Did You Know?
The Canadian Code of Advertising Standards is the foundation for adjudicating all complaints.
Learn more about our Complaints Process.
Complaints Decisions under the Code for Responsible Gaming Advertising
Below are summaries of decisions about advertisements that were reviewed under the Code for Responsible Gaming Advertising (the CGA Code) in light of the concerns raised in consumer complaints. Decisions are divided into three sections:
Non-Compliant: Identified Decisions
These cases name the advertiser and provide identifiable details about the advertisement. The advertiser did not permanently withdraw or amend the advertisement before staff members met to review the complaint. Where provided, an advertiser’s statement is included with the decision.
Non-Compliant: Non-Identified Decisions
These cases maintain anonymity by not identifying the advertiser and omitting identifiable details about the advertisement. The advertiser permanently withdrew or appropriately amended the advertisement before staff met to review the complaint.
Compliant: Identified Decisions
When staff determines that an advertisement does not contravene the CGA Code, Ad Standards may ask the advertiser for their permission (at their discretion) to publish an identified case summary for the purpose of helping to educate the industry. These cases name the advertiser and provide identifiable details about the advertisement.
Read a comprehensive overview of the CGA Code Complaints Procedure for additional information.
2026 Complaints Decisions
| Case Number | 715 |
| Decision Type | Non-Identified |
| CGA Code section(s) | II.4. Social Responsibility and Good Taste |
| Concerns | Condone Irresponsible Gambling |
| Advertiser | Online Gaming Operator |
| Industry | Gambling – Internet Gaming |
| Region | National |
| Media Type | Social Media |
| Number of Complaints | 2 |
| Year | 2026 |
| Description | Two social media advertisements each featured influencers describing their use of an online gaming application as a way to escape boredom. The influencers used identical language emphasizing ease of entry and noting a low advertised deposit threshold and instant payout. The advertisements concluded with an endorsement from both influencers encouraging others to try the platform. A disclaimer indicating age restrictions (19+) and responsible play was included. |
| Complaint | The complaint alleged that the two social media advertisements showcasing both influencers turning to online gambling as a way to escape boredom are a direct violation of the CGA Code for Responsible Gaming Advertising. |
| Advertiser Response | In its response to Ad Standards, the advertiser affirmed its commitment to maintaining a responsible gaming environment. The advertiser explained that the videos were created prior to the launch of the CGA Code on January 1, 2026. As such, the content was developed before the relevant provisions came into force. Regarding the messaging, the advertiser noted that references to ‘boredom’ were intended to position gaming as a casual leisure activity. However, it acknowledged that under the current self-regulatory framework, such representations may be interpreted as portraying gaming as a remedy for monotony. The advertiser indicated its commitment to avoiding this type of framing going forward and confirmed the removal of the identified videos from all platforms. |
| Decision | Ad Standards Panel appreciated the advertiser’s responsiveness and commitment to responsible gaming, and considered the complaints together with the advertiser’s submission. The Panel understood that both videos were created prior to the launch of the CGA Code. However, given that they were respectively seen by the complainant as promoted ads after its launch, they confirmed that the CGA Code applies. The Panel discussed the general impression conveyed by the advertisements and found that both videos explicitly stated that boredom triggered both influencers’ interest in playing on the gaming platform, as alleged in the complaints. In its determination, the Panel unanimously held that the advertisements depicted gambling as a source of relief of boredom in contravention of Section II.4 of the CGA Code, which prohibits depictions, explicit or implied, of gambling as a source of immediate gratification, relief from stress or boredom or as an escape from one’s problems. |
| Infraction | II.4. Social Responsibility and Good Taste |