The increasing prevalence of online gambling sites in Ontario has raised concerns about the potential negative impact on children and youth. Experts at The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) have observed younger individuals seeking help for problem gambling, with studies indicating that youth aged 10 to 24 are more prone to gambling issues compared to adults. The Ontario Student Drugs Use Health Survey revealed that one-third of students engaged in gambling activities in 2019, with 4 percent of secondary students experiencing mild to severe gambling problems. The lack of federal regulations governing gambling advertising makes children and youth especially vulnerable to the constant promotion of sports gambling, normalizing the activity and associating it with sports, which could have lasting consequences.
In Orillia, provincial police uncovered an illegal online gambling site targeting high school students, who reported being threatened for unpaid debts. Dr. Daniela Lobo, an addictions psychiatrist at CAMH, also highlights the role of video games in introducing young people to gambling through mystery items purchased with real cash. The legalization of the online gambling market in Ontario in April 2022 led to a surge in legal gambling activities and widespread advertising featuring celebrities and athletes endorsing various sports betting and casino websites. However, in August 2023, the Alcohol Gaming Commission of Ontario imposed restrictions on using athletes in advertising and marketing internet games, and later in February 2024, it added limitations on celebrities appealing to minors. Despite these regulations, concerns remain about the potential harm caused by gambling advertising, with calls for greater awareness of the risks associated with gambling, particularly among youth.
Paul Burns, President and CEO of the Canadian Gaming Association, defends the right of legal gambling sites to advertise, emphasizing the importance of informing the public about regulated and licensed sites in Ontario. He asserts that stringent regulations are in place to prevent minors from accessing legal gambling sites, with the AGCO logo serving as a verification of compliance. Burns acknowledges the ongoing dialogue surrounding the impact of gambling ads on young people and suggests that regulations may evolve as more information becomes available. While efforts are being made to prevent youth from engaging in online gambling, Dr. Lobo emphasizes the need for increased funding for research and prevention programs targeting gambling-related harms, which have been significantly reduced in recent years.
Moving forward, Lobo encourages parents to talk to their children about the risks associated with gambling and remains hopeful that raising awareness about the negative consequences of excessive gambling can help mitigate the potential impact on youth. The conversation around gambling regulation and its effects on young people continues to evolve, with a focus on safeguarding vulnerable populations from the harmful effects of gambling advertising. As the online gambling landscape in Ontario undergoes changes and refinements to existing regulations, stakeholders remain committed to protecting youth from the dangers of problem gambling and ensuring that responsible gambling practices are promoted and enforced. The need for ongoing research, education, and prevention efforts underscores the importance of addressing the challenges posed by the increasing prevalence of online gambling in the province.
