Editor,
A few months ago my letter was published regarding the over-proliferation of commercial gambling advertising.
Effective February 28, 2024, there was a supposed “ban” on sports stars, entertainers, influencers and other celebrities from appearing in commercials that encourage people to gamble. Yes, exactly!
Thanks to the incompetence and indifference of both AGCO and the provincial government, a legislative loophole has emerged large enough to pass a Zamboni, perhaps even larger than the egos of the online casino bosses.
It turns out that all gambling sites have to do is add a small print Flash message at the end of their commercials urging people to “gamble responsibly” and the commercial easily passes the ridiculously low bar. Let's face it, TV networks would NOT turn down commercial revenue from ANY source, ethical or otherwise.
First on board, of course, was MGM, the biggest abuser of celebrity endorsements. Others will surely follow. The mere sight of the aggressive, over-the-top Jamie Foxx is enough to make my blood run cold as he seems like a fitting candidate for the gambling “industry” to keep all Ontarians fed up.
Thank you AGCO, thank you Doug.
Mike Robertson, Meaford
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