TORONTO – A strong movement is gaining momentum across Canada demanding a ban on online sports gambling advertisements, citing severe impacts on mental health and increased vulnerability to addiction.
Bill Mara, CEO of Hospital-Day Grace Health Care, which specializes in treating gambling addiction, highlighted the crisis, noting that the number of people seeking treatment has doubled over the last five years. Mara emphasized that these advertisements significantly increase the temptation to gamble. He urged the government to allocate more resources to the healthcare sector to reduce risks, rather than pursuing an immediate, complete cessation of gambling.
The demand for a ban is being echoed by Canadian Senators and former political leaders. Senator Percy Downe has written to the Prime Minister, drawing a parallel to the public health measures that banned cigarette advertisements. Downe argued that online sports betting ads should be similarly banned due to public health concerns.
The Senator specifically pointed to the adverse effects on the younger generation and called for Canada to implement a comprehensive prohibition, mirroring steps taken by European nations such as Belgium and Italy.
Meanwhile, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) issued a statement affirming that they are already enforcing strict regulations. These measures include a ban on advertisements that use athletes and celebrities to promote gambling, aiming to reduce their appeal, especially to younger audiences.
