Published on: April 24, 2026, 09:54h.
Updated on: April 24, 2026, 09:54h.
- Molly Cormier appointed as the new Executive Director of the Canadian Lottery Coalition
- Collaborative alliance of provincial lottery agencies
- Significant Bodog ruling in Manitoba marked a turning point for CLC
Molly Cormier has been selected as the new Executive Director of the Canadian Lottery Coalition (CLC), coinciding with a critical phase for the igaming sector in Canada, marked by the upcoming SBC Summit Canada in late May and the launch of Alberta’s new igaming market in July.
AGLC Exited in 2024
Cormier’s most recent tenure was at Atlantic Lottery, where she specialized in public relations, marketing, and policy advocacy within Canada’s regulated igaming landscape.
The CLC represents a coalition of provincial lottery organizations, including Atlantic Lottery, Loto-Québec, Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries, and the British Columbia Lottery Corporation.
Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis was initially involved in the CLC’s formation in 2022, but withdrew in 2024. Alberta, similar to Ontario, is about to rejuvenate its regulated igaming market, with private operators to compete against the Play Alberta crown corporation’s sports betting and online casino platform. The market is set to launch on July 13.
Establishing a National Framework for Sports Betting Advertising
The CLC was formed with the explicit aim of enhancing protections for Canadians from misleading gambling promotions while combating the spread of illegal gambling websites across the nation. Cormier highlighted the ongoing struggle against offshore operators that advertise illegal platforms disguised as “free-to-play” sites in various media forms.
“I am thrilled to join the Coalition at a pivotal moment when the need for a coherent national policy to safeguard player health, particularly among younger Canadians, is more critical than ever,” she stated. “My focus will be on addressing legislative gaps at the federal level concerning the advertising and promotion of online gambling, especially sports betting; tackling the enduring issue of illegal online gambling sites in Canada; and fostering stronger partnerships with government entities, regulators, and industry players.”
Significance of the Bodog Ruling
“It’s essential for Canadians to be able to differentiate between legitimate and accountable gambling options and offshore sites that bypass Canadian and provincial legal standards and protective measures.”
The CLC endorses Bill S-211, the National Framework on Sports Betting Advertising Act, which has recently progressed through a House of Commons vote and is now slated for review by the Standing Committee of Canadian Heritage as it moves closer to becoming legislation.
This legislation aims to establish a national framework to regulate sports betting advertising in Canada, setting national benchmarks to mitigate the risks and harms stemming from the rise of sports betting promotions, as outlined in the bill’s text.
Legal Victory Against Offshore Operators
The CLC achieved a significant victory in 2025 when a Manitoba court ruled that offshore entity Bodog lacked the legal authority to provide its gambling services within the province, thereby prohibiting it from operating in Manitoba.
The court ruling included a permanent injunction mandating Bodog, which had been functioning without proper licensing, to shut down its bodog.eu platform and cease all related advertising. The company was also ordered to implement geo-blocking technologies to prevent access from Manitoba users to its site.
Prioritizing Player Welfare
“Molly brings the necessary experience, leadership, and judgment that the Coalition requires as governments and regulators navigate emerging challenges surrounding gambling marketing and consumer protection,” stated Dallas McCready, President and CEO of Atlantic Lottery and a member of the CLC Executive Board.
“She recognizes the urgency of advancing player welfare, especially in light of clear gaps in federal legislation and enforcement.”