A provincial lawmaker in Ontario is pressing the government to put a stop to online gambling advertising, arguing that the current system is contributing to growing social and health concerns. The proposal, known as Bill 107, has been introduced with the goal of limiting how gambling platforms promote themselves in the province.

The legislation lays out penalties for companies that continue advertising, including fines that could reach up to one million dollars and the possibility of losing their operating licence in Ontario’s regulated market.

The move comes as debate continues over how the province should handle the expansion of online gambling since private operators were allowed into the market in 2022.

Bill 107 and proposed advertising restrictions

The bill would block online gambling providers from promoting their platforms across Ontario. Its sponsor argues that advertising has become too widespread and is shaping behaviour, particularly among younger residents.

The MPP behind the proposal has framed the issue as one that requires stronger public safeguards, comparing it to past restrictions placed on other addictive products. Speaking about the rationale, the lawmaker said:

“We couldn’t trust companies to police themselves around cigarettes or around cannabis. So, we have laws in place that banned advertising on those things, those highly addictive things. And this online gambling is moving in the exact same direction as those other important public health issues,” she told Now Toronto on Tuesday.

The bill is now moving toward legislative debate scheduled for mid-May, where members of provincial parliament will decide whether to advance it further.

Concerns rise over gambling harm and youth impact

Support for the proposal is tied closely to data showing a sharp rise in gambling-related support calls in Ontario. ConnexOntario, which provides help for people dealing with addiction and mental health challenges, has seen a significant jump in gambling-related contacts since the province opened its iGaming system.

Reports indicate that overall gambling-related calls have risen by 254 per cent since the regulated online market began. Among younger residents, the increases appear even more pronounced. Calls linked to teenage boys have climbed by 144 per cent, while those from people aged 15 to 24 have surged by 337.8 per cent.

Research published in a medical journal also highlighted broader risks. It found that gambling-related harm among young adults is notable, with financial strain and psychological stress among the reported outcomes. Another study from a national substance use and addiction research body showed that nearly a quarter of online gamblers aged 18 to 29 experienced some form of harm in the previous year.

The MPP says constituents have raised concerns about what they see as targeted advertising, particularly toward younger audiences.

“It’s creating this public health crisis in front of us. I’m the mom of teenage boys, I see this in their environment, and so many people talk to me about it. There just seems to be this targeting, especially of young people and young men. So, eliminating advertising for gambling is really the first step in that,” she explained.

Growing push for political backing ahead of vote

Alongside the legislative process, the bill’s sponsor is seeking wider political and public backing. Outreach efforts are planned across the province, including campaigns to encourage residents to support the proposal before it reaches a vote.

A petition is also expected to be launched to collect signatures from Ontarians who want the advertising restrictions in place. The MPP has encouraged colleagues from different parties to consider supporting the bill when it comes before the legislature.

The proposal adds to an ongoing policy discussion in Ontario about how far regulation should go in addressing gambling-related harm, especially as online platforms continue to expand their presence in everyday media and digital spaces.

Source:

‘It’s a public health crisis,’ MPP calls on Ford’s government to ban gambling ads in Ontario, nowtoronto.com, April 21, 2026.