Pediatricians Warn of Risks from Surge in Sports Betting Ads

Concerns are rising over the impact of sports betting advertisements on children and adolescents, as highlighted by Ottawa pediatrician Dr. Shawn Kelly. During a conversation with his seven-year-old son, who was learning about hockey, Dr. Kelly realized the alarming overlap between sports knowledge and gambling terminology. His son confused hockey statistics with gambling terms, prompting a significant reflection on the pervasive nature of gambling ads in sports broadcasts.

Since the federal government lifted the ban on single-game sports betting in Canada in 2021 and Ontario legalized online gambling in 2022, there has been a significant increase in advertisements targeting this demographic. Dr. Kelly, also an addictions medicine specialist, warns that these ads are closely tied to the sports content children consume, raising concerns about their mental health and well-being.

The issue has gained traction following a recent editorial co-authored by Dr. Kelly and Dr. Shannon Charlebois, medical editor of the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ). The editorial calls for the federal government to implement stronger regulations to protect youth from gambling advertising. It specifically urges the expedited passage of Bill S-211, which aims to create a national framework for regulating sports betting ads and establishing standards to mitigate associated risks.

Research indicates that the normalization of gambling among youth is alarming. A 2019 survey found that approximately four percent of Canadian students in grades 7-12 expressed a desire to gamble, with two percent showing signs of gambling addiction. This trend has only escalated since the legalization of online gambling, with smartphones enabling easy access to betting platforms.

Dr. Kelly and his co-authors emphasize that the prevalence of gambling ads is not just a marketing concern but a public health issue. They note that problem gambling in minors is linked to severe consequences, including an increased risk of suicide, substance use disorders, and violent behaviors. A study from the UK revealed that males with gambling problems had a ninefold increase in suicide risk, while females faced almost a fivefold increase.

The financial implications of iGaming in Ontario are significant; between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024, a staggering $63 billion was wagered. Despite age restrictions varying by province, underage gambling remains a prevalent issue, often starting as early as age ten, according to the Canadian Pediatric Society. Dr. Kelly describes the current landscape of gambling advertising as “the Wild West,” emphasizing the irresponsibility of permitting such extensive advertising without adequate safety measures.

He warns that the situation is akin to removing safety barriers and placing a playground on a cliff, suggesting that the consequences of inaction could be dire. The editorial argues that allowing pervasive sports betting promotions is a dangerous gamble with the future of Canadian youth, prioritizing private profits and tax revenues over the well-being of children.

Dr. Kelly points out that adolescents are particularly vulnerable to risky behaviors due to developmental factors. Their brains tend to prioritize potential rewards over negative consequences, creating a gap in judgment that can lead to dangerous decisions regarding gambling.

The authors of the CMAJ editorial urge Canadian jurisdictions to eliminate all commercials promoting sports betting during broadcasts where minors are likely to be viewers. As the landscape of gambling continues to evolve rapidly, the call for regulatory action becomes increasingly urgent to safeguard the health and future of young Canadians.