Content on this page may include affiliate links. If you click and sign up/place a wager, we may receive compensation at no cost to you.
Ontario officials express concerns about rise in gambling advertisements
While the province features a thriving legal online gambling market, government officials are reviewing a perceived increase in Ontario online casino and sports betting marketing.
Government officials have started a review of what they believe is an increase in advertising from sports betting and gambling brands in Ontario. Interestingly, this comes on the heels of lawmakers rejecting a proposal that would outright ban iGaming commercials. Still, Ontario officials wish to remain vigilant as they consider additional restrictions surrounding gambling advertising. This review also comes as regulated Alberta online casinos and sportsbooks prepare to launch on July 13.
Lawmakers rejected bill to ban Ontario online casino marketing
Lee Fairclough, an Ontario Liberal Member of Provincial Parliament, introduced Bill 107 – also known as the Stop Harmful Gambling Advertising Act – in April, aiming to prohibit sportsbooks and licensed real money online casino Canada operators in Ontario from marketing on television, social media and paid sponsorships.
Fairclough emphasized that the bill's introduction came in response to the "growing public health crisis associated with gambling addiction" in the province, which welcomed regulated sportsbooks and online casinos in 2022.