Pediatricians Warn Children at Risk from Surge in Gambling Ads

The proliferation of sports gambling advertisements poses significant risks to children and adolescents, according to a recent editorial in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ). The warning, co-authored by pediatrician Dr. Shawn Kelly and Dr. Shannon Charlebois, reflects growing concerns about the normalization of gambling among youth following the legalization of single-game sports betting in Canada in 2021.

During a conversation with his seven-year-old son, a young hockey fan, Dr. Kelly experienced firsthand the concerning overlap between sports and gambling terminology. His son, curious about hockey statistics, confused terms like “plus-minus” with “over-under,” a common gambling phrase. This moment highlighted for Dr. Kelly how deeply ingrained sports betting is becoming in youth culture.

Since the legalization of online gambling in Ontario in 2022, advertisements for sports betting have flooded broadcasts, raising alarms from health professionals. These ads often target young audiences, leading to calls for stricter regulations. Dr. Kelly, who specializes in both pediatrics and addiction medicine, emphasizes the potential negative impacts of this exposure.

Research indicates that problem gambling is linked to severe mental health issues, including an increased risk of suicide. A study in the United Kingdom found that males with gambling problems have a ninefold increased risk of suicide compared to their peers, while females have a nearly fivefold increased risk. In a study of Norwegians from 2008 to 2021, suicide was identified as the leading cause of death among individuals with gambling disorders.

Dr. Kelly describes the current landscape of gambling advertising in Canada as “like the Wild West” and calls for comprehensive legislation to protect youth. He and Dr. Charlebois advocate for the swift passage of Bill S-211, which aims to create a national framework for regulating sports betting advertisements. This legislation is crucial to set standards that would mitigate the risks associated with gambling promotions.

Despite existing age restrictions—typically set at 18 or 19 depending on the province—underage gambling remains a concern. A 2019 survey revealed that about four percent of Canadian students in grades 7-12 expressed an urge to gamble, with two percent exhibiting symptoms of gambling addiction. The normalization of gambling as part of sports viewership has only exacerbated this issue.

The rise of smartphones has further complicated matters. With online gambling easily accessible via mobile devices, young people are increasingly exposed to betting opportunities. Dr. Kelly points out that this accessibility contributes to existing issues related to technology and social media addiction, creating a dangerous environment for youth.

According to iGaming Ontario, between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024, a staggering $63 billion was wagered in the province, underscoring the lucrative nature of iGaming. Despite this economic success, the authors of the CMAJ editorial argue that the promotion of gambling during broadcasts likely viewed by minors is irresponsible and detrimental to the future of Canadian youth.

Dr. Kelly warns that adolescents are particularly vulnerable to risky behaviors due to their developing brains. The disparity between the brain’s reward center and the prefrontal cortex, which governs impulse control, makes youth more susceptible to gambling-related issues. He expresses deep concern over the current trends and believes that without immediate action, more cases of gambling addiction among young people will surface.

The editorial calls for immediate measures to eliminate gambling advertisements during broadcasts aimed at youth, arguing that the continued promotion of sports betting is a detrimental sacrifice of public health for private profit. As Dr. Kelly stated, “It just seems so irresponsible to open this advertising up in the way they did. To me, it is wild to usher this in with seemingly no regard for safety.”

As the conversation around sports betting and youth continues, the health implications cannot be overlooked. Fostering a safer environment for children in the face of rampant gambling promotion is essential as Canada navigates this new landscape.