Ontario NDP wins step in the right direction with ban of celebrity gambling ads

QUEEN’S PARK – The Official Opposition Ontario NDP welcomes news that the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has decided to ban gambling commercials that feature celebrities and athletes, which will help protect both children and adults from the explosion of unregulated advertising content under Ford’s Conservatives.

In June 2023, NDP MPPs tabled a PMB with their solution for a ban on iGaming advertisements. Prohibiting celebrity and athlete involvement is a welcome first step.

Quotes

“Health professionals have been sounding the alarm about the impact that online gambling advertising is having on people, especially on youth. Today’s news is welcome – now we need to follow the advice of experts and keep pushing for more.”

-MPP France Gélinas (Nickel Belt), NDP critic for Health

“We’ve seen an explosion in advertisements for online gambling ads in the past few years, which puts people with gambling addictions and Ontario youth at risk. I’m pleased to see the AGCO’s recognition that more needs to be done, and hope Ford immediately calls our PMB to second reading debate. Let’s keep pushing and get this passed”.

-MPP Lisa Gretzky (Windsor West), NDP critic for Mental Health and Addictions

“For too many years Ontarians lacked effective consumer protections when it came to online gambling. Today’s action from the AGCO is finally a positive step in the right direction – and a sign that our bill with expanded protections is needed.”

-MPP Tom Rakocevic (Humber River – Black Creek), NDP critic for Consumer Protection

“I’m happy to see the AGCO agree with us about the impacts that gambling ads can have on our children and youth, and welcome today’s news. The evidence has been clear for years and it’s never too late to do the right thing. I’m excited to see our PMB become a reality – it’s the clear next step.”

-MPP Monique Taylor (Hamilton Mountain), NDP critic for Children, Community and Social Services