Canada

What Do Canadians Think About Gambling Ads And Its Possible Ban?

Published

11 months ago

June 7, 2023

What Do Canadians Think About Gambling Ads And Its Possible Ban?

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Canadians’ opinions on gambling advertisements and the potential ban surrounding them have sparked considerable interest. The issue has ignited discussions about the impact of these ads on society and individuals. With concerns about excessive gambling and its consequences, some Canadians advocate for a ban on gambling advertisements, while others emphasize the importance of freedom of expression and responsible gambling messaging.

This article delves into the perspectives of Canadians regarding gambling ads and explores the potential implications of a ban, shedding light on the ongoing debate surrounding this contentious issue.

How Does the Online Gambling Ads Industry Work in Canada?

In Canada, the gambling ads industry operates within a regulatory framework that aims to balance the promotion of gambling activities with responsible advertising practices. The influence of gambling ads can be significant, especially considering the increasing popularity of online gambling platforms and the widespread use of digital advertising. Also, gamblers consider ads as one of the indicators to choose the most suitable and profitable platform which makes ads even more important. If you are also looking for the best online casino Canada, you can take into account the ads and their suggestions.

The regulations for gambling ads in Canada vary across provinces and territories, as each jurisdiction has its own gambling regulatory authority. For instance, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) oversees gambling activities in Ontario, while the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) is responsible for gambling regulations in British Columbia. These regulatory bodies enforce rules to ensure that gambling ads are socially responsible, fair, and compliant with relevant laws.

While successful examples of gambling ads in Canada can be subjective, several notable campaigns have gained attention. The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation’s (OLG) “Know Your Limit, Play Within It” campaign focuses on promoting responsible gambling behaviors and educating players about the importance of setting limits. This campaign emphasizes the importance of self-control and moderation.

The influence of gambling ads in Canada is substantial, as they have the potential to shape perceptions and behaviors. Effective gambling advertisements can create a sense of excitement, showcase the variety of gambling options available, and entice individuals to participate. However, there are concerns that these ads may also contribute to problem gambling behaviors or target vulnerable individuals.

To address these concerns, Canadian regulations impose restrictions on gambling advertising content and placement. Advertisements must include responsible gambling messages, such as promoting self-exclusion programs, providing information on problem gambling helplines, and encouraging responsible play.

Are Gambling Ads Good or Bad?

From the perspective of casinos, gambling ads serve as a means to attract new customers and promote their offerings. Through captivating visuals, enticing promotions, and enticing narratives, these advertisements aim to create brand awareness and generate revenue. They provide a platform to showcase the diverse range of games, amenities, and entertainment options available at a casino. Moreover, ads often emphasize the potential for large winnings, which can pique the interest of individuals who may not have considered gambling previously.

For gamblers, gambling ads can offer valuable information about new games, promotions, and special events. They can provide a sense of excitement and anticipation, encouraging individuals to visit a casino and engage in their preferred form of gambling. Additionally, these advertisements can serve as reminders for responsible gambling practices, with many ads featuring messages about setting limits, seeking help for problem gambling, and promoting self-control.

However, some argue that these advertisements may normalize and glamorize gambling, leading to excessive or problematic gambling behaviors. They may also target vulnerable individuals, such as those struggling with addiction or financial difficulties, exacerbating their challenges. Critics also contend that the pervasive nature of gambling ads can create an environment that encourages impulsive or uninformed gambling decisions.

Gambling Ads Can Be Banned in Canada

Prominent figures such as Olympic medalist Clara Hughes, children’s entertainer Raffi Cavoukian, and former school principal and NHL hockey dad Karl Subban support the Campaign to Ban Ads for Gambling in Canada. Their involvement raises awareness about the concerns surrounding gambling advertisements and advocates for stricter regulations to protect vulnerable individuals and youth. The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) also raises concerns about gambling ads.

CMHA Ontario CEO Camille Quenneville expresses deep concern about the negative impact of online gambling advertising, including sports betting, on vulnerable individuals, especially youth. Studies have shown that gambling advertisements normalize the behavior and contribute to increased gambling among young people. According to a recent Statistics Canada study, over 300,000 Canadians are identified as being at moderate or severe risk for gambling-related issues.

In response to these concerns, there are varying opinions on how to address the issue. While some argue for a complete ban on gambling ads, others, like Jeffrey Derevensky from the International Centre for Youth Gambling and High-Risk Behaviors, propose implementing regulations as a solution.

The debate surrounding gambling advertising reflects the need to strike a balance between promoting responsible gambling practices and protecting vulnerable individuals, especially young people, from the potential harm associated with excessive exposure to gambling promotions. Derevensky proposes reducing the number of ads and making them less enticing, as well as scheduling them for later hours to limit exposure to younger audiences.

Balancing the need to protect vulnerable individuals while still allowing for responsible gambling is a complex challenge. The focus should be on promoting responsible gambling practices and raising awareness about potential risks associated with gambling rather than solely relying on advertising to attract customers.

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Canada

Glitnor Group expands IBIA’s betting integrity presence in Ontario

Published

1 week ago

April 10, 2024

Adrienn Sarkany

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Glitnor Group, operating under the LCKY Group in Ontario, has joined the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA). Glitnor Group’s luckycasino.ca brand sportsbook will feed into IBIA’s world leading betting integrity monitoring platform. The operator joins over 50 companies and 125 leading sports betting brands in IBIA and further cements the association’s position as the leading sports betting integrity monitoring body in Ontario and globally.

David Schwieler LCKY Group CEO, said: “At Glitnor Group, we’re dead serious about keeping our betting games fair and square. That’s why teaming up with IBIA is a big deal for us. We know how crucial it is to protect the spirit of sports, and we’re ready to roll up our sleeves and work closely with the IBIA to make sure sports betting stays exciting, speedy, and above all, fair.”

Khalid Ali, CEO of IBIA, said: “I am delighted to welcome Glitnor Group as IBIA’s latest member in Ontario. Glitnor and IBIA share a common goal to maintain the integrity of the sports betting marketplace and to protecting consumers and sports from match-fixing. Ensuring product integrity is paramount to our approach and we look forward to integrating Glitnor within our leading global sports betting integrity monitoring system.”

IBIA is a not-for-profit body that has no competing conflicts with the delivery of commercial services to other sectors and is run by operators for operators to protect regulated sports betting markets from match-fixing. IBIA’s global monitoring network is a highly effective anti-corruption tool, detecting and reporting suspicious activity in regulated betting markets.

Through the IBIA global monitoring network it is possible to track transactional activities linked to individual customer accounts. IBIA members have over $300bn per annum in betting turnover (handle), accounting for approximately 50% of the global commercial regulated land-based and online sports betting sector, and in excess of 50% for online alone.

IBIA recently released a report on the Availability of Sports Betting Products which highlighted Ontario as a leading regulated gambling jurisdiction, with an expected onshore channelisation for sports betting of 92% in 2024 forecast to rise to 97% in 2028. IBIA currently represents over 60% of the private sports betting operators licensed in the province. All online sports betting operators licensed in Ontario are required to be part of a betting integrity monitoring body.

IBIA’s 2023 annual integrity report detailed 184 alerts reported in the year, which represents a decrease of 101 (or 35%) on the revised 2022 figure of 285 alerts. IBIA alerts contributed to the investigations and subsequent successful sanctioning of 21 clubs, players and officials in 2023, an increase on the 15 sanctioned in 2022.

Canada

SOFTSWISS Obtains Firstly Issued B2B Tobique Gaming Licence

Published

2 weeks ago

April 3, 2024

George Miller

SOFTSWISS Obtains Firstly Issued B2B Tobique Gaming Licence

Reading Time: 2 minutes

SOFTSWISS, an iGaming software provider celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2024, has obtained the B2B Tobique Gaming Licence, the first ever issued in the jurisdiction. The Tobique Gaming Commission (TGC) and Differentia Licensing Advisory Group Limited (DLAG), a provider and facilitator to gaming companies for international gaming licences, authorised SOFTSWISS to engage in business activities for one year.

Located in western New Brunswick, Canada, the Tobique First Nation is a sovereign indigenous community issuing online gambling licences through the TGC under the Tobique Gaming Act of 2023. The licence, recognised as the B2B Tobique Gaming Licence, offers businesses the prospect of international operations, facilitating the establishment of a global footprint. The licence covers various categories of real money betting, including sports, casino games and lottery. Its significant advantages include the streamlined application process, reasonable price and quick acquisition.

Yuri Sharapa, Head of Country Projects at SOFTSWISS, comments: “Acquiring a new licence is a remarkable achievement for us, signifying our dedication to offering our clients a diverse range of options. We extend our gratitude to the Tobique Gaming Commission for their trust and stringent standards. We are proud to announce that one of the companies under the SOFTSWISS brand has become the first company to secure the B2B Tobique iGaming Licence.”

“The DLAG team is pleased to announce that the first Tobique Licence has been granted. The Licensee is under the tier-1 international brand, SOFTSWISS, in our industry, recognised for its leading products and services. These are exciting times for both the gaming world and Tobique!” adds Graham Martin, Chairman of DLAG.

SOFTSWISS supplies multiple operators under three international licences: MGA, CGA, and Kahnawake. Additionally, SOFTSWISS has several national licences and certifications, among which the recently obtained South African Licence through the acquisition of Turfsport, a leading South African provider of wagering software with 35 years of experience. Additionally, last year, as part of its strategy to enter regulated markets, the SOFTSWISS Casino Platform and the SOFTSWISS Sportsbook obtained GLI-19 and GLI-33 certifications, respectively.

About SOFTSWISS

SOFTSWISS is an international tech company supplying software solutions for managing iGaming projects. The expert team, which counts over 2,000 employees, is based in Malta, Poland and Georgia. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides one-stop-shop iGaming software solutions. The company has a vast product portfolio, including the Casino Platform, Game Aggregator, the Affilka affiliate tracking platform, Sportsbook Platform, and Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS was the first in the world to introduce a Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution.

Canada

Hacksaw Gaming and Caesars Digital Partner to Launch Online Casino Games in Ontario

Published

4 months ago

December 21, 2023

Alan Campbell

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Launch brings Hacksaw Gaming titles to Caesars Palace Online Casino and Caesars Sportsbook & Casino in Ontario

Hacksaw Gaming today announced its first market launch with Caesars Digital in North America, in the regulated iGaming province of Ontario, Canada. The new partnership marks the exciting launch of new games on Caesars Palace Online Casino and Caesars Sportsbook & Casino in the province.

This new partnership, a first between the two companies, will bring familiar titles to online casino players and will be followed by a dedicated roadmap for additional launches in more jurisdictions in 2024, showcasing the entire Hacksaw Gaming catalog. The first release of games includes Hacksaw Gaming classics Wanted Dead or a Wild, RIP City, Hand of Anubis and Mines.

“Forging partnerships with new faces is always an exciting time but the influence of Caesars Digital is one we pride,” the Chief Executive Officer for Hacksaw Gaming, Marcus Cordes, said. “Launching this partnership in Ontario is the perfect place to begin our journey.”

“Hacksaw Gaming brings an exciting catalog of games to our platforms that should provide a thrilling experience for our players,” the Senior Vice-President and Chief iGaming Officer for Caesars Digital, Matthew Sunderland, said. “We’re excited to see how our players engage with this content in Ontario and in jurisdictions in the future through our new partnership.”