- Offshore gaming operator Bodog has been ordered to stop operations in Manitoba
- Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries sought an injunction against the offshore site this year
- The injunction was issued by Court of King’s Bench Judge Jeffrey Harris this week
The unregulated offshore gaming operator Bodog is prohibited from offering its services in Manitoba, although it continues to operate illegally in other parts of Canada.
According to a CDC report, Judge Jeffrey Harris of the Court of King’s Bench issued an injunction against the Antigua and Barbuda-based companies Il Nido Ltd. and Sanctum IP Holdings Ltd., barring them from providing gaming services in Manitoba.
This permanent injunction also forbids any gaming advertisements aimed at Manitoba residents.
Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Requested Injunction
The request for an injunction was filed by Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries earlier this year, asserting that Bodog and its free-to-play sister site Bodog.net violated the law by operating in Manitoba, where gaming is regulated by Liquor and Lotteries.
This action was taken on behalf of the Canadian Lottery Coalition, representing gaming corporations in British Columbia, Manitoba, Quebec, and Saskatchewan. Bodog was accused of falsely claiming to be a legal and licensed site in its Manitoba advertisements, attempting to divert users from PlayNow.com, the province’s sole regulated gaming platform.
The company must now implement geolocation technology to prevent access by users in Manitoba.
This injunction is unprecedented in Canada and might serve as a legal benchmark against other illegally operating gaming entities in the country.
Ontario Only Province With Open, Regulated Market
Manitoba permits sports betting but has just one regulated operator. The province may consider opening its market, following Ontario’s example.
Ontario is currently the only Canadian province allowing multiple regulated iGaming and sports betting operators. It hosts 49 registered iGaming operators, with a 20% tax rate on iGaming and sports betting. Ontario opened its market to various operators in April 2022 and remains the exclusive province offering legal Canadian sports betting apps.
Alberta has recently passed legislation to follow suit, though market expansion is expected in early 2026. Anticipate Alberta sports betting apps like DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM soon.
Service Alberta Minister Dave Nally’s Bill 48: the iGaming Alberta Act, was passed on its third reading this month, becoming law after receiving Royal Assent from Lieutenant Governor Salma Lakhani.
- SCCG Management. The Gambling Industry’s Global Connector. Access Here.
- Source: SCCGManagement.com