Bruce Kidd, a professor emeritus of sports policy at the University of Toronto Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education and a former Canadian Olympian, wrote an opinion piece for the Globe and Mail about the perils of gambling in sport.
Ever since the federal government officially lifted its ban on single-game sports betting in 2021, enabling provinces to legalize it in their own jurisdictions, watching sports on TV has felt like being in a casino. It’s not just the wall-to-wall ads; it’s also the sense that the entire sports media complex has become an enabler.
Professional leagues, such as the NBA and the NHL, now support betting, even making formal agreements with “official sports betting partners.” Team ownership groups such as Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) and media outlets such as The Sports Network (TSN) have also partnered with sportsbooks. Current stars such as the Toronto Maple Leafs’ Auston Matthews and iconic legends like Wayne Gretzky have been paid to advertise with betting companies, and on-air broadcasters discuss their selections and share other gambling information. Even the small-print reminders to bet “responsibly” reinforce the message that sports have primarily become a vehicle for gambling.