The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has called on more than twelve media platforms to stop promoting unregulated gambling sites such as Bodog.
The provincial gambling regulator name-checked Bodog, which has been actively targeting Ontario residents by advertising on popular traditional and digital media platforms, despite being geo-blocked in other Canadian provinces such as Quebec and Nova Scotia.
The regulator argues that Bodog and other illegal operators advertising on popular media platforms may mislead consumers into believing these sites are legally compliant, and undermine player protection and other safeguards which exist in the regulated market.
The AGCO has called on broadcasters and digital media companies to take a stand against promoting these sites and remove any ads currently on their platforms.
“The AGCO is committed to protecting Ontario players and ensuring they have the safest experience by playing on regulated iGaming sites,” said Dr. Karin Schnarr, chief executive of AGCO. “By refusing to carry advertising from unregulated and high-risk operators like Bodog, media organisations can exemplify social responsibility and play an important role in protecting Ontarians.”
The regulator has also reiterated its commitment to working with local and international partners to combat illegal gambling operators.