Pediatricians Warn of Risks from Surge in Sports Gambling Ads

Concerns are mounting regarding the impact of sports gambling advertisements on children and adolescents in Canada. This issue was brought sharply into focus for Dr. Shawn Kelly, a pediatrician and addictions medicine specialist in Ottawa, during a conversation with his young son. While discussing hockey, his son confused a sports statistic with a gambling term, highlighting the troubling intersection of sports and betting for impressionable youth.

Since the Canadian federal government lifted its ban on single-game sports betting in 2021, and Ontario legalized online gambling, advertisements for sports betting have proliferated in sports broadcasts. This surge in advertising has led to increased calls for stricter regulations to protect younger audiences. According to Dr. Kelly, the intertwining of sports and gambling exposes children to messaging that can normalize risky behaviors.

Dr. Kelly, alongside Dr. Shannon Charlebois, medical editor of the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ), co-authored a recent editorial emphasizing the potential harms of these advertisements. The editorial urges the federal government to enact “strong, effective” legislation, including the expedited passage of Bill S-211, which aims to establish a national framework to regulate sports betting advertising and set standards to mitigate associated risks.

A 2019 survey of Canadian students in grades 7-12 revealed that approximately four percent expressed a desire to gamble, with two percent showing signs of gambling addiction. Since the legalization of online gambling in Ontario in 2022, this issue has intensified, further normalizing gambling among youth. The ability to gamble via smartphones has compounded the problem, making it easier for minors to engage in betting activities.

Between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024, Ontario saw a staggering $63 billion wagered through iGaming, a figure that underscores the lucrative nature of this industry. Despite age restrictions that vary by province, underage gambling remains prevalent, with the Canadian Pediatric Society noting that it can begin as early as age ten.

Dr. Kelly points to alarming trends linking problem gambling in minors to serious consequences, including an increased risk of suicide, substance use disorders, and violence. He cites a UK study indicating that males with gambling issues face a ninefold increase in suicide risk, while females have a nearly fivefold increase. Additionally, a study of Norwegians identified problem gambling as the leading cause of death in that demographic.

Describing the current state of gambling advertising as akin to “the Wild West,” Dr. Kelly expresses deep concerns about the lack of regulations. He likens the situation to constructing a playground on the edge of a cliff, emphasizing the dangers posed to children. He notes that as a pediatrician, he is beginning to see more patients with gambling-related issues, a trend that he fears will worsen without intervention.

The editorial warns that allowing pervasive promotion of sports betting is a “willful mortgage of Canada’s future” to private interests. It calls for an immediate cessation of commercials promoting sports betting during broadcasts accessible to minors. Dr. Kelly’s insights highlight the urgent need for protective measures to ensure the welfare of children in an increasingly commercialized sports environment.