Online gambling ads to be banned in Ontario

Following in the footsteps of a United States crackdown on online gambling, the Canadian province of Ontario introduced legislation today that would ban advertisements from gambling websites.  

Despite a stipulation that allows ‘free-money’ gambling sites to advertise, legal experts believe the bill will create confusion and uncertainty regarding the legality of online gambling.  

Ontario cannot ban online gambling outright; that type of legislation would need to be passed by the federal government.  

Gerry Phillips, Ontario's Minister of Government Services, said that the bill was proposed after studies showed an increase in teenage gambling addiction.  

Phillips also admitted that there is pressure from the horse-racing industry due to a drop in revenue because of online gambling websites.  

“We don't allow drug dealers to advertise crack houses, and we won't allow gaming sites that prey on children to advertise either," said Phillips.

Gambling experts also noted the connection between the United States ‘fund transfer’ legislation and the proposed advertising ban in Ontario; neither country’s legislation actually prohibits online gambling.