Ontario court rejects Mohawk Council’s challenge to online casino regulations
The Ontario Superior Court of Justice has dismissed a legal challenge by the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke over online casino operations in the province. The council had sought to overturn a decision permitting these games, arguing that the law was unconstitutional and threatened their long-standing iGaming licensing business.
The ruling confirms that iGaming Ontario, the provincial regulator, will continue overseeing the industry as before.
The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke filed the lawsuit after Ontario opened its online casino market to private operators. For 25 years, the council had issued its own iGaming licences, generating significant revenue. They claimed the new system, introduced under federal law C-218, excluded them unfairly and caused economic harm.
The court rejected these arguments, finding no evidence that the law was illegal. Instead, judges ruled that iGaming Ontario was properly regulating the sector and ensuring consumer protection. The regulator’s oversight of private gambling websites met legal standards, the decision stated.
iGaming Ontario’s former executive director, Martha Otton, welcomed the outcome before her retirement in summer 2024. She had emphasised that the regulated market benefited the public and safeguarded players. Joseph Hillier, the current president and CEO, now oversees the organisation following Otton’s departure.
The court’s decision means online casino operations in Ontario will remain under iGaming Ontario’s control. The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke’s challenge has ended, leaving their licensing model unaffected by the provincial system. Regulators will continue monitoring private operators as the market moves forward.
