In Canada, the Canadian Football League (CFL) has expressed its opposition to the federal regulation of sports betting advertisements. Instead, they want to advocate self-regulation by professional sports organizations. Randy Ambrosie, the commissioner of the CFL, wrote a letter to the Senate to explain his stance on the matter. Ambrosie wants a balanced approach to ensure sports betting integrity.
What has Randy Amrosie done to help fight for self-regulation in Canada?
Bill S-269 passed its second reading in the Senate. This bill would significantly limit sports betting advertising and establish a national standard to present problem gambling. CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie wrote a letter to the Senate in response to Bill S-269. Most notably, it would ban endorsements by celebrities and athletes in all forms of sports betting. Randy Ambrosie argued that a national framework for sports betting ads is unnecessary.
He noted that the industry has already set safeguards to prevent abuse of gaming integrity. Ambrosie used the CFL as an example of a league that was able to self-regulate. Adding further measures could disrupt a system that has already been working, He had this to say.
“We do not agree a national framework is required to regulate the advertising of sports betting in Canada.” – Randy Ambrosie
Will regulators ever have a balanced approach to gaming integrity in Canada?
The only legal retail sportsbooks currently open in Canada are in Ontario. Per iGaming Ontario, the province handles roughly $63 billion in wagers annually. Even with the success they’ve had, there are still issues with regulatory measures. Bill S-269 wants to significantly limit sports betting advertising. On the flip side, CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie believes that additional federal regulation is unwanted. He’s been an advocate for a balanced approach in Canada. Ambrosie wants to preserve gaming integrity while allowing for the benefits of regulated sports betting. High-profile leagues in Canada have been working together to address these evolving changes.
