When the gambling regulator in Ontario moved to ban celebrities and athletes from appearing in online operator ads, many in the industry believed that it would be the end for the likes of Wayne Gretzky and Connor McDavid appearing in Canadian ads. But we were all in for an unexpected surprise.
The new rules of the Ontario Alcohol and Gaming Corporation were effective from 28 February, allowing the use of celebrities and athletes in Canada to promote responsible gambling. This would explain why McDavid stars in the BetMGM ad that appeared on 8 March. BetMGM stated in a press release that the ad available to BetMGM app users, highlighting a comprehensive range of responsible gaming resources, will air in the Canada and the United States.
A Bold Move from BetMGM Online Casino
Ponying up with McDavid for its powerful message about responsible gambling is a bold move by BetMGM Casino Canada. Yet, within it dwells the root of many indications. In theory, operators would not pay celebrities to be activists for responsible gambling. We guess the people were wrong about the theory. The BetMGM move is bold. The ad campaign provides some end-around to the desire of AGCO to end celebrity use.
Isn't BetMGM still being promoted by McDavid? From the start, AGCO banned operators from advertising their bonuses. That and celebrities banned in ads are two examples of how extremely well-intentioned AGCO is, but its moderate execution delivers less-than-perfect end results. However, BetMGM do score points for their effort.
Online Casino Scam in British Columbia
The start of another week brings another hoax. This time around, it is British Columbia Casino players who are the target of fake ads on social media by non-existent online casinos who are believed to be connected to the province's retail casinos. The ads on Instagram and Facebook are phishing people to sign up and provide their banking details with fake online casinos.
Consumers in Ontario, Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia have also been the targets of fake-ad scams. How do consumers stay safe? Well, it is vital to know that the only legal and safe options in provinces, except for Ontario, are regulated by the provincial lottery corporation. Below, we've listed every lottery corporation across all provinces in Canada.
- Atlantic Lottery Corporation - Online players situated in Newfoundland, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia can access ALC.ca for a safe and reliable online gaming experience with slots, sports betting, scratch cards, and lottery games available on desktop and mobile devices.
- BC Lottery Corporation - Canadian players who are located in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba will have access to PlayNow.com, delivering sports betting opportunities, lottery, bingo, poker, and online casino games like live dealer, progressive jackpots, slots, and table games.
- Alberta Gaming Liquor and Cannabis Commission - Online players in Canada who are situated in Alberta can access the PlayAlberta.ca website where they can claim excellent sign up bonuses to enjoy sports betting events, lottery games, online slots, live dealer titles, and instant-win games with fair payouts on all wagers.
- Loto-Québec - Canadian players located in Quebec will have around the clock access to Espacejeux.com. This regulated online gambling destination will give you access to table games, slot machines, progressive jackpots, keno, poker, and lotteries. All profits are invested back into the province.
- Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation - Spotting a scam in Ontario is a little tricker as this is currently the only province that offers legal gambling sites beyond the OLG.ca website. The provincial-run operator gives you access to lottery games, instant-wins, online casino games, and sports betting opportunities.
There are currently no provincial-run online casinos available to players in Prince Edward Island or in the Yukon Territory. However, that doesn't mean that the residents here don't have access to legal online gaming opportunities. We highly recommend taking a look our list of the best online casinos in Canada, providing a safe, reliable, and trusted gaming experience on both desktop and mobile devices. You also won't have to worry about falling victim to a scam as we evaluate and review all our recommendations before its recommended to you.
How to Spot a Fraud in Scam Ads
When faced with false online casino advertising, there are often a couple of telltale signs that will help you spot a scam. One of the most likely scenarios is pressure to decide quickly, either on the spot or within a short timeframe. You'll notice that these fake advertisements do not share any details, such as the iGaming corporation's official logo. You will also find that fake advertisements will request financial information or requests to provide money via unusual formats, such as prepaid credit cards, bitcoin, or gift cards.
The best way to protect yourself from scams or fake ads is to ignore emails from senders you are not familiar with and to block the sender of suspicious mail. Never follow links or open attachments sent via messages from unknown senders. Beware of fees requested upfront. Always check for the secure symbol to ensure websites are legit before entering any confidential information. We highly recommend that you only look for a licensed, legal, and reputable brand at OnlineCasinos.ca where all our recommendations are reviewed to ensure you enjoy a safe and secure online gaming experience in Canada.
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