The British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) is the latest Canadian gaming stakeholder to warn the public about fraudulent advertising using the names and likenesses of licensed casinos.

In a statement to the public on Feb. 24, BCLC warned that “predatory” and “sophisticated” social media scams are imitating BCLC’s casinos in the province and tricking people into providing financial details on fake websites.

The lottery corporation said the “highly deceptive” schemes post on social media platforms using logos, names and photographs of B.C. casinos. In some cases, the ads purport to offer players exclusive bonuses and promotions when someone registers with their website or mobile app.

“BCLC warns that none of these sites are associated with casinos in B.C. or BCLC,” said the provincial operator’s notice.

BCLC’s PlayNow is the only recognized and regulated online gaming and betting platform in the province. BCLC has a range of official apps, including PlayNow Sportsbook BC, BCLC Lotto! and PlayNow Poker BC. All BCLC-operated social media accounts are verified with a checkmark.

The crown corporation said that it is working with its casino partners to get the posts removed, and urged the public to stay vigilant and verify the legitimacy of an advert, social media post or website before signing up or offering any personal or financial information.

Saskatchewan regulator, casino operators also send warnings

BCLC are far from alone in this.

Just two weeks ago, Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan (LGS), that province’s gambling regulator, warned provincial residents not to click on social media adverts for online casinos, citing fears of scammers using fake ads to steal people’s credit card numbers and other financial information.

Similarly to what BCLC is reporting, LGS reported those ads are masquerading as casinos including Casino Regina and Casino Moose Jaw and casinos operated by the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA).

“The scammers illegally use the logos, images, and branding of these casinos, stolen from the casinos’ websites, to create the fake ads,” said LGS VP of Gaming Steve Tunison.

In Alberta, River Cree Resort & Casino is one venue that has been targeted. Last year, both Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries (MBLL) and Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis (AGLC) warned players about social media ads implying that land-based venues are offering iGaming.

The issue is so bad that Canadian casino operator Great Canadian Entertainment keeps a dedicated scam alert list on its website. Since the start of 2025, GCE retail venues in Ontario, B.C., Nova Scotia and New Brunswick have been used for this kind of fraud.