TLDR Canada’s Bill S-211, which would limit gambling ads during sports broadcasts, is set for its third and final reading this month. A review of the 2026 NHL playoffs found Canadian viewers saw about 3,000 gambling ads. A 2024 study found two to three gambling ads per minute during NHL games. Health groups support the bill, while leaders in Ontario and Alberta oppose it. The PWHL has betting ties through a FanDuel partnership and an Ottawa Charge casino deal.
Canadian lawmakers are moving forward with a bill that would limit gambling ads during sports broadcasts. Bill S-211 is set for its third and final reading this month.
The bill comes as research shows hockey fans in Canada see a large number of betting promotions. Most of the studies focus on the NHL, but the rules could also affect women’s hockey.
How Many Ads Hockey Fans See
A review of NHL playoff broadcasts in 2026 found that Canadian viewers saw about 3,000 gambling ads. That count included regular commercials, ads built into the broadcast, and branding on boards and equipment.
A separate study of NHL games in 2024 found two to three gambling ads per minute. Together, the findings show that betting promotions run through the whole game, not just during breaks.
The proposed limits could cut that exposure by a large amount. However, the bill is still under review.
Leaders in Ontario and Alberta have spoken out against the legislation. Their opposition shows there is no political agreement on the issue.
The Canadian Mental Health Association and Public Health Physicians of Canada support the bill. Both groups have raised concerns about how gambling affects mental health and personal finances.
The report also points to a worsening link between gambling addiction and suicide in Canada in recent years.