Sports Betting Advertising Bill in Canada Passes Parliamentary Committee

A bill aimed at creating a national framework for sports betting advertising in Canada moved a step closer after the House of Commons Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage approved its amended version on Tuesday (November 3).

The bill calls for the development of a national framework that would limit the volume, placement and reach of advertising and protect minors. It also addresses the prevention and detection of harmful gambling. In addition, it encourages coordination between governments and research. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is asked to review its regulations to assess how effectively they reduce the harmful effects of advertising.

The bill passed the Senate last year. It will now go to the House of Commons for third and final reading, followed by a final vote. Canadian Minister of Identity and Culture Marc Miller is expected to prepare the national framework. Changes made in committee extended the deadline for submitting the framework and strategy from one year to two years after the law comes into force. Changes were also made to the stakeholders the minister must consult. The consultation requirement was made optional, and the list of people the minister may consult was expanded to include anyone the minister wishes.

Conservative Party MPs proposed an amendment that would ban in-game betting advertisements. This proposal was rejected on Tuesday. The bill does not ban advertising or impose restrictions. It serves as a draft for future advertising regulation.

Organizations such as the Canadian Gaming Association oppose the bill. They argue that the industry is currently regulated by the provinces and that federal oversight would amount to an overreach of authority. They point to Ontario and Alberta, which have open and regulated iGaming markets where private operators compete with state-run platforms under licenses.