Canadian authorities are raising concerns over the increasing cybersecurity threats in the country’s gambling industry. In Saskatchewan, regulators have issued a warning to residents, urging them not to click on online casino ads, as fraudulent websites posing as legitimate gambling platforms attempt to steal personal and financial information. Meanwhile, in British Columbia, the government admitted that a cyber fraud attempt against the state-run PlayNow.com gambling site could have led to significant data exposure, though officials downplayed its impact.
On February 10, 2025, Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan (LGS) alerted residents about deceptive ads on Facebook and other social media platforms, promoting fake online versions of well-known casinos like Casino Regina and Dakota Dunes Casino. These scams, designed to lure players into fraudulent betting sites, are part of a growing wave of cybercriminal activity targeting the Canadian gaming industry. Officials emphasized that PlayNow.com is the only authorized online gambling platform in Saskatchewan, advising users to avoid unverified operators.
This follows an August 2024 cyber fraud attempt against PlayNow.com in British Columbia, where hackers attempted to infiltrate user accounts and access personal data. While the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) claimed no major data breaches occurred, cybersecurity experts warn that such incidents could become catastrophic if Canada fails to strengthen its digital defenses.
Canada had a cyber fraud attempt, not a big deal but it was scary.
The increasing frequency of cyber threats in the gambling industry highlights the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity policies. Experts warn that Canada must tighten its regulations and improve security infrastructure to prevent an incident that could compromise thousands of gambling accounts and expose sensitive financial data. If cybersecurity measures are not improved, the next attack might not be as “minor” as authorities claim.
