Indigenous Group Calls on Hockey Stars to Stop Appearing in “Irresponsible” Gambling Ads

The Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation is calling on major hockey figures to stop promoting iGaming platforms amid “exponentially” increasing gambling addiction rates. It specifically sent open letters to legendary figures like Wayne Gretzky, Auston Matthews, and Connor McDavid, all of whom have made appearances in gambling ads.

labeled these commercials as “irresponsible” and “intrusive”

The Ontario-based indigenous group’s Chief Kelly LaRocca labeled these commercials as “irresponsible” and “intrusive,” adding that young people look up to and are influenced by hockey players. While the tribe operates a land-based casino, LaRocca feels so strongly about the matter because of the easy access to gambling apps.

The Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation is the owner of the Great Blue Heron Casino, which is about a 70-minute drive from Toronto.

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario has been considering banning celebrities and athletes from appearing in online gambling ads that “can reasonably be expected to appeal to children and youth.” Operators do already have to get approval from the regulator for all television commercials featuring celebrities.