Canadian lawmakers are considering new restrictions on gambling advertising during sports broadcasts, including NHL and women’s hockey games.
Bill S-211 is expected to reach its third and final reading in October 2026. The proposed legislation aims to reduce the amount of gambling advertising shown to sports fans.
Recent research has highlighted the scale of betting promotions during hockey broadcasts. One analysis of the 2026 NHL playoffs found that Canadian viewers were exposed to approximately 3,000 gambling advertisements, including commercials, broadcast promotions and logos on boards and equipment.
Another study examining NHL games in 2024 recorded an average of two to three gambling advertisements per minute.
The proposed restrictions have received support from the Canadian Mental Health Association and Public Health Physicians of Canada, which have raised concerns about gambling-related harm.
However, political leaders in Ontario and Alberta have opposed the bill.
The changes could also affect the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), which has established partnerships with gambling companies.
FanDuel became an official PWHL partner in 2024, while the Ottawa Charge announced Hard Rock Hotel & Casino as its exclusive physical casino partner in 2025.
Although gambling advertising is currently less common in women’s hockey than in the NHL, the proposed legislation could limit future betting promotions across Canadian sports broadcasts.
Bill S-211 has not yet become law.