RGC Launches New PSA and Responsible Internet Gambling Fund Impact Report to Advance Gambling Harm Prevention

TORONTO, ON – [April 2, 2026] – The Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) this week unveiled a new public service announcement (PSA) targeting young adult males aged 19 to 24, and released a new impact report documenting the results of Ontario’s Responsible Internet Gambling Fund (RIGF).

Together, the two announcements offer a clear picture of what targeted, publicly funded gambling harm prevention can accomplish. Designed to meet young adult males aged 19 to 24 where they are, the new PSA campaign will be distributed nationally across Canadian Broadcasters and digital platforms, including Netflix, Spotify and Meta.

This targeted prevention effort is made possible by the Responsible Internet Gambling Fund (RIGF), an initiative established to demonstrate the Ontario government’s commitment to online gambling safety. The RIGF transfers a portion of the province’s iGaming revenues ($3 million per year) to proactive harm prevention.

“Gambling should never come at a human cost,” said Sarah McCarthy, RGC CEO. “As online betting continues to evolve rapidly, we are seeing an increased risk of early exposure and normalized gambling behaviours, particularly among young men. This new campaign speaks directly to young adults, giving them the practical tools and guidance they need to make safer, informed choices. Thanks to funding from the RIGF, we can reach them where they are and make a real difference.”

This early investment in robust prevention practices has yielded significant milestones:

• 6 million people have been reached through The Randoms PSA via the MLSE Partnership and paid ads on digital platforms.
• The Randoms PSA secured approximately $100 million in broadcaster investment (since the launch of the regulated market), reflecting the scale of industry commitment to reaching young adults with safer gambling messaging.
• 601 million impressions were generated during MLSE home (316M) and away (285M) game broadcasts.
• Major sports leagues and arena partners have committed to amplifying safer gambling messaging, generating $4.15 million in media value through sports partnerships and arena activations.
• 49 million people have been reached through TV, media, and activations via ethnocultural outreach partnerships, such as with Caribbean Vibrations.

“Ontario’s investment in the Responsible Internet Gambling Fund reflects our government’s commitment to ensuring that online gambling expansion is matched with meaningful safeguards for players,” said The Honorable Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming in Ontario. “The results we are seeing demonstrate that targeted, evidence-based prevention works, and we are proud to support programs that are reaching young Ontarians with the tools and information they need to make safer choices.”

RGC continues to actively destigmatize help-seeking for those experiencing harm, driving engagement through accessible digital tools and always-on digital engagement campaigns.

For more information on safer play strategies, resources, or to view the new PSA, visit responsiblegambling.org.

Watch and Read:

You can view the PSA here.

You can view the RIGF Impact Report here.

About the Responsible Gambling Council
The Responsible Gambling Council is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to preventing gambling harm across Canada and globally. For more than 40 years, RGC has delivered evidence-based awareness programs, advanced responsible gambling best practices, and facilitated the internationally recognized RG Check accreditation program. RGC works with regulators, operators, researchers, treatment providers, community organizations, and people with lived experience to ensure gambling safeguards are in place and that all people have access to the information and support they need. Visit responsiblegambling.org.

Media Contact:

Patrick Moore
Senior Manager, PR & Communications
Responsible Gambling Council
t: 437-991-9781
f: 416-499-8260
patrickm@rgco.org
www.ResponsibleGambling.org

N/A