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The Editor: I write this to express my profound disappointment at the proliferation of advertised opportunities to gamble on sports specifically, for example, the ads that are aimed at NHL fans on TV networks in Canada

It is common to view several short ads per hour for different online gambling sites

Younger audiences are targeted by past and current NHL stars with iconic, legendary status in Canada, to participate

Government gambling sites with enticing slogans, such as the BCLC, have frequent ads during televised hockey games, and like private, corporate gambling sites use well-known sports personalities to promote lot- tery ticket purchases

They advise “know your limit, play within it”

But this trite admonition ignores the true, harmful effects of gambling

With the advent of online gambling, it is now easier than ever to gamble

Of course, there are programs offered by government to attempt to remediate problem gambling just as there are programs to address alcohol and drug misuse, as well as addiction to smoking

It should be pointed out that gambling, use of alcohol, as well as smoking tobacco products, are all legal; however, advertising and promotion of gambling is the only activity of the aforementioned that is permitted in law

Given that the negative effects of gambling are real and measurable, it does seem time for the provincial government to regulate advertising and promoting of an activity proven to be harmful Further, the government is clearly in the gambling business to reap ever greater revenues I venture to state that now is the time for BC’s government to regulate the advertising of the gambling industry, just as advertising of other potentially harmful activities such as alcohol, tobacco is regulated

The blitz of gambling ads that my 23-year-old son and friends are subjected to as never before is very concerning

Steve Vandervelden Port Coquitlam

UBC Faculty of Dentistry

UBC Dentistry is screening patients 12 years of age and older who require

Braces

(Full orthodontic treatment cost: $4,200)

For information, visit www.dentistry.ubc.ca/gradortho Graduate Orthodontics Program ogram

Toarrangeascreeningappointment:

604-827-4991(12years&older)

604-827-0706(7to10yearsold) oremailgradorthoclinic@dentistryubcca