World, Mar 3: A new Canadian study is raising concerns about the impact of expanded online gambling in Ontario, pointing to a dramatic surge in young men reaching out for help with gambling-related problems.Researchers writing in the Canadian Medical Association Journal report that contacts to Ontario’s mental health and addictions helpline for gambling issues have risen sharply since the province broadened access to online betting platforms.The study tracked calls and messages to ConnexOntario — a free, 24-hour service — between January 2012 and September 2025. Over that 13-year span, the helpline received more than 745,000 contacts, with roughly 37,000 related specifically to gambling.A 300% Surge Among Young Men The most striking increase was among boys and men aged 15 to 24.
According to the study, the average monthly rate of gambling-related outreach per million people in that age group rose by 317% after Ontario moved to expand private online gambling in April 2022, compared to the period before the government first introduced its PlayOLG platform in 2015.Men aged 25 to 44 also showed a substantial rise — about 108% over the same timeframe.Before those policy changes, researchers say the rates had remained relatively stable.The province first entered the online gambling market in 2015 with the launch of PlayOLG, operated by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation. In 2022, Ontario opened the market to private online operators, significantly increasing the number and visibility of betting platforms available to residents.
More Than Awareness at Play?While greater public awareness of ConnexOntario’s services may partly explain the increase, the researchers suggest that heightened exposure to online gambling opportunities likely played a significant role.Dr. Daniel Myran, a research chair at North York General Hospital and co-author of the study, said the spike cannot be fully attributed to improved help-seeking behavior alone.The accessibility of mobile betting apps, round-the-clock availability and aggressive marketing campaigns may have contributed to increased gambling participation — and in some cases, problematic use — particularly among younger men.Calls for Harm-Reduction MeasuresThe authors argue that the findings highlight the need for stronger harm-reduction policies and expanded treatment options. These could include tighter advertising rules, enhanced responsible gambling tools and improved access to counselling services.
Mental health advocates say the data underscores a broader challenge facing jurisdictions that have embraced online gambling: balancing economic benefits and consumer choice with public health safeguards.For many families, the consequences of problem gambling extend beyond financial strain, affecting mental health, relationships and overall well-being.As Ontario continues to regulate a rapidly evolving online gambling landscape, the study adds fresh urgency to the debate over how best to protect vulnerable populations — especially young people navigating an increasingly digital betting environment.
