The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has reached out to over a dozen conventional and digital media platforms, urging them to cease selling unregulated on-line playing and sports activities betting platforms. The AGCO’s important focus is on Bodog, an offshore operator that has been actively focusing on Ontario residents with advertisements, regardless of missing the mandatory licenses to function in the province.
Bodog Continues to Target Ontario Players Despite Regulatory Barriers
Bodog, operated by Il Nido Inc., has been closely promoting on numerous media channels in style in Ontario, regardless of its lack of a authorized license to function. Although Bodog has stopped servicing prospects in provinces corresponding to Quebec and Nova Scotia, it continues to provide companies to Ontarians. This ongoing promoting technique by Bodog is regarding as a result of it creates confusion and misleads gamers concerning the legitimacy of the platform.
According to the Gaming Control Act, 1992, all on-line playing operators in Ontario have to be licensed by the AGCO and enter into an working settlement with iGaming Ontario (iGO) to legally function in the province. The Ontario regulated gaming market ensures that operators meet stringent necessities for participant safety, anti-money laundering protocols, and knowledge privateness. However, Bodog operates outdoors these rules, bypassing important protections for shoppers.
The Media’s Role in Protecting Consumers
The AGCO emphasizes that media platforms play a vital position in safeguarding shoppers by refusing to air ads from unlicensed operators like Bodog. By selling unregulated playing websites, media platforms inadvertently lend credibility to high-risk operators, main to confusion amongst gamers concerning the legality and security of the playing choices obtainable to them.
Dr. Karin Schnarr, CEO and Registrar of the AGCO, said, “By refusing to carry advertisements for unregulated and high-risk operators like Bodog, media organizations can help protect Ontarians and support the long-term sustainability of Ontario’s regulated igaming market.” The AGCO is asking on media corporations to take motion by eradicating such advertisements, guaranteeing shoppers can differentiate between regulated and unregulated platforms.
Ongoing Efforts and Legal Action Against Bodog
In addition to advocating for media corporations to stop selling Bodog, the AGCO is collaborating with native and worldwide companions to fight the unfold of unregulated playing platforms. The Canadian Lottery Coalition (CLC) is at present pursuing authorized motion in opposition to Bodog for deceptive promoting and violations of gaming rules. A courtroom listening to for the case is scheduled for May 26, 2025.
The AGCO continues to work on methods to make unregulated playing platforms much less accessible to Ontarians. By strengthening cooperation with worldwide companions, the AGCO is dedicated to guaranteeing that Ontarians are shielded from the dangers posed by unlicensed playing operators.
The AGCO’s name for motion is a part of a broader effort to uphold the integrity of Ontario’s regulated playing market and defend shoppers. Working along with media platforms and stakeholders, the AGCO goals to cut back the dangers posed by unregulated playing and guarantee a safe, truthful atmosphere for all gamers.
Source:
“AGCO calls on media platforms to step up the fight against unregulated online gambling sites, Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario”, agco.ca, May 14, 2025.
