Image: Randy Thoms

There is more concern about the frequency of online gambling ads.

The provincial New Democrats are now calling for a ban.

Agencies such as the Centre for Mental Health and Addiction are concerned with the rising gambling addiction in the province.

More than 150,000 people have some form of gambling problem.

The NDP points to the increase in online gambling advertising being the trigger.

Health critic Frances Gelinas says their bill would place the same restrictions imposed on cigarettes, alcohol and cannabis advertising.

“Using hockey players and other celebrity entices young people to try internet gambling, and it also triggers those with a gambling addiction,” says Gelinas.

The NDP note that Ontarians spent $35.5, with very little coming back to the government in the form of taxes and fees.

Mental health and addictions critic Lisa Gretzky adds the promotion of online gambling puts vulnerable people at risk.

She says while the ads suggest people gamble responsibly, it shouldn’t be solely on the shoulders of Ontarians.

“The provincial government and the Igaming companies have a responsibility to ensure people vulnerable to addiction, including our youth, are not inundated by ads,” says Gretzky.

“We cannot ignore the increasingly damaging effects gambling advertising is having on people, especially our children. We know the kind of harmful impacts these ads can have on children and youth,” says Monique Taylor, NDP critic for children, Community and Social Services.

One study suggests 60% of children and youth are interested in trying gambling.

Another from the University of Bristol notes gambling content marketing is 3.9 times more appealing to children and young persons than adults.

Taylor says the prevalence of advertising is making gambling more attractive and easy to do.

The NDP introduced their private member’s bill at Queen’s Park on Wednesday.