Gambling Weekly News Summary in Canada – 2025/02/07
Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries aims to suspend offshore platform Bodog
Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries (MBLL) has put forward an injunction against the Calvin Ayre-owned online gaming platform Bodog, which operates out of Antigua and Barbuda.
The application, filed on behalf of the Canadian Lottery Coalition (CLC) at the Manitoba Court of King’s Bench, aims to ban Bodog platforms, bodog.eu and bodog.net, from operating within the province.
Bodog.eu allows Manitoba players to bet on various sporting events and provides traditional-style casino games such as blackjack and poker. However, this is illegal in Manitoba, as the MBLL has sole authority over gambling regulations.
The Executive Director of the Canadian Lottery Commission, Will Hill, told Canadian Gaming Business that this injunction was the first of its kind.He said: “It fits within a broader set of activities undertaken since the coalition was first formed, always with the same overarching goals in mind: namely, to curtail illegal online gambling across Canada, to create a safer online gaming landscape for Canadians and to protect Canadians against the wide array of illegal sites that operate with no federal or provincial regulatory oversight and aren’t bound by anti-money laundering legislation.”
48% of Ontarians Will Wager on Super Bowl LIX according to Responsible Gambling Council
The Responsible Gambling Council (RGC), a Canadian non-profit organization dedicated to preventing problem gambling, has revealed the figures of its recent Super Bowl survey. The survey showed that at least 45% of the participants planned to bet on the upcoming game.
The survey, which took place between November 22 and December 6, recorded the results of 1,147 Ontario residents. Of those participants, 63% said they would tune in to Sunday’s game, and 48% added that they were interested in placing wagers on the match.
Out of the surveyed participants planning to place wagers, 8% would most likely place bets worth over CAD$500. Likewise, 35% revealed that they had been influenced to place bets after viewing various gambling commercials.
With this knowledge, the RGC supplied Ontario bettors with advice on gambling safety and responsibility.
“Gambling is random but your plan shouldn’t be. Perceived knowledge of the game, persuasive advertising and substance use can all influence how we gamble. A smart plan includes being mindful of the illusion of control and remembering that even with sports expertise, understanding the game, players or stats won’t boost your chances of predicting a random outcome,” said Responsible Gambling Council Chief Executive Officer Sarah McCarthy.
Alberta Government halts funding to gambling support group
The Alberta Government has ended its funding to a non-profit organization that offers support to victims of problem gambling. Instead, the money is being reallocated to frontline services.
Ray Reshke, the executive director of the Problem Gambling Resources Network, responded to the funding cut, saying, “It was a real shock. We had our rug pulled out from under us a year early. We’re not counselors, but we do direct people to resources for help like gamblers anonymous or Alberta Health Services.”
The Problem Gambling Resources Network, which had received funding since 1993, provided education and other resources to those fighting gambling addiction. The Alberta Government had decided to end its three-year contract with the group, which provided nearly CAD$130,000 every year.
Jessica Conlin, a spokesperson for Recovery Alberta, explained the reasoning behind the cut, saying, “These funds are being reallocated to focus on front-line delivery of services to directly support Albertans in their pursuit of recovery. At any time, Albertans can call the Addiction and Mental Health Helpline to connect with trained professionals for access to services.”
Ziv (Steve) Chen
CEO at Major League Content
Ziv has been working in the iGaming industry for more than two decades, serving in senior roles in software developers like Playtech and Microgaming. He then followed his lifelong passion of writing and became a fulltime journalist, covering casinos, sports betting, legislation and other gambling topics and news with a specialty in North America.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ziv-steve-chen-94b01b5/
