Beginning on February 28th, 2024, Ontario will implement stricter regulations on wagering promotions targeting youth. The Ontario Alcohol and Gaming Commission (AGCO) is prohibiting the inclusion of sports stars and well-known personalities in any promotional materials for internet-based betting. Consequently, you will no longer encounter your preferred hockey star or vocalist encouraging you to gamble. The AGCO is particularly focused on safeguarding adolescents, who may be more susceptible to the influence of famous individuals endorsing gambling. This resolution follows extensive discussions with diverse stakeholders, including public health entities and specialists in compulsive gambling, who provided valuable insights into the associated dangers. Tom Mungham, the head of AGCO, stressed the significant impact these individuals can have on young people’s perceptions and aims to guarantee that online gambling within Ontario is not advertised in a potentially detrimental manner.
Alongside the prohibition of famous person promotions, gaming enterprises in Ontario must adhere to a separate set of regulations, as mandated by the AGCO. These regulations strictly limit advertisements that could attract children, such as those featuring animated figures or any imagery evoking “recreational enjoyment.” Furthermore, displaying advertisements near educational institutions or other areas frequented by youth is strictly forbidden. The AGCO is deeply committed to preventing underage gambling, even issuing a substantial penalty to Apollo Entertainment recently for noncompliance. Ontario is demonstrably dedicated to promoting responsible gambling and establishing rigorous standards for the sector.