This bill is called the National Framework on Sports Betting Advertising Act. It aims to create a set of national rules to manage how sports betting ads are shown in Canada. It wants to reduce the risks of harm for people, especially minors and those who may develop gambling problems. The bill also asks the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (the regulator for broadcasting) to review its rules to see if they help reduce advertising-related harms. The government will develop a national plan with standards for advertising, research, and support for those harmed by gambling.
The bill builds on a law that made some sports betting legal in 2021. It recognizes that sports betting ads are everywhere and that this can lead to more gambling, especially for young people and at-risk groups. Different parts of Canada currently have different rules for sports betting ads, so the bill wants to set a consistent national approach, inspired by other countries’ efforts to limit harmful advertising practices.
The bill plans to create rules that limit how sports betting is advertised on TV, online, and in public spaces. It may restrict the use of celebrities or athletes in ads to prevent influencing young or vulnerable people. The government will also gather research and share information to better understand how advertising affects gambling problems, especially in minors. It might also develop national standards to help prevent gambling addiction and support those affected by it. The overall goal is to make advertising safer and reduce the chance that people develop gambling problems because of seeing too many ads.
The government must develop a national framework and report on its progress within one year. It will also review how effective current regulations are within five years. Data about the exact costs is not available in the bill itself, but costs could include government staff time, consultation with stakeholders, and implementing new advertising standards. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (the regulator) will also review its rules, but specific expenses are not detailed. Overall, the bill's financial impact depends on how much the government invests in research, regulation, and enforcement. Data unavailable.
Supporters say this bill will help protect Canadians, especially young people, from harmful gambling influences. They argue that sports betting ads have become too common and that restrictions can reduce addiction risks. They also believe creating a consistent national plan will simplify rules for businesses and regulators, making enforcement easier. Proponents think that limiting celebrity endorsements and placing restrictions on advertising locations and frequency will make gambling safer. They cite examples from other countries where similar rules have helped reduce gambling problems and believe Canada should follow suit.
Opponents argue that the bill could hurt businesses and sports organizations that rely on betting advertising for income. They believe restrictions might reduce advertising revenue for broadcasters and sponsors. Some argue that limiting ads could limit personal choice and free speech for companies and individuals who promote gambling products legally. They also question how effective the proposed restrictions will be if enforcement is limited. Critics warn that some measures might not significantly reduce gambling harms and could create confusion due to different rules across provinces. Data on effectiveness is not available yet, so the actual impact is uncertain.