters for Ontario Players

Ontario's six poker rooms currently operate with ring-fenced player pools. This means every cash game and tournament only includes players who are physically located in Ontario at the time of play. Ring-fencing limits table selection, reduces tournament fields, and constrains traffic at higher stakes and off-peak hours.

Shared liquidity would allow Ontario players to sit at tables alongside players from other jurisdictions. For rooms like GGPoker and PokerStars that operate globally, this could mean Ontario players rejoin international tournament series and cash game pools. For BetMGM Poker, which already shares pools across US states through MSIGA, an Ontario connection could add Canadian players to that network.

What Happens Next

Three provincial lottery corporations filed an appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada on December 26, 2025. Until the Supreme Court decides whether to hear the case, and if so, rules on it, no changes are expected. The Ontario market continues to operate with ring-fenced pools.

Even after a final ruling in favor of shared liquidity, implementation would take time. iGaming Ontario would need to draft new regulations, operators would need to update their platforms, and testing periods would be required. A realistic timeline from a favorable Supreme Court decision to actual cross-border play is at least 12 to 18 months.

We will continue to track this story as it develops. For the full timeline and room-by-room analysis, see our Shared Liquidity Tracker.

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