'There is a significant gap in provincial regulation for the current barrage of iGaming advertising we are seeing on TV, at bus shelters, on buses, subways and online around the province—it's putting people with gambling addictions at risk'

A number of Ontario  NDP MPPs are trying to get iGaming advertising banned.

"Health professionals are sounding the alarm about problem gambling, and most are pointing to the explosion of iGaming advertising and its availability, "stated NDP MPP France Gélinas in a release. "It is better to prevent problem gambling than to try to treat it. It's harmful that advertising of such an addictive product takes up 15 per cent of your average sports broadcast." 

She was joined by MPPs Lisa Gretzky, Tom Rakocevic, Monique Taylor and Toronto resident Adam Pettle today to discuss the introduction of a bill to ban iGaming advertising. 

Gretzky is the cousin-in-law of Wayne Gretzky through her husband Tyler Gretzky. Wayne is one of the biggest names promoting sports gambling. See his ad below this story.

"There is a significant gap in provincial regulation for the current barrage of iGaming advertising we are seeing on TV, at bus shelters, on buses, subways and online around the province—it's putting people with gambling addictions at risk," said Gretzky  "It actively sensationalizes online gambling, leading to an increase in people becoming addicted, including Ontario's youth. The onslaught of advertising can potentially force people well beyond their means, pushing them into serious financial trouble. We can't allow this industry to take advantage of that reality"  

MPP Monique Taylor noted the harmful effects gambling advertising can have on children.

"There is mounting scientific evidence about the harmful impacts these advertisements can have on children," Taylor said. "One study from the University of Bristol noted gambling content marketing is 3.9 times more appealing to children and young persons than adults. They also found Esports gambling advertising was substantially more appealing to children and young people than to adults. The evidence is clear here; we must protect our children and young people."  

Toronto resident Adam Pettle, a gambling addict in recovery, spoke about how difficult the new advertisements are to persons with a history of gambling addiction.

"I learned the precise spot to cross Campbell Avenue so that I don't have to come face-to-face with the large banner ad for the MGM Casino promising to bring Las Vegas to Toronto, which hangs on the side of the bodega at the end of our street. I've also learned to mute the TV while backing out of the room as soon as the third out is recorded during Blue Jays telecasts to ensure that I miss the first commercial; there's an even-money proposition that it will be for a betting website." 

https://www.baytoday.ca/local-news/bill-introduced-to-ban-igaming-advertising-7111923