Bodog Applies for UK License
by Hillary LaClair, Senior Editor
Despite the rumors circulating about the downfall of Bodog, it’s safe to say that this online casino isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. In addition to the major promotions that Bodog is currently running, the gaming provider is seeking to expand its market outside of the U.S.
Calvin Ayre, Bodog’s high profile founder who recently announced his retirement from the company just months ago (following issues with processing and branding) landed himself back into mainstream media this week; this time, in Europe.
UK newspaper The Guardian has reported that the company has applied for an operating license in the UK. The coverage on this story also included an interview with Ayre, where he gave his rebuttal to accusations that the online gaming company is guilty of illegally soliciting the business of U.S. customers.
“We have licences from sovereign governments to do what we do – that’s how it works on every other industry on the planet,” said Ayre, denying the allegations. Mr. Ayre did however admit that the company accepts wagers from the United States. He counter argued that the company does not operate in the states.
Ayre explained to The Guardian that while the site is applying for the license in the UK, it would not necessarily be used to take wagers based out of England. Bodog currently has an operating license from Antigua which is already used to accept bets from Europe.
The application makes Bodog one of the few online casinos that is seeking a license from the UK. It has been said that many internet gambling facilities bypass the UK regulatory scheme because of the 15% remote gaming tax that was implemented last year.
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