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Canada’s proposed sports betting advertising restrictions face opposition from Ontario and Alberta as a Liberal MP pushes for a nationwide ban.
Bill S-211 is before the House standing committee on Canadian heritage for study, according to CBC. Sen. Marty Deacon introduced the bill in May 2025.
Liberal MP Michael Coteau wants the legislation to go further.
“I hope this legislation gets to a point where we can ban (sports betting ads) completely across this country,” Coteau said.
Supporters Cite Gambling-Related Health Concerns
Deacon cited a University of Toronto study on gambling-disorder emergency room visits in Ontario. Those visits had nearly doubled since single-event sports betting legalization in 2021 and the private online gambling market’s expansion in 2022.
“Gambling harms are particularly insidious because it’s hard for friends and family to pick up on this,” Deacon told the committee.
Bardish Chagger said gambling-related calls to ConnexOntario rose 161% among males aged 15 to 24 over the last five years.
“Gambling should not be an expected part of being a sports fan,” Chagger said.
Provinces and Broadcasters Challenge Federal Restrictions
Ontario and Alberta oppose the federal bill. Both provinces allow dozens of private commercial operators in expanded betting markets, CBC reported. Elsewhere in Canada, online gambling and sports betting generally run through single provincial government entities.
Ontario Atty. Gen. Doug Downey said the province should retain responsibility for regulating advertising. Alberta minister Dale Nally said the bill would create a two-tier regulatory system and could threaten future provincial revenues.
Bloc Québécois MP Martin Champoux also opposed the bill in its current form, citing contradictions with existing Quebec legislation.
The Canadian Association of Broadcasters urged Parliament to work with provincial regulators and stakeholders before adding another regulatory layer.
The committee had been scheduled to vote Thursday. That meeting was adjourned after Conservatives introduced two other debates. According to CBC’s Oct. 30 report, clause-by-clause consideration is next scheduled for Tuesday.
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Source: As reported by CBC.
