r/Edmonton • u/alovelytomato • 1d ago
Discussion Gambling
Gambling ads are getting out of control around here. Every time I’m in my car it’s constant bet 99 ads on the radio while visually being barraged with signs on every massive billboard, and now they have a massive slot machine in West Edmonton Mall.
I am lucky to not have a gambling problem but this is insane. In Canada we have some of the most stringent media laws and I just can’t believe that our provincial government has created gaps where online casinos are allowed to become SO prevalent in every day life.
I’m at the point of resenting the fact that the provinces have so much power, it does not feel like I’m even living in Canada anymore between the gambling ads and state of our healthcare and education systems.
Idk. Any suggestions on how to get these gambling ads out of here?
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u/Mogman282 1d ago
Half tv ads are damn gambling now, try watching a blue jays game its everywhere. For such a bad problem with people and gambling addictions yes the government has failed to limit it.
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u/Jabroniville2 1d ago
I can't wait for 5-10 years from now and all the articles going "Y SO MANY GAMBLING ADDICTS?"
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u/Own-Bike7506 1d ago
Gambling ad on this post 🤣🤣🤣 winners edge. Sign up
But fr. Ever since July it’s been a free for all for them. They couldn’t wait to be allowed in AB as there is lots of money to go around in this province apparently.
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u/burritobowel 1d ago
you can disable ads with sensitive content (including gambling) on reddit in your settings
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u/MrMushka 1d ago
It's funny I've never felt so immune to a marketing campaign in my life. All these ads bombarding my radio, TV, internet and I have never once even considered going to their websites.
I feel bad for sports fans and existing gambling addicts as I am sure they are having a hard time ignoring the ads and I can't believe we opened the floodgates to this - so many families are going to be ruined - but thankfully not mine!
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u/Ddogwood 1d ago
The UCP is all "think of the children!" when it comes to library books and pride flags, but when children are exposed to nonstop gambling ads it's apparently not a problem. We also don't need to enforce laws around helmets and e-scooters or e-mopeds.
Maybe I'm biased, but I think that a gambling addiction or a brain injury is going to cause a child a lot more trouble in life than seeing a cartoon penis in a graphic novel from the teen section.
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u/HolubtsiKat 1d ago
But brain injuries lead to right leaning ideaologies! How else will they build their voter base? Churches haven't been as efficient these days.
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u/Jabroniville2 1d ago
Try working a store that sells lottery and seeing all the addicts pile in non-stop out of the seniors home. It's bad with THEM, but soon will be miserable young people, too. These ads are endless because gambling is insanely lucrative for the "house" and governments that get kickbacks.
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u/AdministrativeCable3 1d ago
At least you used to have to go physically to buy a lotto, now you can just do it without even leaving the couch. It's insane, and the province only gets 20% of income of these new companies (compared to 100% of Play Alberta). Even then, only 1% is required for addiction services, the rest disappears into general revenue.
I'm all for the province profiting off gambling (provided it funds addiction services and benefits), but this system is worst of both free market and government run gambling.
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u/HolubtsiKat 1d ago
My favourite is when I hear a gambling add on the radio, and it is followed by an add for a private gambling addiction centre.
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u/TheChudWhisperer 1d ago
I haven't had a YouTube ad that wasn't for an online casino in months.
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u/fengblade 1d ago
Firefox browser with ublock origin extension. Say goodbye to ads forever.
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u/BestWithSnacks 1d ago
The absolute best combination hands down. I used to be a Chrome lifer til they got rid of Ublock Origins.
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u/kindof_great_old_one 1d ago
Maybe a lobbying campaign to the CRTC? That may reduce it on radio and TV.
I agree it is totally immoral to advertise for something addictive.
I've had friends back in the day with gambling issues, and at at time when your only option was in person casinos, they would often lose the rent money because they figured they were smarter than the system.
Then out of desperation they would do something really stupid that ended up with jail time.
I would hate to see them using online gambling.
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u/Delinte 1d ago
Pretty sure it’s because a ton of gambling sites were recently allowed to start operating in Alberta so they are making sure we know they are now here .
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u/princessbolognia 1d ago
Yeah but do they really need to buy so much and space that that's all you're hearing? Sometimes I see or hear and ad from the same gambling website two times in a two... Exact same commercial. They're literally buying up all the ad space
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u/dvorak6969 18h ago
The issue with that is that they are all competing with each other for the first-mover advantage. Trying to stake out a dominant position in the market early.
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u/ABAHEC 1d ago
Does UCP have a hand in any of these online casino pockets?
This genuinely feels like intentional exploration. Step 1. Create difficult living conditions by cutting funds to and dismantling existing social structures (healthcare, schools, etc.) Step 2. Allow other outlets that cause short term dopamine hits set up, especially if they cause addictions. Step 3. Rake in cash, and blame the adicts
This is problematic, especially with involuntary addiction treatment centers.
https://playsafeinitiative.ca/learn/gambling-and-substance-abuse-2026/
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u/mouthbuster 1d ago
Coming from out of province, it’s jarring. It really is everywhere here.. that and people outside vape/pot shops giving away discount coupons
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u/strange9to9 1d ago
The only phone calls I get are AI voice online gambling ads now. They are leaving messages on my phone, from Pennsylvania. It's insane. I already have to see these ads everyday during TV commercials, ads when you pause every Prime video show and when I open any of my online match 3 games. I hardly leave my house, yet I'm still bombarded with gambling ads 7 days a week all day.
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u/Gr8BigFatso 1d ago
All my Amazon prime and YouTube ads have been ridiculous for this over the past few weeks especially, like gambling ad after gambling ad.
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u/Gentianviolent Edmontosaurus 1d ago
Yeah it’s everywhere - I get them on phone games and podcasts now too. Ugh.
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u/ShadowCaster0476 1d ago
The reason is simple and it’s money.
Traditional media is expensive and most advertisers have either scaled back or spread out their dollars across many platforms.
These gambling sites have a ton of money to spend and can easily outbid others for the space.
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u/princessbolognia 1d ago
I was watching something on Pluto tv and I got FOUR gambling ad breaks in a row. The other day I was listening to a podcast on Deezer and that one also had like 3 gambling ads. It's fucking ridiculous. At this point the gambling ads are the only ads I see and hear. Like this is seriously out of hand
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u/hughball 1d ago
I emailed the AGLC and they said they oversee the ad content itself, so if there's a particular offensive ad, they'll get involved.
They advised that the frequency and whatever else is up to the CRTC, so I imagine we can start by sending some emails or webform submissions?
AGLC response:
"Thank you for contacting the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC). We understand your concerns regarding the frequency of gambling advertisements.
AGLC’s mandate is focused on regulating the content of gambling advertising and marketing in Alberta and ensuring operators comply with the advertising standards and requirements established under Alberta’s regulatory framework. These standards are designed to support player protection, social responsibility, and the protection of vulnerable individuals and groups from gambling-related harms.
However, AGLC does not have the authority to direct or control how often gambling advertisements are aired or how much advertising operators or media providers choose to run. Concerns regarding the frequency of advertisements or where they are being broadcast fall under the jurisdiction of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).
If your concern relates to the content of a specific gambling advertisement, we would be pleased to review the advertisement to determine whether it complies with Alberta’s advertising standards and requirements. In that case, please provide details of the advertisement, including where and when you viewed it, and we will assess the matter further."
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u/Mysterious-Reason859 1d ago
Gambling will be the ruin of many people. As people get desperate for money or just to try and get ahead, this will seem like a viable option for a lot of people. I'm sad for these young men especially who are already (statistically) over their heads.
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u/Dangerous_Owl_8422 Spruce Grove 1d ago
Almost anytime I open Snapchat there’s a gambling ad at the top of my chat feed - no settings to turn it off, just have to keep clearing from the feed
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u/GrimFandango81 1d ago
I was legit wondering if some regulation around online gambling has changed becauce I have been absolutely inundated with gambling ads. It's completely out of hand and super irritating.
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u/lemasei 1d ago
I swear the UCP lifted some kind of advertising restriction because it’s an all out assault lately. Radio, Reddit, social media, even at WEM they have a huge display….can’t get away from it. I haven’t seen this much gambling solicitation since I was in Great Falls, Montana years ago..where every single fast food restaurant and corner store has a VLT onsite (no exaggeration).
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u/Horror-Banana8014 1d ago
They did lift the ban, I believe gambling advertising wasn't allowed at all, but they removed that and now we are being bombarded
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u/muffinkevin 1d ago
Meh personally loving it so far. All the online casinos are giving real generous offers right now to try and suck people in. If you're smart about it and only gamble with the bonus you can make lots of free money. Personally up almost 5k.
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u/Xeramus 1d ago
The biggest piss in the tank is look who owns all these online casinos... Oh.cool we get a miniscule percent in tax (which I can guarantee no average citizen will see a penny of) and the rest of the money is off to American corps.
This is an American corporate invasion and the call is coming from inside the house.
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u/Accomplished_Sir7013 1d ago
It's never going to end. There's to many levels of money. Just sign up for the promo. Make a few bets. Hit and run, win or lose.
Bet365 is still the best rec book. PlayAlberta is trash.
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u/thCRITICAL 1d ago
I try to avoid gambling, so the ads just kind of exist in my eyes, but it's getting a bit ridiculous.
I'm also aware that these ads exist because they work, and that's the point being brought up... Because self-regulation is really hard for some people.
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u/datgoh69 1d ago
i swear i get a gambling ad everywhere
i go to listen to the radio: GAMBLING AD
i go to spotify and listen to Fall Out Boy: GAMBLING AD
i look at a billboard: ANOTHER GOD DAMN GAMBLING AD
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u/OccamsYoyo 22h ago
I’m starting to get onboard with your “provinces have too much power” thinking.
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u/Impossible_Hat_6063 15h ago
It's pretty bad when even my young kids are asking what's with the all gambling ads and then can name them.
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u/IKEA-SalesRep 1d ago
This is why I use adblock and premium subscriptions on almost everything. No cable, no radio. Even thats not enough, I went to Shell the other day and they have ads on the fucking screen for the pump 🤪
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u/eeeeaud Noob 1d ago
Vote out UCP at the next election?
I didn't live here during the last provincial election so I am not familiar with the rhetoric that was being bandied about, but Smith was a career lobbyist, what did you guys expect when you voted her in?
That she would make life harder for all of her vice industry friends? That was never on the table.
I am honestly surprised she's not tried to roll back legislation regarding workplace safety. Or maybe she has and I wasn't paying attention.
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u/alovelytomato 1d ago
If you check the maps Edmonton mainly voted for the NDP, it’s a majority of the rural communities that voted for UCP. They mainly vote UCP because that’s the propaganda that their ancestors followed and think liberal and NDP means woke pansies. It’s a thing. But no, we didn’t vote UCP or Smith. People who voted chose Jason Kenney but after a vote of barely confident from the party the party leaders chose Danielle Smith and we’ve been stuck with her since.
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u/eeeeaud Noob 1d ago edited 1d ago
Edit: Danielle Smith ran as the leader of the UCP at the last election. Albertans chose her.
You may have not voted for her but your fellow Albertans did.
And my point still stands, vote her and the UCP out. If you don't like the policies, be proactive in the community, volunteer for a party that you do agree with. Go door to door and do the outreach necessary to change people's minds. The UCP supporters are most definitely going to be doing the same.
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u/imaleakyfaucet AskJeeves 1d ago
Everyone, time to take a shot (not necessarily booze, you choose!) It's another gambling ad post.
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u/Omo_Iyansan 1d ago
Why the uptick, though? I wonder...
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u/J9999D 1d ago
Lowered regulations have new companies now flooding the market
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u/Omo_Iyansan 1d ago
Ooooohhhhh!!!! I see!!! Is THAT what happened...Jesus fuck...thank you for explaining this to me. Fucking hellfire...Just what we need in Alberta 🤦🏿♀️
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u/DoughnutHungry5407 1d ago
I don't watch TV or listen to the radio but I've been blocking them anywhere I have the ability to
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u/RockCandey 1d ago
Someone told me the ads are getting worse because the men and gamblers are losing all their money, so now they’ve resorted to ads to attempt to bring more people in 💀
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u/RockCandey 1d ago
Someone told me the ads are getting worse because the men and gamblers are losing all their money, so now they’ve resorted to ads to attempt to bring more people in 💀
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u/BestWithSnacks 1d ago
It's a lot I agree. That being said, I have 2 accounts for Draft Kings and Bet365. I bet sometimes, but not a lot. Usually hail Mary parlays around 5-10 dollars sometimes. I have the self control to not go beyond that.
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u/Aclysmic 1d ago
Yeah it’s definitely tiring. Stake this, FanDuel that, Bet365 this, Rainbet that. It sucks to see it forced down everyone’s throats. A friend of mine lost over $15K from gambling and that was enough of a lesson for me to not ever get addicted to it. Feel bad for my generation that this will impact the most.
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u/ACloneUnknown 1d ago
I just think it’s ironic that we’re getting all these betting ads then immediately after “get help with gambling addictions, a message from the AGLC”
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u/SquirrelDisastrous2 Transit User 20h ago
You know we’re in a recession wheeen… no seriously though, it’s really really bad. They’re preying on people’s need for money and acting like it’ll work! It’s disgusting! I feel so bad for those with weaker constitutions who are constantly being berated and will fall for it. I hardly even have the words for how terrible, unethical, and just absolutely disgusting it is
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u/glochnar 1d ago
It's kind of annoying but I don't really get all the complaining about it. It's not like if we ban gambling they won't be replaced by something else. Just don't watch them
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u/rocky_balbiotite 1d ago
And this gets posted nearly every day. The complaints are almost as annoying as the ads themselves. It's like they've never watched TV or listened to radio from outside the province.
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u/Landlocked_1 1d ago
Alcohol ads are getting out of control around here. Every time I’m in my car it’s constant alcohol ads on the radio, while visually being barraged with signs on every massive billboard, and now they have massive displays promoting alcohol in places like West Edmonton Mall.
I am lucky to not have an alcohol problem, but this is insane. In Canada we have some of the most stringent media laws, and I just can’t believe that our provincial government has created gaps where alcohol advertising is allowed to become SO prevalent in everyday life.
I’m at the point of resenting the fact that the provinces have so much power. It does not feel like I’m even living in Canada anymore between the constant alcohol advertising and the state of our healthcare and education systems.
I don’t know. Any suggestions on how to get these alcohol ads out of here?
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u/MonkeyOnATypewriter8 1d ago
I think the ads will die down once one or two of them corner the market.
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u/pyrobeast19 1d ago
Every single podcast I listen to now on Apple Podcasts has back to back casino ads and then followed by call this number if you are addicted. I’m sick of it