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Summary:
- An online casino scam that has previously affected other Canadian provinces has reached Ontario.
- Gamblers warned to be wary of a fraudulent gaming advertisement on social media.
- The fake ad shows an online platform hosted by Casino Rama, leading players to an app download page.
Last winter, gamblers in Canada’s western provinces, and before that, the Maritimes, were subject to an online casino fraud that involved Facebook posts falsely purporting to be online gaming apps for certain casinos.
Now, it is time for Ontarians to stay vigilant and wary of fraudulent online advertising activity, as per recommendations issued by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
OPP Warns About Fraudulent Social Media Gaming Ad
The OPP has warned online casino players to not fall into the trap of a fraudulent gaming ad on social media that is showcasing an alleged online gaming platform hosted by Casino Rama.
Once someone clicks the respective ad, they are taken to a page where they are asked to download an application connected to WinSpirit Casino.
Nonetheless, Casino Rama has zero ties with WinSpirit Casino, a casino that is registered in Curaçao, and not Ontario.
According to the OPP’s press release, issued in partnership with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), regulated gaming platforms in the province “are held to high standards of game integrity, data security, and player protections”
The authorities reminded residents of Ontario who want to engage in online gambling to “be aware” of the fake advertisements and make sure the gaming site they choose to play on is registered with the AGCO.
High Risks Online
At the start of the year, Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries issued a warning asking gamblers to steer clear from a series of fraudulent Facebook posts that appeared to be purporting to be online gaming apps for Club Regent Casino.
The Winnipeg-based casino, however, does not offer any mobile app or any type of online gaming.
During the same month, Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis had to issue a similar warning concerning deceptive apps and social media ads impersonating racing entertainment centers and casinos in the province.
The fake ads suggested Alberta’s brick-and-mortar casinos had included online gambling in their list of operations.
In reality, none of the 29 available racing centers and casinos own a license that would allow them to offer online gambling.
In November 2023, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia also reported similar fraud attempts trying to convince people to provide their personal information via fake apps or by accessing social media ads.
