Fairclough introduces bill that would ban gambling ads in Ontario
Ontario lawmakers have introduced legislation that would ban online gambling advertising across the province, marking a potential shift in one of North America’s most open iGaming markets.
The proposed Stop Harmful Gambling Advertising Act (Bill 107) seeks to amend the Gaming Control Act, 1992, prohibiting licensed operators and their partners from promoting gambling through television, digital platforms and sponsorships.
MORE: Gambling in Ontario
The bill follows mounting concerns over the impact of advertising since Ontario launched its regulated online gambling market in April 2022. Supporters cite data showing a sharp rise in gambling-related harm, including a reported 144% increase in calls to ConnexOntario, the province’s mental health and addictions helpline.
The bill was put forward by Ontario’s Liberal Member of the Provincial Parliament Lee Fairclough and with her party not in power currently, support for it is muted, with bigger things on Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario Leader Doug Ford’s mind.
“The bill is in response to the growing public health crisis associated with gambling addiction in the province that has exploded following the province’s 2022 decision to open the online gambling market to private operators,” she said.
“Since that time, there have been 50 private gambling companies advertising and promoting their sites across platforms. We’ve also seen a substantial increase in the number of people accessing health services through ConnexOntario for gambling problems.”
If passed, the legislation would impose fines of up to C$1 million for corporations and revoke licences for repeat breaches. However, critics warn a blanket ban could reduce visibility of regulated brands and unintentionally push players toward offshore operators.
Complicating the gambling landscape in Canada further, is that the rest of the provinces are yet to enact a regulated industry, meaning offshore gambling websites can be accessed legally. Alberta has signalled they will be following Ontario’s lead and regulating gambling in the coming months.
Since launching regulated industry in 2022, Ontario’s gambling scene has seen the likes of BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel and bet365 seek and receive licensing.
Ontario iGaming has received some criticism for banning the advertisement of new account incentives, with this leading to players looking at the offshore industry, which has no such restrictions placed on it.
