Athletes will no longer appear in Ontario gambling ads

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario is moving to ban gambling ads that feature athletes and putting restrictions on appearances from celebrities who could appeal to minors.

The new rules, effective on Feb. 24, 2024, “would help safeguard children and youth who can be particularly susceptible to such advertising content,” the AGCO wrote in a news release. 

“Children and youth are heavily influenced by the athletes and celebrities they look up to,” Tom Mungham, registrar and CEO of the AGCO wrote in the release. 

“We’re therefore increasing measures to protect Ontario’s youth by disallowing the use of these influential figures to promote online betting in Ontario.”