U of A Students Advocate for Online Gambling Ad Ban Amid Bill 48

U of A Students Advocate for Online Gambling Ad Ban Amid Bill 48 — The Student Advocates for Public Health (SAPH) at the University of Alberta are advocating for a ban on online gambling advertising as the province expands online betting and gambling privatization with Bill 48. This group also seeks lower betting caps and increased safeguards.

What Happened

Student Advocates for Public Health (SAPH) at the University of Alberta are pursuing a ban on online gambling advertising in response to the province’s increase in online betting and gambling privatization via Bill 48, according to the Calgary Herald. The group is also seeking a reduction in betting caps from the current $20,000 per event and the implementation of additional safeguards.

SAPH convened a panel of experts on Tuesday to address these concerns. The organization highlighted that activities such as 50/50 fundraisers and video games present gambling in ways that could condition children to view it as fun or charitable, as reported by the Calgary Herald.

Key Details

• The Student Advocates for Public Health (SAPH) at the University of Alberta advocate for a complete ban on all online gambling advertising, according to the Calgary Herald.
• SAPH is also pursuing lower betting caps, advocating for a reduction from the current $20,000 per event, as reported by the Calgary Herald.
• The group sent an open letter to Connor McDavid and the Oilers, stating that online gambling companies partner with athletes like McDavid to build credibility, decrease skepticism, and target new online gamblers, according to the Calgary Herald.

Why It Matters

The student group asserted that there are connections between problem gambling and mental disorders, with debt and compulsive behavior accelerating problematic coping mechanisms, as stated by SAPH team member Sarah Toay in the Calgary Herald. Toay described the situation as “exploitative either way.” The SAPH contends that advertisements are designed to make online gambling appear as low-risk entertainment, despite statistical evidence to the contrary, according to the Calgary Herald. This advocacy emerges as Alberta prepares to launch its gambling market before summer, drawing private operators under Bill 48, reportedly.

Originally reported by: Calgary Herald. Published: 4/7/2026, 8:18:17 PM.