Two Canadian senators are calling for a nationwide ban on sports betting ads, saying the fast growth of single event betting has become a public health issue. According to CBC, Senators Percy Downe and Marty Deacon sent a letter to the prime minister asking the federal government to act. They want the Canadian Radio television and Telecommunications Commission to stop all sports betting ads across the country. 

Their request is supported by 40 other senators who are worried about how common gambling promotions have become. The senators believe the nonstop ads are encouraging more Canadians to bet, turning their phones into what they call a pocket sized casino. They say the large number of gambling messages is unhealthy for viewers and may strongly affect young people who are easily influenced.

Evidence of Rising Gambling Exposure

Recent findings from CBC Marketplace show that gambling ads make up about 21 percent of a typical sports broadcast. Another study by Marketplace and UK researchers found that fans now see gambling messages around three times per minute during televised games.

Senator Downe said the problem has grown since single event sports betting was legalized in 2021 under Bill C 218. He explained that betting now goes beyond predicting game winners, with options like which player will score in the next five minutes.

Downe believes this easy access encourages more frequent gambling and can lead to negative effects for some Canadians. He noted that new rules, such as limits on using sports stars in ads, are not enough. He compared the issue to past tobacco advertising and suggested a full ban could reduce harm.

Mental Health Professionals Raise Concerns

Mental health experts are also voicing their worries. Halifax counselling therapist Elizabeth Stephen told CBC that she has seen a noticeable rise in sports betting ads during broadcasts. She believes such exposure can strongly affect young people whose decision making skills are still developing. Some of her clients have said the volume of ads makes watching sports stressful, with one explaining that the constant betting messages feel too triggering and overwhelming.

Growing Political Support for Change

Political support for stricter rules appears to be increasing. Charlottetown MP Sean Casey said he agrees with the key points raised by the senators, especially the social harms linked to heavy gambling promotion. He highlighted ongoing work on Bill S 211, which aims to create a national framework for sports betting advertising and is currently moving through the House of Commons.

 Casey said the bill is a practical step, although wider restrictions are still being discussed. The senators maintain that stronger federal action is needed, saying that while personal vulnerabilities cannot be removed, regulations can help prevent companies from taking advantage of them.