A screenshot of the Bodog gambling website, which is now banned from operating in Manitoba. (CHRISD.CA COMPOSITE / BODOG.NET)
A Manitoba judge has permanently banned the online gambling site Bodog from operating in the province, ruling it illegal under the Criminal Code of Canada.
In written reasons released last week, Justice Jeffrey Harris of the Court of King’s Bench found that Bodog has no legal authority to operate in Manitoba and misleads residents by falsely promoting itself as a lawful, safe option for online betting.
The ruling follows a May 26 order stemming from a legal application by Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries (MBLL) on behalf of the Canadian Lottery Coalition. The court ordered operators Il Nido Ltd. and Sanctum IP Holdings Ltd. to stop offering and advertising Bodog’s services in the province and to implement geo-blocking technology to prevent access by Manitobans.
Justice Harris noted that Bodog’s operations are not regulated in Canada and fail to comply with responsible gambling standards, tax obligations, or anti-money laundering laws. He cited violations of the Criminal Code, the Competition Act, and the Trademarks Act.
“We could not be more pleased with this ruling,” said Gerry Sul, president and CEO, MBLL. “With this decision, Justice Harris has unequivocally confirmed that Bodog’s operations within Manitoba are prohibited by the Criminal Code, Competition Act, and the Trademarks Act, and that MBLL has the sole legal authority to provide gambling offerings within the province.
“Bodog’s conduct has not only been unlawful, the harm their illegal operations have caused to MBLL – and Manitobans – is incalculable.”
