This opinion article by Canadian Gaming Association President and CEO Paul Burns was originally published in the May 2024 issue of Canadian Gaming Business magazine.

I am still amazed at how there are people who never let the truth get in the way of telling the story they want to tell. Manipulating public opinion isn’t a new phenomenon and regrettably is increasingly being practiced with fresh vigour.

There are those who oppose Canada’s growing gaming industry and are applying what Stephen Colbert described as “truthiness” in their rhetoric. I need not repeat their rhetoric here, lest we give it more oxygen than it deserves. 

What they are saying feels right to them, but I need to strongly emphasise that what they are saying is simply not true.

Here are the facts:

The CGA is fully supportive of responsible gambling efforts, regulated advertising and the increasing efforts our members are taking to keep gaming and sports betting fun and safe. We actively participated in the AGCO consultation on the changes to iGaming advertising standards and were in favour of the new rules. 

But this is an important time for our industry. And like other new and growing sectors of the economy, competitors are seeking market share and to build brand awareness within the context of Ontario’s licensed, regulated market. 

It is ethical and appropriate for licensed operators to promote their brands… The CGA will continue working to ensure that future changes are driven by facts and evidence versus emotion.

Within the existing constraints established by our regulators, plus the additional guidelines and standards set by leagues and broadcast partners, it is ethical and appropriate for licensed operators to promote their brands.

Canada is, in my view, the greatest country in the world. Yet, there has been an undercurrent of our history that has limited the potential of our best and brightest.

We are, and can remain, global leaders in online gaming. But our ability to succeed and create domestic jobs and economic growth from building platforms and systems that can be applied globally will be at risk through over-regulation and baseless accusations.

The CGA will continue working to ensure that future changes are driven by facts and evidence versus emotion. Gambling advertising is highly regulated already, and that regulation here in Canada is leading the world.