Let’s finally ban harmful gambling advertising
On April 20th, MPP Fairclough introduced Bill 107, the Stop Harmful Gambling Advertising Act, which MPP Blais was very proud to co-sponsor. This legislation, if passed, would prohibit the advertising and promotion of online gambling in Ontario.
A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal in early March found that since the Ford Conservative government privatized online gambling in 2022, the rate of young men contacting Ontario’s free 24/7 mental health and addictions helpline, ConnexOntario, for gambling-related issues increased bymore than 144%.
Gambling can be just as addictive as alcohol, tobacco and cannabis, substances that are all subject to strict advertising restrictions. Why is gambling treated differently? 1/3 Canadian adults aged 18-29 report gambling online and 1/4 young adults who gamble experience a high level of gambling-related harms, including suicidal ideation.
The sharp and dangerous rise in gambling addictions across Ontario needs to be treated as the urgent public health crisis that it has been for many years now.
Bill 107 will be debated in the Legislature on Wednesday May 13th. Although MPP Blais remain skeptical, he really hopes that the Ford Conservative government chooses to vote in favour of this important legislation that puts the well-being of Ontarians first.
As an avid sports fan, MPP Blais is sick and tired of being completely bombarded with gambling ads during a game. He spoke about the dangerous level of gambling ads in sports broadcasting during a joint press conference. You can watch it below.