FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
20 April 2026

QUEEN’S PARK, ON — Ontario Liberal MPP Lee Fairclough, Critic for Mental Health, Addictions, and Homelessness, has introduced the Stop Harmful Gambling Advertising Act, 2026, a Private Member’s Bill that would ban the advertising and promotion of online gambling in Ontario.

“Online gambling is becoming a public health crisis,” said Fairclough. “The harms are real — rising addiction, worsening mental health, financial distress, and strain on families. We cannot ignore the impact that Doug Ford’s privatized online gambling is having on people across Ontario.”

Since the Ford Conservative government privatized online gambling in 2022, calls to ConnexOntario have increased by 144 per cent, with most gambling-related contacts linked to online platforms. Young people are among those most affected, particularly adolescent boys and young men.

“Ontario is the only province in the country that has privatized online gambling. The scale and harm of online gambling advertising is out of control,” said Fairclough.

The bill would amend the Gaming Control Act, 1992 to prohibit suppliers of electronic gaming sites, and those acting on their behalf, from advertising or promoting their platforms, with limited exceptions. Violations would carry significant financial penalties and subsequent licence revocation.

Fairclough said since 2022, the volume of gambling advertising — especially in sports and online — is driving the normalization of gambling and harm.

“As a mother of teenage boys, I see how young people are being targeted,” she said. “As an athlete, I see how betting is changing the culture of sports. And from my experience in healthcare, I know how serious the consequences of addiction can be.”

Research from the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction has found that increased advertising is normalizing gambling, particularly among youth, while the Canadian Psychological Association has warned that gambling marketing contributes to addiction and should be restricted.

“Throughout my career in health care, I have seen the damage problem gambling can cause. This is preventable harm, and we should act on it.”

Fairclough is pleased to be joined by co-sponsors MPP Stephen Blais, MPP Ted Hsu, and MPP John Fraser and is calling on all members of the Legislature to support the bill.

“It is time to put public health first”

Ontario Liberal Party

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