In a landmark ruling, the Court of King’s Bench in Manitoba has issued a permanent ban on the offshore gambling platform Bodog from operating within the province. The ruling, handed down on May 26, 2025, and followed by a written explanation in June, represents a significant step in the ongoing efforts by Canadian authorities to combat unlicensed online gambling platforms operating in the country.
The Legal Basis for the Ban
The decision was grounded in a violation of the Criminal Code of Canada, the Competition Act, and the Trademarks Act. Justice Jeffrey Harris found that Bodog’s operations were illegal under Canadian law, particularly because the platform misled local residents by advertising itself as a “safe” and “legal” option for online gambling, even though it was not subject to any Canadian regulatory oversight.
Justice Harris noted that the misleading marketing not only confused players but also undermined the integrity of the legal gambling framework in Manitoba. Bodog, which was advertising itself as a legitimate operator in the province, was ultimately found to be in direct violation of the law. According to the ruling, the platform’s ongoing operations harmed Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries (MBLL), the province’s sole authorized gambling service, by diverting potential revenue that could have been used for public services like healthcare and education.
Geo-Blocking and Enforcement Measures
In addition to the permanent ban, the court ordered geo-blocking technology to be implemented, preventing Manitobans from accessing bodog.eu and bodog.net, two sites operated by Bodog. Bodog was found to be actively targeting Canadian residents, particularly those in Manitoba, allowing users to register, deposit funds from Canadian bank accounts, and engage in real-money gambling without any oversight or protection.
This court order followed an application for an injunction filed by MBLL, which was supported by the Canadian Lottery Coalition (CLC), a group comprising several provincial lottery and gaming authorities. The ruling essentially stripped Bodog of any legal basis to offer gambling services in Manitoba, confirming that the MBLL holds exclusive rights to operate legal gambling services in the province.
A Growing Crackdown on Offshore Operators
This ruling is not isolated. Similar actions have been taken against Bodog’s sister site, Bovada, in several U.S. states, including Michigan, Colorado, and Massachusetts, where gambling regulators issued cease-and-desist orders. In these cases, internet service providers were ordered to block access to Bovada, which also operates from offshore jurisdictions and lacks any regulatory oversight. The U.S. regulators emphasized that these unlicensed operators provided no consumer protection or legal recourse for players, and were instead diverting revenue away from the legitimate state-controlled markets.
In Canada, the situation is similar. Outside of Ontario, which has a regulated online gambling market, the rest of the country operates under a gray market where most online gambling platforms, including Bodog, operate without regulation. This court decision in Manitoba emphasizes that only provincial governments, like MBLL in Manitoba, have the legal authority to run or license online gambling services within their territories.
The Wider Impact of the Ruling
This ruling marks a turning point for the Canadian gambling industry, as Manitoba and other provinces are taking steps to close the loopholes that allow offshore gambling operators to target local residents. The Canadian Lottery Coalition (CLC), which includes MBLL, Loto-Québec, and BCLC, expressed strong support for the decision, calling it a “win” for the Canadian gaming industry. The coalition has signaled that it will take further legal action against unauthorized gambling platforms that undermine regulatory systems across the country.
The growing popularity of single-event sports betting in Canada, especially following its legalization in 2021, has intensified the demand for secure, regulated gambling options. As the market matures, more attention is being paid to ensuring that players are not misled by unlicensed offshore platforms, which often do not offer the same protections as legally licensed operators.
Ontario and Other Provinces Take Notice
While Ontario remains the only province with a fully regulated online gambling market, other provinces are starting to adopt stricter enforcement measures. Ontario’s Alcohol and Gaming Commission (AGCO) has already made it clear that it will no longer tolerate unlicensed operators like Bodog. Ontario Attorney General Doug Downey recently announced that a more “aggressive” approach will be taken to policing illegal operators, particularly those who continue to target Ontario residents despite the regulated market.
Justice Harris’s ruling is likely to influence other provinces to take a more active stance against offshore operators, especially as the demand for regulated gambling platforms continues to rise.
Conclusion: The Future of Canadian Gambling Enforcement
The Manitoba court ruling sends a strong message to offshore gambling operators that they will not be tolerated in Canadian markets, particularly when they mislead players and undermine provincial revenues. As the industry continues to evolve, Canadian authorities are expected to intensify their enforcement actions, making it clear that only legally licensed operators will have a place in the market.
This case will likely serve as a legal precedent as provinces across Canada, including Quebec, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan, ramp up efforts to protect consumers and ensure that gambling operations are conducted within a regulated, transparent framework.
Source:
Manitoba Court Orders Permanent Ban on Bodog, realmoneyaction.com, July 8, 2025
