Canadian Senators Push for Nationwide Ban on Sports Betting Ads

A coalition of Canadian senators is advocating for a comprehensive ban on sports-betting ads nationwide. They argue that the sheer volume of gambling-related content has become so pervasive that it impacts viewers across all age groups. Their appeal urges the federal government to direct regulatory bodies to eliminate promotional content for betting applications and websites across every platform. This initiative comes amid increasing concerns over how frequently gambling messages interrupt sports broadcasts.

Prominent lawmakers, including Senators Percy Downe and Marty Deacon, have called on the prime minister to instruct the national regulator to cease all advertising for sports-betting services. Their appeal has garnered support from over 40 senators. They emphasize that the relentless presence of gambling messages effectively transforms mobile devices into what they describe as a “pocket-sized casino,” promoting repeated betting behaviors. Research cited in their letter indicates that gambling advertisements occupy a significant portion of sports programming, raising alarms about their influence.

Downe notes that the issue intensified following the 2021 legalization of single-event wagering, which expanded betting options and led to increased advertising pressure. He points out that earlier restrictions, such as removing sports figures from ads, failed to reduce overall exposure. Downe advocates for a total ban, asserting it is the most effective solution to curb the problem.

Percy Downe stated, “Everybody in effect is carrying a mini casino in their pocket. It’s enticing more and more people to participate and many people, unfortunately, will suffer as a result of that. For the very same reason we banned cigarette ads on all platforms, we should ban this because of the harm it does to society, and there’s no benefit. You can’t legislate away human weaknesses, but you can legislate away the ability of others to take advantage of them.”

Health professionals are raising concerns about the impact of ongoing gambling advertising, especially on younger audiences who often consume sports content online or on television. Elizabeth Stephen, a Halifax-based counselling therapist, explains that betting ads have become so routine during broadcasts that they are difficult to ignore. She highlights that developing minds are particularly susceptible to repeated prompts and that many young viewers absorb these messages more easily than adults. She adds that some clients avoid sports altogether because the constant exposure to betting ads triggers gambling impulses.

Stephen emphasizes the need for clear regulatory guidelines, even if a complete ban isn’t implemented. Her perspective reflects broader worries about the normalization of sports entertainment intertwined with highly accessible betting options. Federal Member of Parliament Sean Casey shares these concerns, pointing to the public health risks associated with gambling promotion.

Elizabeth Stephen remarked, “Professional sports, it’s completely associated with gambling these days and it’s become so normal. Youth, I mean their brains and their interests are developing, they’re highly influenced. I don’t know how you could possibly watch sports and not be influenced by that in some way. One of them said, ‘I can’t watch sports, it’s too triggering.’ It’s just a constant exposure.”

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Casey notes that legislation, such as Bill S-211 currently progressing through the House of Commons, aims to establish a national framework to significantly restrict sports-betting advertising. He explains that the legalization of single-event betting led to a rapid increase in gambling ads across various media outlets. While he acknowledges that even a substantial reduction in advertising would be a positive step, he remains open to the idea of a complete ban.

Sean Casey stated, “Separate and apart from the nuisance factor, there’s all of the public health factors that are associated with the promotion of gambling in any way and the social harms that come from it. I’m not opposed to it being eliminated altogether, but if it could be reduced by 90 per cent so that they don’t advertise sports betting any more than they advertise cars or breakfast cereal, I’d be fine with that.” Canadian sports betting ads ban