Hockey fans can likely bet on seeing more gambling-related advertising — for now

Hockey fans can likely bet on seeing more gambling-related advertising -- for now

Click the link above to read the full article. The article was published on November 27, 2022 and written by Geoff Nixon at CBC News.

A recent Bantering Bosses podcast topic from Episode #5 (linked here), the surge in betting apps since the recent legalization in Ontario has been overwhelming. Whether commercials on TV or billboard ads driving around Toronto, the marketing push is unavoidable. The article discusses how sports books are competing for consumers business as well as shares some pretty staggering dollar figures.

Not everyone is happy with the push...

"It is forced upon us every few minutes," said Gordon Rendell, writing via email from Happy Valley-Goose Bay, N.L., and summing up a frustration he and other like-minded fans are feeling. There are TV ads promoting sports betting, broadcast segments devoted to sports betting, digital ads on arena boards promoting sports book companies — all part of the fierce competition for the business of people who want to bet.

How did it all start? 

The sharp rise in betting-related content in hockey media follows the legalization of single-event sports betting in Canada last year. That allowed provinces to regulate betting within those regions. Ontario led the way, launching its regulated betting market in April. A double-digit list of companies are now legally taking online bets on sporting events from Ontarians.

How much money is being gambled? 

"We have a ton of money pouring in — both into the U.S. and into Canada, as you're opening up a gigantic market," said Matheson, an expert on sports economics and gambling. In Ontario alone, bettors registered more than $4 billion in wagers between April and the end of June. That total topped $6 billion the following quarter.

You may have seen your favourite celebrity, ex-athlete, and/or current athlete advertising for one of the companies. In Canada, we know hockey is king, so the focus has been on inking deals with top hockey superstars including Auston Matthews, Connor McDavid and the Great One himself, Wayne Gretzky.

The concern isn't just for adults gambling responsibly but for young viewers as well.

"They are going to grow up in an environment where they are going to be very, very aware of sports betting, aware of gambling and it's [being] introduced to them at a very, very young age."

To quote a wise old gambler, who some of you may know, "Be careful. YOU WILL LOSE!".

The article linked and mentioned above was published on November 27, 2022 and written by Geoff Nixon at CBC News. Check out Geoff's articles and profile here. Visit CBC News here.