Cormier’s priorities include reducing online gambling advertising and combating illegal gambling
The Canadian Lottery Coalition (CLC) has announced the appointment of Molly Cormier as executive director.
Cormier joins the CLC from Atlantic Lottery, where she served for almost ten years, most recently as director of brand and communications.
In her new role, Cormier will lead efforts strengthen the provincial lottery corporations that make up the CLC, namely Atlantic Lottery, Loto-Québec, Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries, and British Columbia Lottery Corporation.
The CLC was established in 2021 following the legalization of single-event sports betting in Canada and the rise of private operators in regulated provincial markets such as Ontario.
The Coalition’s mandate is to collaborate in order to advance a gambling market in Canada where player health is prioritized.
One the CLC’s priorities for this year is to support the National Framework on Sports Betting Advertising Act, which is currently making its way through parliament and aims to limit the number, scope or location of sports betting advertisements.
The bill (S-211) also aims to set out national standards for the prevention and diagnosis of harmful gambling and addiction.
Dallas McCready, president and CEO of Atlantic Lottery and a member of the CLC executive board, commented: “Molly brings the experience, leadership and judgment the Coalition needs as governments and regulators confront growing challenges around gambling advertising and consumer protection. She understands the urgency of supporting player health, especially in the face of clear gaps in federal law and enforcement.”
Cormier said of her new role: “I am pleased to join the Coalition at a time when the need for clear, coordinated national policy to protect player health, especially among young Canadians, has never been greater.
“My priorities will be to address gaps in federal legislation and regulation related to the promotion and advertising of online gambling, particularly sports betting; respond to the continued proliferation of illegal online gambling websites in Canada; and strengthen collaboration with governments, regulators and industry stakeholders.
Cormier added: “Canadians should be able to clearly distinguish between legal, accountable gambling options and offshore sites that operate outside Canadian and provincial laws and public safeguards.”