AGCO Calls on Media Platforms to Stop Promoting Unregulated Gaming Sites
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is urging media outlets that promote unregulated gambling sites such as Bodog to cease, following recent market data indicating a significant number of bettors in the province continue to utilize those sites.
Obstacles in Market Channelization
Operators in the grey market are unlicensed in Ontario yet may possess a license from other locations, such as Malta and Curacao, providing their services to residents of Ontario.
Prior to the launch of the regulated igaming market in Ontario in April 2022, 70% of the province's online gambling occurred on grey market platforms.
AGCO established a deadline of Oct. 31, 2022, for grey market operators to achieve complete compliance with Ontario’s igaming regulations or leave the market.
Grey Market Platforms
In April, an IPSOS study examining market channelization in Ontario’s three-year-old regulated igaming market indicated that illegal gambling sites continue to maintain a significant grip on players in the province.
The recent research, ordered by AGCO and iGaming Ontario, revealed that 83.7% of Ontarians prefer playing on regulated platforms.
In a statement issued today, AGCO announced that it has reached out to over a dozen "traditional and digital media platforms" requesting that they cease the promotion of unregulated gambling and sports betting websites such as Bodog to residents of Ontario.
Illegal Gambling
"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 Officer and Registrar, AGCO.
“By refusing to carry advertising from unregulated and high-risk operators like Bodog, media organizations can exemplify social responsibility and play an important role in protecting Ontarians and supporting Ontario’s regulated market.”
Bodog is run by Il Nido Inc., which is presently preventing players in Quebec and Nova Scotia from using their platform while “promoting extensively” on both traditional and digital media in Ontario, drawing players in that region.
Bodog "Promoting Extensively"
In this way, broadcasters and digital media firms will mitigate the risks these platforms present to Ontarians and aid in the long-term viability of Ontario’s regulated igaming market – all essential goals of the AGCO.
The AGCO is dedicated to safeguarding Ontario players and guaranteeing they enjoy the safest experience by participating on regulated igaming platforms. By declining to feature ads from unregulated and high-risk entities such as Bodog, media outlets can demonstrate social responsibility and significantly contribute to safeguarding Ontarians while bolstering Ontario’s regulated market.
