Since 2021, when the federal government lifted its ban on single-game sports betting in Canada, ads for sports betting are everywhere— and it has some experts sounding the alarm bell about their potential harms.
Tune in online on January 23 for a thought-provoking panel discussion, featuring a special appearance by Senator Marty Deacon, alongside University of Toronto psychology professor Steve Joordens, sport and public policy professor emeritus Bruce Kidd, and Varsity Blues football coach Darrell Adams as they address the challenges of sports betting and explore potential solutions.
The panelists will explore how betting companies leverage psychological strategies to boost their profits and examine how sports betting undermines the integrity of sports and pressures athletes to manipulate outcomes.
They'll also discuss the pressures that athletes face with the rise of legalized sports betting and proposed legislation to create a framework for sports betting advertising.
Don't miss this crucial conversation, moderated by Peter Donnelly, professor emeritus, sport policy and politics in U of T's Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education (KPE).
Participants will have the chance to ask questions and deepen their understanding of the impact of sports betting in Canada.
Panelists
- The Honourable Senator Marty Deacon was appointed to the Senate of Canada in 2018 and represents the Waterloo region. Prior to her appointment, Senator Deacon served the youth in her community as an educator, consultant and administrator. Alongside her professional career, Senator Deacon has volunteered extensively as an advocate for sport and education, serving as the Chef de Mission for Team Canada at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi and receiving a Women of Distinction Lifetime Achievement Award as well as The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Education and Youth Award in recognition of her efforts. Senator Deacon continues to advocate for sport as a vehicle for addressing a number of social issues, including gender equality and reconciliation with indigenous peoples. Senator Deacon introduced Bill S-269, An Act respecting a national framework on advertising for sports betting, in the Senate on June 20, 2023.
- Bruce Kidd is the co-founder of the Campaign to Ban Ads for Gambling, which seeks to persuade the Canadian Parliament to ban ads for sports betting and other forms of gambling, in the same way and for the same health reasons it previously banned ads for tobacco and cannabis. He is the University Ombudsperson, a Professor Emeritus of Sport Policy at the University of Toronto's Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, and the chair of the Academic Guidance Panel of the Future of Sport in Canada Commission.
- Steve Joordens was initially trained as a cognitive psychologist, performing research related to human memory and the distinction between conscious and unconscious influences. More recently, his research has shifted to focus on the effective use of educational technologies in general, and especially to support the develop or core “skills of success” like critical and creative thought, effective two-way communication and collaboration, and metacognitive awareness. He is a professor in the Department of Psychology at University of Toronto Scarborough.
- Darrell Adams is currently the head coach of the Varsity Blues football team at the University of Toronto. He has an extensive track record in coaching at the professional and collegiate level: prior to coaching at U of T, Adams served as the associate head coach with the Waterloo Warriors and defensive line coach and strength and conditioning coordinator with the Carleton Ravens. Adams has also worked with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the CFL and served as a guest coach for a number of CFL teams. As a player, he suited up for the Ti-Cats as a defensive tackle after a stint on the New York Jets practice squad.
- Peter Donnelly is a Professor Emeritus at the University of Toronto's Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education. His research interests include sport politics and policy issues, sport subcultures, children’s rights and athletes' rights in sport, and mountaineering (history). He is the founding Director of the Centre for Sport Policy Studies (1999-2021) and a member of Ban Ads for Gambling.
Registration
Register for Risking More than a Game now
Registrants will receive a link to access the online symposium a few days before the event.
KPE Science Café is an ongoing series, where researchers from the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education share their expertise with the community in an accessible way. Stay tuned for more KPE Science Café events!