Bodog, a major player in the offshore gambling industry, has officially announced its withdrawal from Nova Scotia. The online casino and sports betting site, which has operated unlicensed and unregulated in the province, will permanently shut down services to Nova Scotia residents as of October 3, 2024.
Customer Impact and Withdrawals
The Antigua and Barbuda-based operator informed its Nova Scotia customers via email that their accounts would be closed, urging them to withdraw their balances by October 2. In addition, any futures bets that were set to conclude after October 2 have been voided, with funds returned to users. Bodog clarified that all other open wagers would be settled on the same date.
Regulatory Pressures and Future Prospects
The decision to exit the province coincides with mounting pressure on unlicensed operators within Canada. Nova Scotia is one of the provinces where only the Atlantic Lottery Corporation (ALC), a multi-provincial entity, is permitted to offer regulated sports betting and online gambling services. The province’s gaming authority has expressed concerns over the legality of offshore operators like Bodog, which have traditionally skirted regulations through offshore licensing.
Bodog stated it will be “monitoring the province for regulatory changes” in its email to users, leaving the door open for potential re-entry should the legal landscape evolve. The company has previously exited Quebec, and Nova Scotia now joins the growing list of provinces clamping down on unlicensed operators.
Patrick Daigle, President and CEO of the ALC, highlighted the financial impact of unregulated gambling, noting that approximately $200 million is lost annually from the Atlantic provinces to offshore gambling sites. The ALC and Loto-Québec have been consistent in their efforts to raise awareness about the challenges posed by unlicensed operators.
This move also comes at a time when several U.S. states, including Michigan and Pennsylvania, are intensifying their stance against offshore sites. Another major operator, Bovada has faced similar enforcement actions, withdrawing from 13 states and Washington, D.C., following increased regulatory scrutiny.
It remains unclear whether Bodog’s exit from Nova Scotia was prompted by enforcement actions similar to those seen in the U.S., but the trend toward tightening regulations continues to shape the gambling landscape in North America.
Source:
Bodog Shuts Down Offshore Operations in Nova Scotia– canadiangamingbusiness.com, September 26, 2024.
