Online Gambling Addiction is Rising in Canada

As online gambling continues to expand across Canada, experts are raising alarms over its potential to fuel addiction and harm mental health. The rapid growth of the digital gambling landscape has caught many by surprise, and its impact is being felt not only by those who gamble but also by their families and communities.

Individuals now have 24/7 access to gambling, making it easier to fall into harmful patterns. Public health advocates are urging governments to take swift action to address this growing concern and minimize the adverse effects of gambling on vulnerable populations.

The growing problem of online gambling addiction

The accessibility of online gambling has worsened addiction for many individuals, trapping them in a cycle that can escalate quickly. Unlike traditional gambling, where people have to leave their homes to participate, online platforms bring the casino experience directly to the palm of your hand. The ease of access often leads to severe financial and personal consequences.

This reality has devastated families, with some individuals losing everything to an activity that they initially thought was harmless fun. This alarming trend is gaining international attention, with experts calling for a shift in how gambling is regulated. Many are now advocating for comprehensive safeguards to be put in place to protect consumers and limit access to those who might be at risk.

The impact of online gambling in Canada

The rising gambling revenues have been accompanied by troubling signs. Statistics Canada reported that nearly two-thirds of Canadians gambled in 2018, and about 300,000 were at moderate-to-severe risk of developing gambling problems.

This is particularly concerning since these figures were recorded well before the boom in online gambling. This was way before the easy accessibility of online gambling platforms. As more Canadians have turned to the internet for gambling, experts have observed a significant increase in gambling-related harm.

Among other support organizations, the Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline has reported a substantial increase in calls since the legalization of online gambling, with monthly calls rising from 131 in early 2020 to 184 in late 2022. This uptick signals an urgent need for more support services to assist those in crisis.

The majority of these calls are related to online gambling, and younger men now represent a growing portion of those seeking help. This demographic shift is concerning, as younger individuals may not yet fully understand the potential long-term consequences of excessive gambling.

Public health response and calls for action

Public health experts argue that gambling needs to be treated as a public health issue, as it has far-reaching effects beyond the individual. They are calling on governments to take immediate action to address these harms, which include financial ruin, relationship breakdowns, domestic violence, and suicide.

Dr. Jeffrey L. Derevensky, a leading expert on youth gambling, emphasized the urgent need for a national strategy to tackle gambling-related harms. Derevensky has worked extensively on understanding how young people become susceptible to gambling addiction and stresses that prevention must begin early:

"Problem gambling has become a serious public health issue. Greater public awareness and increased funding for prevention and research are critical."

Furthermore, experts like Helen Hayes, PhD candidate at McGill University, stress the need for stronger regulation of online platforms to safeguard Canadians’ mental health and well-being. She noted that many platforms are designed to encourage extended play, using algorithms and notifications that can create a compulsion to keep playing. She argued:

"We need to regulate online platforms that have an outsized impact on mental health, safety, and community."

Moving forward: A national strategy for gambling

The rise of online gambling in Canada calls for more comprehensive and coordinated efforts to mitigate the negative impacts. According to experts, this should include policies aimed at reducing the exposure and availability of gambling, improving access to affordable support and treatment services, and enforcing strict regulations that limit gambling harm, especially for vulnerable populations.

Experts also suggest that more public education initiatives are needed to help Canadians recognize the signs of addiction early on, which could potentially save lives and reduce the strain on healthcare services. The call for a national strategy to combat gambling addiction is gaining momentum, and experts are urging policymakers to prioritize public health over economic interests.

It should not be solely up to the individual to practice responsible gambling. A well-resourced, independent regulatory framework is essential to ensure that online gambling does not continue to harm individuals and communities. In the absence of effective regulation, the financial costs of addiction will continue to mount, placing additional pressure on social services and the healthcare system.

Sources

• Global News: Rising concerns over online gambling addition in Canada

• Taylor & Francis Online: Casino responsible gambling/harm minimization measures among Canadian electronic gaming

• Statistics Canada: Who gambles and who experiences gambling problems in Canada

• CBC: Online gambling public health report