Most recently Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Corporation reported that a new gambling scam is circulating social media. In a statement, the Crown agency warned residents about fraudulent Facebook posts that claim to be an online gaming app for its Club Regent Casino. However, this is not the case, and those posts are not legit and they are in fact, fake
MLL is a state-run corporation responsible for the sale of liquor and responsibly provides gaming and entertainment experiences. It also offers gambling online via the PlayNow platform. All of its profits go to the province’s general revenue and support priority programming in sectors like health care, education, and social and community services.
Beware of Online Casino Scam
In its statement from this week, the Crown corporation reiterated that its Club Regent Casino and McPhillips Station Casino do not offer a mobile app or online gaming platform. The gaming amenities are not related in any way to the recent Facebook scams. It urged residents not to click on any links provided in these ads and not to share personal information with them.
Furthermore, MLL commented that it has been diligent in reporting these fraudulent ads to Facebook (Meta) and has provided several warnings on the topic. However, despite its efforts, these ads continue to run in the digital space. The Crown agency urges Manitobans who come across these fake ads online to also block and report them and not engage with them.
Lastly, the Crown also used its statement to remind people in the province, that the only legal, safe, and secure online gambling platform is PlayNow. It includes protections to ensure players’ health, which cannot be found on grey market websites. Also, all revenue made via the platform stays in the province and is used to support numerous community and charitable initiatives.
A similar tactic was recently used by fraudsters in another gambling scam in Atlantic Canada. In November 2023, Great Canadian Entertainment warned that scammers have been using images and logos from both Casino Nova Scotia and Casino New Brunswick in a fraudulent online campaign. The word ‘sponsored’ was used by cybercriminals, but the ads were not legit.
Police Arrest Lottery Ticket Thief
Meanwhile, the Chatham-Kent Police in Ontario has also reported a gambling-related crime in the Heartland Province. With help from the Community Patrol and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, they have identified a 34-year-old man as the perpetrator of the incidents of several break-and-enter occurrences and the theft of lottery tickets.
Now the perpetrator will face several charges after the conclusion of the investigation. He will be charged with mischief under CA$5,000, two counts of possession of stolen property, and seven counts of break-and-enter. After being arrested by the police, the felon was taken to police headquarters and is currently being held pending a bail hearing.
Source: “ALERT: Fraudulent Club Regent Casino App” Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries, January 8, 2024