Ontario Plans to Ban Advertising of Offshore Internet Gambling Sites

The Ontario provincial government is considering amending its Consumer Protection Act, 2002, to prohibit the advertising of Internet sites that operate an "Internet gaming business" contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada. An "Internet gaming business" means a supplier that accepts or offers to accept wagers or bets over the Internet as part of the playing of or participation in any game of chance or mixed chance and skill outside Canada or on any contingency or on any event inside or outside of Canada including a casino game, card game, horse race, fight match, sporting event or contest. Advertising includes promotion by print, publication, broadcast, telecommunications, self-promotion and a website link if it is intended to promote the use of an Internet gaming business.

The proposed bill, Bill 152, also prohibits persons, other than Internet service providers, from arranging for or otherwise facilitating the advertising of online gambling sites.

Bill 152 is supported by Ontario's horseracing industry which has lobbied the government for several years to take action to ban the people of Ontario from gambling online, a move they say will ensure the economic viability of the industry.