Father Of Pk Subban Is Looking To Get NHL Ads Banned

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S. Harper
May 10, 2023 (8:48 PM)

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Karl Subban, the father of former NHL stars P.K. Subban, Malcolm Subban, and Jordan Subban, is renowned for his philanthropic works in the Greater Toronto area. He has been assisting young kids and their families who could not afford to play on a hockey team by providing hockey equipment to those in need. Recently, Mr. Subban has taken up a new cause. He is leading a group in Ontario that is attempting to regulate or remove ads shown at NHL hockey games by Sportsnet and other Canadian markets.

Presently, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario has only implemented limited restrictions on the airing of such ads in the province. However, Subban believes that these restrictions are far from having a positive impact.

"The average fan sees nearly 10 minutes of gambling ads per game. That's a big problem. Gambling is addictive," said Subban, who is also a school principal. "A lot of the marketing is aimed at getting the attention of the most vulnerable, the youngest in our population."

Alongside Subban a Elementary School Teacher from Vaughan Ontario named Lesley Oliva endorses Subban's campaign.

"She states that her current students are much more aware of gambling in sports than in the past and believes that children should not be exposed to these kinds of messages at such a young age."

Subban argues that the harms associated with problem gambling are well documented and negatively impact Canadians, including financial problems, stress for families, youth and children, mental health problems including addiction, and even suicide. He condemns the use of celebrity spokespeople such as Connor McDavid, Wayne Gretzky, Auston Matthews, and Chris Pronger to advertise these gambling services as "shameful."

To raise awareness of the issue, Karl Subban has initiated a campaign called Ban Ads For Gambling.

"We're on this journey together to help our youth reach their potential, so we need to have conversations about some of the things that are bothering us," Subban told CBC. "We either have to act today or pay dearly tomorrow."

Mr Subban makes some very good points as gambling has ruined numerous lives and families. Hopefully their cause will raise some awareness on this subject.