Loto-Québec is concerned with the growing amounts of advertisements from illegal online casinos, as they are misleading to some people. A spokesperson for the Crown corporation stated that the ads in many media outlets cause confusion among players, as they believed that the illegal casinos are part of the Crown’s offerings, which is not the case.
The Crown agency recently revealed that is working on some measures and actions to remind players that its online platform LotoQuebec.com is the online regulated, secure, and legally operated digital casino in the province. Despite having limited power, the corporation will continue to battle the illegal platforms in order to attract players back to its own.
Confusing Ads
However, TV channels and their self-regulating policies do not agree with the state-owned Crown corporation’s view. Channels can advertise illegal online companies if they don’t promote the website .com that makes them money, and instead, they can advertise the .net where users can play for free. Sports channels often promote illegal websites such as Bet99 for example.
CBC is one of the channels that broadcast Bet99 marketing materials during Montreal Canadiens’ matches in English. Chuck Thompson, head of public affairs at CBC stated that the Sportsnet is the holder of the exclusive right for the NHL in Canada and sells the advertisement for the games, meaning that the question should be headed toward them and not the channel.
Sarah Grossman, director of communications at Sportsnet, which is a subsidiary company of Rogers Media, said that the online casino ads are in compliance with the industry standards. She explained that all ads on Sportsnet channels, including the free-to-play Bet99, have been approved for airing by a ThinkTV which is a self-regulated body that has no quarrels in showing the promotions.
The Advertising Standards Canada also weighed in on the problem. said Catherine Bate, chief legal and policy officer at the organization is funded by advertisers, and media stated that there is a difference between paid .com and .net free sites. She continued by stating that the organization has already analyzed the matter and the ads do not interfere with the body’s code.
Improvement of Offerings
While Loto-Québec continues the legal battle against illegal digital casino platforms, the Crown makes sure that its online offerings are always up to date. The agency has most recently acquired the services of Greentube, which is a European gaming content provider with an exception catalog of titles. Fan-favorites such as Book of Ra™ deluxe, Apollo God of the Sun™, and Lucky Ladies Charm™ deluxe will be among the first titles launched in the provinces.
The Crown corporation has also recently extended its contract with the prominent lottery products developer Pollard Banknote Limited. Both companies have so far enjoyed immaculate cooperation, and are happy to extend their partnership to at least January 31, 2022. The provider will now continue to supply the state agency with its impressive instant ticket offerings, which are a big hit among locals.
Source: Joncas, Hugo “Loto-Québec to target advertisements by illegal online casinos”, The Peterborough Examiner, July 7, 2021
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