Canada’s longstanding grey-market gambling operator Bodog has completed a rebrand to Ozoon while scaling back operations in parts of Canada, marking a notable shift in the country’s evolving online gambling landscape. The transition includes withdrawal from Manitoba and the migration of player accounts to the Ozoon.eu platform, operated by Rocketship Ventures under a licence issued by the Tobique Gaming Commission, representing the Tobique First Nation in New Brunswick.
The Tobique Gaming Commission has stated on its website that it welcomes international online gaming operators seeking licences, with regulatory guidance provided by the Differentia Licensing Advisory Group. Its framework highlights responsible and transparent practices while positioning gaming activity as a contributor to local economic development and self-governance initiatives.
The Bodog brand, active since the early days of internet betting, rose to prominence during the early-2000s poker boom. Over nearly three decades it expanded beyond poker into sportsbook and online casino products, building a sizable global customer base. The company confirmed the rebrand after overnight maintenance that transitioned accounts to the new Ozoon platform. Users retained access with existing credentials, and balances were transferred during the process.
Company communication to customers noted: “While we are thankful for such a positive partnership for so many years, this presents us with an opportunity for us to relaunch under a different brand name.” The brand name Bodog was reportedly not renewed with gaming operators, effectively ending its long run in offshore gambling markets.
Historically, the operator faced criticism for offering services without provincial licences in Canada’s fragmented regulatory environment. Provincial authorities and lottery corporations have increasingly targeted offshore platforms as Canada moves toward more structured regulated markets. Manitoba intensified pressure in 2025 when a judge issued a permanent injunction requiring Bodog to halt advertising, close bodog.eu locally, and implement geo-blocking measures for residents.
Regulatory developments continue across the country. Ontario’s regulated model permits private operators to operate alongside the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, while Alberta is preparing its own competitive framework intended to rival provincially-run platforms such as PlayAlberta. These changes reflect a broader national push toward regulated gambling channels.
At the national level, the Canadian Lottery Coalition, formed in August 2022, unites provincial entities including BCLC, AGLC, Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries, Loto-Québec, and Atlantic Lottery. The group focuses on combating offshore gambling websites and advertising they argue divert funds from public services such as healthcare and infrastructure.
Despite regulatory momentum, grey-market participation persists. Research published in April 2025 indicated that 16 percent of Ontario players still used unregulated sites, often licensed in offshore jurisdictions such as Curaçao. At the same time, approximately 83 percent of Canadian users reportedly choose regulated platforms across dozens of licensed markets, generating substantial government revenues.
Industry estimates presented at the Canadian Gaming Summit 2025 suggest Quebec experiences the largest impact from illegal gambling activity, with about CAD1.97 billion in gross gaming revenue attributed to the unregulated market. Alberta and British Columbia follow with roughly CAD1.3 billion each, Ontario about CAD757 million, and Atlantic Canada approximately CAD600 million.
Beyond Canada, changes tied to the rebrand also affect international operations. Bodog Poker’s Latin American customers are expected to transition to Ignition Poker, with accounts, payment methods, and bonuses carrying over after software migration.
Source:
Offshore Betting Operator Bodog Rebrands as Ozoon in Canada, finance.yahoo.com, February 17, 2026.
