Ontario Gaming Regulators Considering Ban on Athletes in Online Betting Ads

If gaming officials in Ontario have their way, sportsbook and other iGaming advertisements featuring athletes could be going, going, gone.

In a statement Thursday, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) announced a proposed rule that would require licensed operators in Canada’s most populous province to end all promotional deals with active or retired athletes.

The organization also wants to ban the use of any celebrity endorser who would be “reasonably expected to appeal to minors.” The regulatory body’s definition of celebrity appealing to youth includes entertainers, social media influencers, and cartoon characters. Not all celebrity deals would be banned.

Currently, the AGCO bans celebrities who “primarily appeal” to youth.

Ontario allows adults 19 and older to place bets on licensed apps.
 
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