Canada Bans Bodog from Manitoba Online Gambling

Key Takeaways
A Canadian court has prohibited the offshore operator Bodog from offering its online gambling services in Manitoba. The decision follows a lawsuit filed by the Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation (MBLL). Bodog must block access for users from Manitoba and is no longer allowed to advertise in the province. This move continues Canada’s strategy of pushing unlicensed operators out of the market.
Court Halts Bodog in Manitoba
The Court of King’s Bench of Manitoba has ruled that Bodog is no longer permitted to offer online betting or casino services in Manitoba. The lawsuit was brought by the MBLL, which holds the monopoly on legal online gambling in the province. According to the court, Bodog has no legal basis to operate in Manitoba. The platform’s portrayal of its services as “safe” or “trustworthy” was deemed misleading.
Geo-Blocking and Advertising Ban Ordered
As part of the court order, Bodog is required to implement geo-blocking. This means users with IP addresses from Manitoba must be denied access to Bodog’s websites. In addition, Bodog is prohibited from advertising in the province—both online and offline. Related companies such as Il Nido Ltd. and Sanctum IP Holdings Ltd. are also affected by the ruling.
No Defence from Bodog
Neither Bodog nor its partner companies appeared in court, despite being properly notified. The court interpreted this as a lack of willingness to defend their position. As a result, the decision was rendered unanimously in favour of the MBLL.
Part of a Broader Regulatory Strategy
Canada is increasingly cracking down on unlicensed gambling operators. While Ontario has already implemented its own licensing system, many operators continue to function in a so-called “grey area” in other provinces. These platforms are not explicitly banned, but they are also not officially authorized. Authorities are aiming to put an end to this situation.
Bodog Has Already Withdrawn from Other Provinces
Bodog has already withdrawn from Quebec and Nova Scotia. Nevertheless, the company remains under scrutiny. In May, Ontario’s regulatory authority reported that Bodog continued to advertise to users in the province—despite its declared withdrawal. The current case in Manitoba shows that Canadian authorities are now taking stricter action against such violations.
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Our Assessment
If you’re gambling in Canada, you should stick to licensed operators. The Bodog case illustrates that even well-established platforms without a local license are legally vulnerable. For players, this means uncertainty around winnings, lack of consumer protection, and potential access restrictions. In Manitoba, it’s now clear: Only PlayNow is legal. Playing there means you’re on the safe side. Offshore operators like Bodog are coming under increasing pressure—not just in Canada, but globally.