AGCO urges media platforms to cease promotion of unregulated gambling sites like Bodog | Gambling Insider
Ontario regulator says media outlets play a critical role in upholding the province’s regulated iGaming framework.
Key points:
Key points:
– The AGCO has contacted over a dozen media outlets requesting removal of advertising for unregulated operators such as Bodog
– The AGCO has contacted over a dozen media outlets requesting removal of advertising for unregulated operators such as Bodog
– Bodog is not licensed to operate in Ontario and remains accessible to residents despite being geo-blocked in other provinces
– Bodog is not licensed to operate in Ontario and remains accessible to residents despite being geo-blocked in other provinces
– The regulator argues that such advertisements create confusion and undermine consumer protection standards
– The regulator argues that such advertisements create confusion and undermine consumer protection standards
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has issued a directive to more than a dozen traditional and digital media companies, calling on them to stop promoting offshore gambling operators that are not authorised to operate in the province.
The regulator specifically cited Bodog, an online betting site run by Il Nido, as a key example.
According to the AGCO, Bodog has continued to target Ontario residents with gambling advertisements across media platforms while operating outside the province’s regulated iGaming framework.
Although the site is geo-blocked in provinces such as Quebec and Nova Scotia, it remains accessible to users in Ontario.
The AGCO contends that Bodog’s visibility on credible media outlets may mislead consumers into believing the site is legally compliant.
Ontario’s iGaming market, overseen by the AGCO in partnership with iGaming Ontario, requires operators to adhere to strict regulatory standards covering game integrity, player protection, anti-money laundering protocols and data privacy.
Good to know: Advertising unregistered sites, the AGCO says, jeopardises public safety and distorts fair market principles
Good to know: Advertising unregistered sites, the AGCO says, jeopardises public safety and distorts fair market principles
AGCO CEO and Registrar Dr Karin Schnarr stated: “By refusing to carry advertising from unregulated and high-risk operators like Bodog, media organisations can exemplify social responsibility and play an important role in protecting Ontarians.”
In April 2025, the regulator settled with Woodbine Entertainment after 10 racehorses were euthanised at the venue in late 2024. The agreement included requirements for enhanced training, track maintenance and independent safety assessments.
The AGCO has indicated it will continue working with domestic and international partners to monitor illegal gambling activities and push for greater compliance across the broader media and advertising landscape.
