Alphonso Davies' family targeted by AI-generated gambling scam

An AI-generated gambling scam on Instagram has falsely used the likeness of soccer player Alphonso Davies’ father to promote an unlicensed offshore casino. The advertisement, posted by an account named Prime Spin Zone, featured a fabricated storyline claiming Davies’ father was arrested by Edmonton police for possessing millions of dollars in cash, which was then falsely described as legal gambling winnings.

The deepfake video included a digitally created version of Davies’ father encouraging viewers to use the casino, alongside a digital likeness of Canadian rapper Drake. The promotion redirected users to Oxibet, an online gambling operator based in Comoros that lacks a license to operate in Alberta’s regulated iGaming market.

Davies’ agent, Nedal Huoseh, has strongly denied any connection to the advertisement, stating that the family does not participate in gambling, alcohol, or cannabis. Huoseh indicated intentions to pursue those responsible for the unauthorized use of the family's likeness. The incident highlights growing concerns regarding the use of increasingly convincing AI technology to create fake endorsements and bypass regional gambling regulations.