According to a new poll from Maru Public Opinion (MPO), most Canadians have a real aversion to sports betting ads. They have little love lost for iGaming ads either, even if they feature a hockey god like Wayne Gretzky.
MPO conducted the poll in February with a total of 1,534 respondents, according to CDC Gaming Reports.
The results were as follows:
- 68 percent want celebs and current team players barred from participating in ads.
- 66 percent oppose sports betting ads during events.
- 59 percent want an immediate nationwide ban on sports betting ads.
- 62 percent believe sportsbooks act irresponsible when it comes to ads.
- 53 percent say such ads require more government oversight.
- 72 percent indicate a need to protect youth from sports betting ads.
On a more positive note, 24 percent claim betting on sports makes them want to watch games more.
17 percent wagered on a pro sporting match using an online sportsbook. Of those, 33 percent constitute young Canadians.
A breakdown in the prevalence of sports betting by province reveals: Manitoba/Saskatchewan (25 percent) and Ontario (20 percent), Atlantic Canada (20 percent), British Columbia (14 percent), Quebec (9 percent), and Alberta (8 percent).
Will these results change the situation in Canada? Ontario has strengthened advertising standards to minimize the use of celebrities who might appeal to minors. The province has scrapped ads that highlighted Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid, Gretzky and Kevin Garnett.
Regulations underwent modifications to ban ads with cartoon figures, role models, symbols, social media influencers and celebs, all capable of appealing to minors.
