Bodog Pulls Out of Nova Scotia Following Unlicensed Gambling Scrutiny

Bodog, an established offshore online casino and sports betting operator, is no longer offering its services in Nova Scotia, marking a significant shift in the province’s gambling landscape. Effective October 3, 2024, the operator will permanently close the accounts of Nova Scotia users, according to an email sent to customers. Bodog has advised players to withdraw their balances by October 2, with all remaining open wagers to be settled on the same day. Futures bets beyond this date will be voided, and customers will receive refunds.

Operating under an Antigua and Barbuda license, Bodog had previously served as an unlicensed option in Nova Scotia, where the Atlantic Lottery Corporation (ALC) is the only entity authorized to provide regulated sports betting and online gaming. Despite this, Bodog and other offshore platforms have maintained a presence in the province, largely due to the complexities of Canadian gambling regulations.

The company’s recent email highlighted that it will continue to monitor regulatory developments in the province, signaling potential interest in a future return should the legal environment become more favorable. This move follows Bodog’s earlier withdrawal from Quebec, where it ceased operations several years ago.

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Bodog’s departure comes amid growing scrutiny of offshore operators, with ALC officials expressing concerns over the amount of revenue flowing out of the province through unregulated gambling. ALC President and CEO Patrick Daigle estimates that $200 million is lost annually from the four Atlantic provinces to unlicensed gambling sites. Daigle welcomed the news of Bodog’s exit, stating that the presence of offshore operators undermines public awareness of legal gaming options.

In addition, government officials in Nova Scotia have reiterated that advertising or operating unlicensed gambling sites is illegal under both Canadian and provincial law. This sentiment echoes the wider regulatory trend in North America, where jurisdictions are tightening controls on offshore operators. For example, Bovada, another major offshore operator, recently withdrew from several U.S. states, including Michigan and Louisiana, following increased regulatory pressure.

As Canada grapples with the challenge of differentiating between licensed and unlicensed operators, Bodog’s decision to cease operations in Nova Scotia signals the increasing pressure on offshore companies to comply with local regulations.

Source:

Bodog Shuts Down Offshore Operations in Nova Scotia – canadiangamingbusiness.com, September 26, 2024.