Manitoba Court Orders Bodog to Exit Canadian Province

For years, Canada maintained a relatively relaxed stance toward offshore gaming companies, but recent legal actions signal a shift in this approach.

Manitoba has joined the growing list of Canadian provinces cracking down on offshore iGaming and sports betting operators, with Bodog now in its crosshairs.

The Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries (MBLL), acting on behalf of the Canadian Lottery Coalition (CLC), sought an injunction through the Manitoba Court of King’s Bench. The legal action targeted II Nido Ltd, the company operating Bodog, and Sanctum IP Holdings Ltd, which holds the brand’s Canadian trademarks, demanding their complete withdrawal from the province.

Court Ruling Shuts Down Bodog in Manitoba

On Monday, May 26, the court ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, mandating that Bodog halt all operations in Manitoba and leave the market entirely. The decision clarified that Bodog lacks any legal basis to offer its services in the province and must comply by exiting immediately.

The court further prohibited Bodog from using alternative domain names, such as bodog.eu or bodog.net, to reach Manitoba residents or promote its services. Additionally, any businesses partnering with Bodog to advertise its brand in the province must cease doing so.

Manitoba isn’t alone in its push against offshore gaming. Earlier this month, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) issued a similar directive, warning media outlets to stop promoting unauthorized gambling platforms like Bodog.

A New Approach to Offshore Gaming

These moves in Manitoba and Ontario reflect a significant departure from the past, when Canadian provinces largely tolerated offshore operators. The legalization and growth of regulated gambling across Canada have underscored the need to confront this lingering issue and curb the influence of unlicensed companies in local markets.