Two Canadian senators are urging the federal government to prohibit advertisements for sports betting across the country. In a joint letter addressed to the Prime Minister, Charlottetown Senator Percy Downe and Waterloo Senator Marty Deacon, along with 40 other senators, are advocating for the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to prohibit all promotions related to sports gambling apps and websites.
The senators express concerns that the constant exposure to these advertisements is leading individuals of all ages to view their smartphones as miniature casinos. They highlight a CBC Marketplace report that revealed gambling messages occupy approximately 21% of a typical sporting event’s broadcast time.
Senator Downe, representing Charlottetown, emphasized that the situation has exacerbated following the amendments to Bill C-218 in 2021, which legalized single-event sports betting. He pointed out that the scope of bets has expanded beyond simply predicting game outcomes to now include minute-specific wagers, creating a pervasive gambling environment that could have adverse effects on individuals.
While acknowledging some restrictions have been implemented, such as bans on featuring sports personalities in gambling ads, Senator Downe advocates for further governmental actions. Drawing a parallel to the ban on cigarette advertising due to societal harm, he asserts that regulating sports betting ads is essential to mitigate potential negative impacts.
Elizabeth Stephen, a counseling therapist based in Halifax, underscores the vulnerability of young individuals to sports betting influences. She suggests the necessity for guidelines on sports betting advertising, even if a complete ban is not feasible, given the normalization of gambling in professional sports and its potential impact on youth development.
Charlottetown Member of Parliament Sean Casey echoes the concerns raised by the senators, emphasizing the public health risks associated with gambling promotions. While supporting measures like Bill S-211 for a national framework on sports betting advertising, he acknowledges the ongoing debate between implementing stricter regulations versus a complete advertising ban.
In light of the unintended proliferation of sports betting ads following the legalization of single-event sports betting, Casey advocates for substantial reductions in advertising frequency. He proposes limiting sports betting promotions to levels comparable to other consumer products like cars or breakfast cereal.
The ongoing discourse among lawmakers and stakeholders underscores the complex balance between regulatory oversight and societal well-being in the realm of sports betting advertising.