Senate Passes National Sports Betting Advertising Regulation Bill

Bill S-269, which would establish a national regulatory framework for sports betting advertising in Canada, was passed by the Senate on Tuesday.

After deliberations in the Transport and Communications Committee, which held its first debate in June and hearings in late September and early October, the bill was referred to the Senate for further debate.

Bill S-269 does not ban gambling advertising entirely, but it does require the Department of Canadian Heritage to develop a national regulatory framework for sports betting advertising. This includes restrictions on the size and location of advertising, as well as the use of celebrities and athletes in advertising campaigns. In particular, it is also envisaged to introduce standards for the prevention and diagnosis of harmful gambling.

The bill will now be sent to the House of Commons for further discussion.