Montreal, Mar 14: Experts are raising concerns over the rapid rise of online sports betting, warning that the growing accessibility of gambling apps is increasingly drawing teenagers, particularly boys, into potentially addictive behaviour.
The expansion of smartphone-based betting platforms has made it easier for young users to participate in gambling activities, often with little barrier to entry, researchers and educators say.
Industry estimates suggest the global online gambling market is set to expand significantly in the coming years.
Data compiled by market research firm Grand View Research indicates that the sector could generate about USD 8.7 billion by 2030, up from roughly USD 3.9 billion in 2024, with sports betting expected to be the fastest-growing segment.
Students say the ease of access through mobile phones plays a major role in the trend.“You can just turn on your phone and then all of a sudden you can be betting hundreds of dollars,” said Alex Bergman, a student at Dawson College in Montreal.
Another student at the college, who requested anonymity, said he lost around USD 2,000 through online betting, including wagers placed on sports events.
“It’s very accessible and it feels like when you’re not gambling, you’re missing out on making money,” he said, describing the pressure some users feel to continue betting.
Researchers studying youth gambling say such experiences reflect a broader concern about the psychological and financial risks associated with early exposure to betting.
Jeff Derevensky, director of the International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-risk Behaviours at McGill University, said sports betting among young people is emerging as a serious issue.
He described the growing participation of adolescents in online gambling as a public health concern that requires greater awareness and stronger regulatory safeguards.
Experts say the combination of aggressive marketing, digital accessibility and the perception of quick financial gains may be contributing to increased gambling participation among younger users.
They stress that stronger regulations, public awareness campaigns and parental monitoring could play an important role in addressing the risks linked to youth involvement in online betting.
