Canada Faces Tough Decisions on Betting Ads: Senate Resumes Bill S-269 Debate

After a three-month hiatus, the Canadian Senate resumed discussing Bill S-269, aimed at regulating sports betting advertising. This week's focus was on the influence of gambling advertising on young people, particularly through social media.

During the hearings held on September 24-25, the national framework for the regulation of betting advertising and the possibility of protecting minors and people with gambling addictions were discussed. One of the key witnesses, Lord Michael Grade, warned Canada against repeating the mistakes of Britain, where regulators, he said, failed to consider the rapid development of technology and its impact on gambling.

The senators also noted how the advertising of betting through social media algorithms exacerbates the problem of gambling among youth. The data shows that between 2019 and 2021, teenagers playing online games increased from 4% to 15%.

The draft law provides for limiting the number of advertisements, as well as stricter control to ensure that betting advertisements are not directed at young people.