Is it time to ban sports gambling commercials? This might convince you

Here’s a sure bet: If you watch a sporting event tonight, you’re going to see a gambling ad. They’ve become ubiquitous ever since the Ontario government legalized sports betting across the province in 2022.

But doctors are sounding the alarm, warning parents that all those gambling commercials pose a major risk to children and teens.

“Such advertising insidiously normalizes a harmful activity, and children are being exposed, to their detriment,” reads an editorial in the latest issue of the Canadian Medical Association Journal. “Canadian jurisdictions should act to eliminate all commercials that promote sports betting during broadcasts where minors are likely to see them.”

Joining us on tonight’s episode of Closer Look is Dr. Shannon Charlebois, a family physician and editor who co-authored the editorial.

Hosted by Village Media’s Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, and produced by Derek Turner, Closer Look is a new daily podcast that goes way beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.

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