Bodog to Withdraw from Nova Scotia Amid Regulatory Shifts
Bodog, a popular brand in the Canadian offshore gambling sector, has announced its exit from Nova Scotia. This online casino and sports betting site, previously operating without a license in the province, is set to terminate its services to Nova Scotia residents as of October 3, 2024. Customers in Nova Scotia were notified by email about the imminent shutdown, with the operator advising them to withdraw their balances by October 2. Additionally, futures bets concluding after October 2 have been nullified, with refunds issued to users. Bodog reassured that other active bets would be settled by the same date.
Pressures from Regulatory Changes
This withdrawal from Nova Scotia comes amidst increasing pressure on unlicensed operators in Canada. In Nova Scotia, only the Atlantic Lottery Corporation (ALC), a multi-provincial entity, is allowed to offer regulated sports betting and online gambling services. The province’s gaming authority has raised concerns regarding the legality of offshore operators like Bodog, which has traditionally circumvented regulations using offshore licenses. Bodog mentioned in its customer communication that it will be 'monitoring the province for regulatory changes,' hinting at a possible re-entry if the legal environment becomes favorable. Bodog's exit follows similar actions taken in Quebec, showing a trend of Canadian provinces tightening controls on unlicensed operators. Patrick Daigle, President and CEO of the ALC, highlighted the financial implications of unregulated gambling as around $200 million is lost annually from the Atlantic provinces to offshore gambling sites. Efforts by the ALC and Loto-Québec continue to bring attention to the issues associated with unlicensed operators.
Wider Impact and Regulatory Trends in North America
This move by Bodog also occurs when several U.S. states, including Michigan and Pennsylvania, are ramping up their stance against offshore gambling sites. Another prominent operator, Bovada, has faced similar regulatory actions, withdrawing from 13 U.S. states and Washington, D.C., under heightened scrutiny. It remains uncertain if Bodog's departure from Nova Scotia was influenced by enforcement actions similar to those in the U.S., but the trend toward stricter regulations continues to shape the North American gambling industry.
Source: Bodog Shuts Down Offshore Operations in Nova Scotia– canadiangamingbusiness.com, September 26, 2024.
