Online gambling advertising surge – Alberta has experienced a ‘gold rush’ of online gambling ads, raising concerns among residents.
What Happened
Since July 17th, companies such as BetRivers, Caesars Palace Online, BetMGM, FanDuel, and DraftKings have begun operations and advertising in Alberta. This follows the launch of the regulated private iGaming market, leading to a noticeable influx of advertisements for online casinos and sports betting on radio, internet platforms like YouTube and Instagram, and television.
Key Details
- Nearly a dozen online gambling advertisements, including a massive five-metre slot machine, are visible inside West Edmonton Mall.
- Retired Edmonton nurse Lorie Grundy has observed a significant increase in commercials on billboards and during sports broadcasts, drawing comparisons to past cigarette advertising.
- Unlike traditional casinos, online gambling offers 24/7 accessibility without direct human oversight, although companies are mandated to monitor and report problematic behaviour.
- Grundy expressed concern over advertisements featuring sports idols, especially considering the potential impact on vulnerable individuals and children.
- Gambling researcher Carrie Shaw from the University of Alberta attributes the advertising influx to the highly competitive nature of the new market.
Why It Matters
The proliferation of online gambling advertisements in Alberta, particularly those featuring sports idols, raises significant concerns about public health and the potential for increased addiction. Critics like Lorie Grundy highlight the insidious nature of online gambling, where habits can go unnoticed due to the lack of in-person oversight, drawing parallels to the historical societal harm of cigarette advertising. As the market matures, the societal impact and the effectiveness of current regulatory obligations for monitoring problematic behaviour will be key areas of focus.