Step Toward Banning Betting Ads During Hockey Games in Canada

In Canada, the legislature has moved to tighten sports betting advertising across broadcasts, social media and online video games. The Canadian Heritage Committee plans to vote on Bill S-211 this week. The bill directs the Minister of Canadian Heritage to establish a national advertising framework and asks the minister to present a plan to Parliament within one year.

The bill is sponsored by Bardish Chagger, Member of Parliament for Waterloo, Ontario. Chagger argues that restrictions on sports betting advertising could reduce gambling addiction and help prevent suicide. Chagger said people have lost their jobs, homes, savings and even their lives.

The bill also gives the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission the authority to regulate the spread of gambling advertising. The commission will examine the scope and placement of sports betting ads, as well as limits on celebrities endorsing them. The bill has support from the Liberal, Conservative and New Democratic parties, and the Canadian Mental Health Association and Canadian Public Health Physicians also back it.

There are differing views on the issue. Ontario regulated online gaming and sports betting in 2022, and Alberta did the same this year. Both provinces oppose the bill, arguing that federal and provincial governments already have responsible gambling safeguards in place.