The Ontario regulator responsible for alcohol and gambling, the AGCO, is taking measures to restrict gaming promotions aimed at youth. Effective February 28th, 2024, the AGCO will prohibit internet gaming operators from featuring athletes and famous personalities in their marketing campaigns.
Consequently, popular hockey stars or musicians will no longer appear in online gambling advertisements. The AGCO is particularly worried about the impact these individuals have on young people, who are more susceptible to being enticed into gambling due to their influence. This prohibition encompasses anyone with a significant following among young demographics, including social media influencers and animated figures.
The AGCO has been examining this matter and engaging in discussions with various stakeholders, such as public health entities and specialists in gambling addiction, to ensure the appropriateness of this action. They are confident that this modification will contribute to safeguarding children and adolescents in Ontario.
Ontarios gaming watchdog is taking a hard line. They’ve instituted a comprehensive prohibition on famous personalities endorsing wagering, aiming to safeguard youth from developing addictions. It’s not just well-known figures facing the pressure. Gaming enterprises have a lengthy roster of regulations to adhere to, including ensuring their promotions don’t focus on minors, particularly not near educational institutions or areas frequented by adolescents. This stricter approach follows a substantial penalty imposed on Apollo Entertainment, a firm that seemingly missed the message about ethical gaming practices. It appears Ontario is committed to maintaining a spotless reputation for its gaming sector.
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