A study from the Canadian Medical Association Journal said that the number of young men calling the ConnexOntario gambling helpline has increased by up to 337 per cent. In the study, they attributed the rising trend to the legalization of single-sport betting in Ontario.
“We’ve seen a significant increase in problem gambling clients,” said addictions counsellor April Laithwaite about young men aged 17 – 28. She also said that an increase is seen in people struggling with sports betting, specifically.
Laithwaite said that sports betting can be a slippery slope for young men, “There’s so many unknown factors that sometimes our youth just aren’t prepared to take into consideration when they’re making these bets.”
She continued that recovery for these young man can be difficult when they’re surrounded by sports and the culture around it.
“Sometimes youth are so interconnected with their sports betting that it’s hard to break them a part so to give up betting on sports might put them in a position to stop watching sports for a period of time- and they often don’t want to do that.”
The counsellor said that there are safe ways to enjoy betting on sports but they’re concerned about the people who are struggling, and can’t separate the game from the bets.
If you or a loved one is struggling with gambling, the counsellor said their office is open to anyone considering a change. “We’re just here to help. We’re not here to judge or to dictate,” said Laithwaite.
She warned that outreach in these cases are really important because, “Suicide rates for people who struggle with problem gambling are so high because the financial devastation can be so significant.”
