Gambling commercials and the NHL

[wired]

This may just be me, but it feels dirty that the NHL keeps running gambling heavy adds. You see it on the boards during the game. Cabbie is now a spokesman for the bookie.

It feels kind of scummy to keep getting pitched to bet on the game.

[CalgaryFan1988]

Especially with so many kids watching hockey. It's reminiscent of cigarette ads.

[AC]

I hate them.

It's insane how they seem to make up 90% of the ads now too. During actual commercials, in game quick-ads after certain whistles, intermission sponsored segments, digital board ads and superimposed banners during gameplay... nauseating.

[MegaErtz]

Do something more than post about it on a hockey forum. Start a petition, contact elected officials to express your concern, run for office yourself on a platform of banning these ads. I remember when smoking was banned in Calgary, it was just some lady who started a petition, and it took off. Every big business was against it, casinos, restaurants, pubs and bars. The people spoke.

[calumniate]

I'm surprised heroin doesn't get a sponsor. It's just as addictive. Great job nhl

[chemgear]

Originally Posted by wired

This may just be me, but it feels dirty that the NHL keeps running gambling heavy adds. You see it on the boards during the game. Cabbie is now a spokesman for the bookie.

It feels kind of scummy to keep getting pitched to bet on the game.

It's not just hockey, football is the same.

[jayswin]

Betting betting betting. C'mon Canada, we need you all to be gambling addicts because it's our last kick at the can for ad revenue in a dying medium!!!!!!

[Northendzone]

I hate it as well; however, the unfortunate reality is that sports leagues are now fully in bed with these companies. They are spending massive amounts of money to advertise on every game

And correct me if I am wrong, but I feel like some games have multiple sports books advertising during a single game.

A far cry from the good old days when only one brand of beer or one car manufacturer would advertise during a single game

[getbak]

I'm surprised that active players are allowed to appear in the ads like the McDingus and Gretzky ad.

[CroFlames]

Originally Posted by MegaErtz

Do something more than post about it on a hockey forum. Start a petition, contact elected officials to express your concern, run for office yourself on a platform of banning these ads. I remember when smoking was banned in Calgary, it was just some lady who started a petition, and it took off. Every big business was against it, casinos, restaurants, pubs and bars. The people spoke.

Smoking is banned in Calgary? Was at a party just last night with like 5 smokers there.

Had no idea I was socializing with flat out criminals.

[Buff]

Originally Posted by CroFlames

Smoking is banned in Calgary? Was at a party just last night with like 5 smokers there.

Had no idea I was socializing with flat out criminals.

You're a criminal. Y'know, guilty by association.

[Buzzard]

Yeah, I'm on board with hating them also. Really gotta love that one though where "<insert name> know's when enough is enough" as he brings his tablet with him to gamble at the lake to go fishing or whatever the hell he's doing.

[evman150]

I fully support legal sports betting. But I hate the ads, and I think they're terrible for both society and the sport. Enough is enough.

[Finger Cookin]

Way more gambling ads, way less liquor and beer ads.

[codynw]

Originally Posted by CroFlames

Smoking is banned in Calgary? Was at a party just last night with like 5 smokers there.

Had no idea I was socializing with flat out criminals.

I would assume they mean smoking in indoor public places.


But yes, the gambling ads are insane right now. It's only a matter of time before they're banned, but how much damage will be done before that happens?

[cam_calderon]

Been a huge problem here in Australia for a decade. I remember a teacher in high school telling me 10-year-old kids began to identify the favourite in a rugby league match by the gambling odds.

Don't envy you guys now as it's going to be a slow descent unless there's government intervention and soon.

[TrentCrimmIndependent]

it's gross .. the ads give off this vibe that gambling is normalized and every one is doing it and that's not the message we want to send to young and impressionable audiences . also where are the "gamble responsibly" messages in these ads . that should be attached to every segment to remind people that it's an activity with risks attached

[monkeyman]

Let's glamorize gambling to kids, what could go wrong?

[btimbit]

I really enjoy betting but agree, this is just way too much.

[Heavy Jack]

It really made this past playoff season almost unbearable to watch during pregame and intermissions. Heck, every other ad during the actual game either in game or commercial breaks was either gambling Gretzky, Bet365 or draft kings. It’s embarrassing.