Share 
A group of Ontario Liberal MPPs has introduced Bill 107 to ban most online gambling advertising. The move would reduce promotional exposure for players across the province. The private member’s bill would amend the Gaming Control Act. It arrives alongside federal measures (S-211), which also target sports betting ads nationwide.
What the Bill Would Do and the Industry Implications
Bill 107, the Stop Harmful Gambling Advertising Act, would bar licensed Ontario online sportsbooks and casinos from advertising or promoting their products in the province.
Key provisions include:
- Fines up to $1 million for convicted operators.
- Licence revocation on a second or subsequent conviction.
- Carve-outs for some ads originating outside Ontario, but broad prohibitions on broadcast, social media and paid sponsorships.
Proponents frame the measure as a public-health response to rising problem-gambling rates and the normalization of sports betting. Etobicoke-Lakeshore MPP Lee Fairclough leads the group. The bill explicitly cites Ontario’s status as the only province to privatize online gambling. The market opened in April 2022.
Opponents point to practical and political hurdles. The governing Progressive Conservatives hold a substantial majority in the legislature, and the bill is partisan with three Liberal co-sponsors.
The measure also arrives as Alberta prepares to launch a commercial iGaming market. The timing highlights diverging provincial approaches to online gambling regulation.
This provincial action sits alongside federal efforts, notably S-211 in the House of Commons. Together, they signal growing momentum among Canadian lawmakers to restrict gambling advertising at multiple levels of government.
What This Means for Players
- Access to licensed sites: A provincial ad ban would not directly block players from using licensed Ontario operators. It targets only marketing, not access or play.
- Promotions and offers: Expect fewer public-facing promotions and sponsorships. Operators may shift to direct communication channels, such as account emails or in-app messaging, subject to regulatory approval.
- Service continuity: Operators remain subject to provincial licensing rules. Repeated breaches could lead to heavy fines or licence loss. Strict enforcement could affect service availability for players.
Players should monitor official updates from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and operators’ terms of service. Those with concerns should use available responsible-gambling tools.
Looking Ahead
The bill is not law yet. It has cleared first reading and is ordered for second reading, so any changes remain uncertain. No timeline for final passage is set.
Watch for the parliamentary debate by Ontario liberals and the federal S-211 progress in the House of Commons. Both could shape advertising rules nationwide. In the meantime, players should stay informed through regulatory notices and remember to gamble responsibly.
