An AI-generated fake gambling ad featuring the father of Alphonso Davies, a Canadian soccer star, falsely depicts his arrest in connection with CA$3 million in alleged gambling winnings, casting a new light on Alberta’s newly regulated iGaming market.

The Edmonton Sun reported that an ad from “Prime Spin Zone” on Instagram showed Davies’ father being arrested by Edmonton police.

The video implies that Davies’ father was arrested for gambling-related reasons but was later released when it was determined that the money was from legal winnings.

False Ad Targeting Davies

In the fake ad, an AI-generated image of Davies’ father encourages viewers to visit the same online casino he used. However, clicking on the ad takes users to Oxibet, an illegal gambling site based in Comoros.

According to Davies’ agent quoted in the Sun’s article, the ad contains false information, as Davies is not associated with any gambling websites.

The ad directing users to an illicit offshore site underscores the importance of Alberta’s move to regulate iGaming following Ontario’s model.

Users Led to Unauthorized Site

Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, Dale Nally, emphasized the need for Alberta’s regulated iGaming market to provide legal alternatives to the numerous illegal offshore gambling sites that have operated for years.

Nally explained that the goal is to divert players from the black market to the legal, regulated market for the sake of player safety and responsibility.

Regulatory Focus on Channelization

Prior to the launch of Alberta’s regulated iGaming market on July 13, 70% of online gambling in the province was conducted through unlicensed operators, with the remaining 30% using the only legal platform, Play Alberta.

Currently, there are 31 licensed iGaming sites accepting wagers in Alberta, but Oxibet is not among them. Additionally, marketing standards in Alberta prohibit celebrity athletes like Davies from appearing in gambling ads, except for those promoting responsible gambling.