Canada is facing mounting pressure to implement a complete ban on sports betting advertisements, with advocates drawing a direct parallel to the country's historic prohibition of cigarette ads. The call to action comes in response to growing evidence of the severe and widespread harm gambling inflicts on public health.
The Parallel to Tobacco and a Rising Public Health Threat
Senator Percy Downe, in a recent opinion piece, argues that the logic which led to the ban on tobacco advertising must now be applied to gambling promotions. We banned ads for cigarettes because of the harmful effects of smoking on public health, he states. We have mounting evidence that gambling is seriously harmful to Canadians’ health and so the same logic should apply.
While gambling in forms like lotteries and racetracks has long existed, the aggressive expansion of online sports betting, fueled by relentless advertising, represents a dangerous new frontier. These ads saturate digital platforms, television, and radio, often featuring celebrities and promising an exciting “premium gaming experience.” Critics argue they effectively turn smartphones into portable casinos, all while paying lip service to “responsible gaming.”
Devastating Statistics: The Human Cost of Problem Gambling
A stark report published in November 2025 by Mental Health Research Canada quantifies the crisis. It found that approximately 73 per cent of adult Canadians have engaged in gambling. More alarmingly, among those adults, one in 10 were classified as problem gamblers.
The report identifies young men and online gamblers as the most vulnerable groups. For these individuals, the consequences are dire. “Gambling can contribute to significant financial strain, social isolation, psychological distress, and in some cases, suicidal ideation,” the report concluded.
The link to suicide is particularly chilling. The research found that people with gambling problems were four times more likely to have contemplated suicide and seven times more likely to have planned a suicide in the preceding year compared to non-problem gamblers.
Corruption in Sports and a Call for Action
The advertising blitz is not only harming individuals but also corrupting the world of sports itself. The influx of betting money creates powerful temptations for athletes and officials, leading to integrity scandals. Recent examples include two Major League Baseball pitchers in the United States charged with conspiracy for allegedly taking payoffs to influence bets on their performances.
Downe and other proponents of a ban contend that Canada is lagging behind other nations in protecting its citizens. They assert that the proven, devastating impact of gambling addiction—from shattered finances and families to the ultimate tragedy of suicide—demands a decisive regulatory response. The campaign seeks to remove the constant promotional pressure that normalizes and encourages a deeply addictive behaviour, urging lawmakers to prioritize public health over corporate profit.
