A new campaign called Ban Ads For Gambling is urging for the prohibition of sports betting advertisements during Toronto Maple Leafs games, arguing that such ads are exploiting vulnerable viewers, particularly children.
The campaign highlights concerns over the increasing prevalence of sports gambling promotions, including 30-second television ads and on-screen sponsorships, which have seen a significant rise since Ontario opened up to independent online gambling sites last year.
Karl Subban, a hockey coach and father of three NHL players, voiced his concerns about the issue. "It's a big problem. Gambling is very addictive," Subban, a school principal, told to CBC News
. "A lot of the marketing is focusing on grabbing the attention of the most vulnerable, the youngest of our population."
Representing the campaign, Subban pointed out the negative consequences associated with gambling, including financial problems, stress to families, mental health issues, and even suicide.
The Ban Ads For Gambling campaign particularly emphasizes the impact of celebrity and athlete endorsements in these ads, which they argue target children and have a harmful effect on their development.
Lesley Oliva, a school teacher and parent from Vaughan, Ontario, supports the initiative, stating that minors should not be exposed to gambling advertising. Oliva believes that these ads send the wrong message to children and hinder their long-term growth.
Gaming Auhtories Implementing New Protocols
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission (AGCO) in Ontario has implemented various restrictions on internet gaming marketing, specifically aimed at safeguarding minors. The AGCO aims to regulate gambling by promoting responsibility and minimizing risks.
Last month, the commission proposed further changes to restrict the use of athletes and celebrities in online gambling ads. The AGCO is engaging with stakeholders until May 15 to gather feedback before finalizing any official changes.
Experts on gambling addiction, including Sylvia Kairouz, a professor at Concordia University, assert that the advertising of sports gambling has a detrimental effect on individuals' behavior. Kairouz's research reveals that these ads not only encourage gambling but also push individuals to gamble more.
The rise of online gambling exacerbates the issue as addicts can engage in gambling without the usual social controls present in offline settings. Kairouz states that there shouldn’t be any advertising for products causing addiction including gaming, tobacco and alcohol products.
Rising Costs Can Escalate Problem Gambling
Tony Chapman, a former advertising professional with three decades of experience, also opposes the promotion of gambling through ads. Chapman considers it irresponsible to condition consumers towards gambling, particularly during a time when many Canadians struggle with the high cost of living.
He worries that individuals may be lured into gambling in hopes of a substantial payoff, despite the odds being against them. Chapman reveals that companies spend massive amounts of money on multi-media campaigns to reach consumers across various platforms.
While the Ban Ads For Gambling campaign hopes for government intervention, Subban believes that additional strategies are necessary to address the issue effectively. He suggests increased education and open conversations between children, parents, and teachers about the potential dangers of gambling. Subban emphasizes the need to work together to help young people realize their potential and overcome the obstacles posed by gambling.
The campaign's message is clear: action must be taken promptly to address the harmful impact of sports betting advertisements, or society will face severe consequences in the future.
New Campaign Aims to Ban Gambling Ads During Sport Events
A new campaign called Ban Ads For Gambling is urging for the prohibition of sports betting advertisements during Toronto Maple Leafs games, arguing that such ads are exploiting vulnerable viewers, particularly children.
The campaign highlights concerns over the increasing prevalence of sports gambling promotions, including 30-second television ads and on-screen sponsorships, which have seen a significant rise since Ontario opened up to independent online gambling sites last year.
Karl Subban, a hockey coach and father of three NHL players, voiced his concerns about the issue. "It's a big problem. Gambling is very addictive," Subban, a school principal, told to CBC News . "A lot of the marketing is focusing on grabbing the attention of the most vulnerable, the youngest of our population."
Representing the campaign, Subban pointed out the negative consequences associated with gambling, including financial problems, stress to families, mental health issues, and even suicide.
The Ban Ads For Gambling campaign particularly emphasizes the impact of celebrity and athlete endorsements in these ads, which they argue target children and have a harmful effect on their development.
Lesley Oliva, a school teacher and parent from Vaughan, Ontario, supports the initiative, stating that minors should not be exposed to gambling advertising. Oliva believes that these ads send the wrong message to children and hinder their long-term growth.
Gaming Auhtories Implementing New Protocols
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission (AGCO) in Ontario has implemented various restrictions on internet gaming marketing, specifically aimed at safeguarding minors. The AGCO aims to regulate gambling by promoting responsibility and minimizing risks.
Last month, the commission proposed further changes to restrict the use of athletes and celebrities in online gambling ads. The AGCO is engaging with stakeholders until May 15 to gather feedback before finalizing any official changes.
Experts on gambling addiction, including Sylvia Kairouz, a professor at Concordia University, assert that the advertising of sports gambling has a detrimental effect on individuals' behavior. Kairouz's research reveals that these ads not only encourage gambling but also push individuals to gamble more.
The rise of online gambling exacerbates the issue as addicts can engage in gambling without the usual social controls present in offline settings. Kairouz states that there shouldn’t be any advertising for products causing addiction including gaming, tobacco and alcohol products.
Rising Costs Can Escalate Problem Gambling
Tony Chapman, a former advertising professional with three decades of experience, also opposes the promotion of gambling through ads. Chapman considers it irresponsible to condition consumers towards gambling, particularly during a time when many Canadians struggle with the high cost of living.
He worries that individuals may be lured into gambling in hopes of a substantial payoff, despite the odds being against them. Chapman reveals that companies spend massive amounts of money on multi-media campaigns to reach consumers across various platforms.
While the Ban Ads For Gambling campaign hopes for government intervention, Subban believes that additional strategies are necessary to address the issue effectively. He suggests increased education and open conversations between children, parents, and teachers about the potential dangers of gambling. Subban emphasizes the need to work together to help young people realize their potential and overcome the obstacles posed by gambling.
The campaign's message is clear: action must be taken promptly to address the harmful impact of sports betting advertisements, or society will face severe consequences in the future.