The Canadian government is considering a bill that could limit or ban gambling advertisements in the country. Randy Ambrosie, commissioner of the Canadian Football League (CFL), has penned a letter disputing the ban and outlining its potential impact on sports within the country.
Not Required
Bill S-269, the National Framework on Advertising for Sports Betting Act, was proposed in the Canadian parliament last month. The proposal does not specify a blanket ban, it suggests putting in place stricter controls across the country. However, with many analysts believing that a total ban is not off the table in the long term, the future remains uncertain.
Ambrosie, however, disagrees with the proposed changes. In his letter, he states that the CFL has consistently demonstrated its commitment to responsible gambling and to helping the industry grow safely. He believes that Bill S-269 is not necessary.
The Commissioner stressed that the league actively solicits fan feedback and monitors complaints about the frequency of gambling advertising at stadiums. He emphasized the CFL's ongoing efforts to maintain a safe environment, reassuring that the new bill is unnecessary to regulate the industry.
The committee has invited Randy Ambroise to discuss the issue in person, however, he is unable to attend due to commitments regarding the start of the campaign.
Some Support
While the CFL has openly opposed the idea, the proposals have some support within the government and from other industries. The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) has consistently pushed for more consistent standards across the industry to ensure gambling harm is prevented as effectively as possible.
Ontario has already taken measures to ensure the protection of its more vulnerable customers, especially minors, by banning sports betting operators from using celebrities to promote their products.
