Published on: December 10, 2025, 08:23h.

Updated on: December 10, 2025, 08:24h.

• New national advertising regulation bill for sports betting progressing in the House of Commons
• Bill S-241 aims to grant First Nation governing bodies exclusive rights to operate and manage their gaming activities
• Parliament is set to break for Christmas this Friday

Two federal legislation proposals are currently being closely monitored by stakeholders in Canada’s gaming sector, as their potential passage could significantly influence the industry.

Bill S-211, introduced by Senator Marty Deacon, has reached its second reading in the House of Commons after successfully passing through the Senate.

Parliament will suspend sessions for the Christmas holiday this Friday and will reconvene on January 26.

The proposed legislation outlines the creation of a nationwide framework to govern sports betting advertising in Canada, establishing standards aimed at mitigating risks and harms associated with the rise of such advertising.

Proposed National Advertising Standards

Under the oversight of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, the bill proposes an in-depth consultation process involving government officials, representatives from provincial and territorial bodies, indigenous groups, industry players, and provincial gaming regulators to create a cohesive national framework.

The new guidelines aim to regulate sports betting advertising across Canada, including restrictions on its scope, promoting research and inter-government cooperation to prevent and identify underage gambling, and establishing protocols for addressing harmful gambling behaviors and addictions.

Despite this, numerous uncertainties surround the legislation as it approaches potential enactment.

Amendments to Criminal Law

The bill has not yet passed through the House, and if it receives priority, the agency it falls to (Heritage Canada? CRTC?) will be required to engage in consultations with all provinces and First Nations,” an industry insider shared with Casino.org. “This process may span several years. Additionally, the bill calls for a ‘framework’, but its specifics remain ambiguous.”

Meanwhile, Bill S-241, led by Senator Scott Tannas, is currently at the second reading stage in the Senate. This act seeks to modify the Criminal Code and the Indian Act, granting the governing body of a First Nation exclusive rights to manage and operate their gaming establishments on their lands. The First Nation would inform both the Canadian and provincial governments of its intentions concerning this authority.

Self-Regulation for First Nations Gaming

Historically, indigenous gaming has been regulated by provincial authorities. If this bill passes, there remains a possibility that gaming operations on reserve lands may stay under provincial oversight rather than transitioning to self-regulation.

“We’ve seen First Nations taking ownership of casinos in British Columbia,” remarked Paul Burns, President and CEO of the Canadian Gaming Association. “This development underscores an economic opportunity that is being realized. It’s encouraging to see First Nations acquiring these establishments. Previously, there was limited understanding of the dynamics within First Nation gaming. The industry is evolving in management and operations, with the [Ontario igaming model] now well-established over the past four years.”