In a significant move to protect the province’s regulated gambling market, Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries has filed for an injunction against offshore gambling sites, including bodog.eu and bodog.net. This action was taken with the support of the Canadian Lottery Coalition, an alliance of provincial gaming corporations that includes representatives from BC, Saskatchewan, Quebec, Atlantic Canada, and Manitoba.
Fighting the Spread of Illegal Gambling
The injunction was filed with the Manitoba Court of King’s Bench, with the claim that Bodog is violating the law by offering its gambling services in the province. Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries holds exclusive authority over gambling operations in the province, and Bodog’s actions are seen as a direct challenge to this.
Will Hill, Executive Director of the Canadian Lottery Coalition, explained that this legal filing is a first for the group, which was formed in 2022 to combat the rise of illegal gambling platforms. “This is a critical step in our ongoing efforts,” Hill said. “We hope this case provides us with the background we need to push similar actions in other provinces.”
The application also accuses Bodog of misleading advertising, claiming that the platform portrays itself as lawful, safe, and trustworthy. Despite two previous requests from the Coalition for Bodog to cease operations in Manitoba, the operator refused to comply.
Bodog offers a range of betting options, including sports events and casino games such as blackjack and poker, to players in Canada, excluding residents of Quebec and Nova Scotia. However, the Coalition argues that the operator’s presence in Manitoba undermines local regulations and presents a risk to consumers.
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