Ontario's young men face a 300% surge in gambling distress after betting boom
A new study has revealed a sharp rise in gambling-related distress among young men in Ontario. Over the past decade, calls to a mental health helpline about gambling issues surged by 317%. Researchers suggest the increase may be tied to the growth of online betting and single-event sports wagering.
The study, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, analysed data from ConnexOntario, a provincial mental health helpline. Between January 2012 and September 2025, the service received 745,700 contacts. Of these, 37,000 were gambling-related calls from young men aged 15 to 24.
The most dramatic spike occurred after April 2022, when Ontario expanded its regulated igaming market. Since then, gambling-related calls from young men have jumped by 300%. The province's igaming sector, now home to 48 licensed operators, reported $4 billion in gross gaming revenue in 2025 alone.
While all operators must follow age verification and self-exclusion rules set by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), specific protections for players under 25 vary. As of March 2026, no centralised data exists on how many operators offer tailored youth safeguards beyond the standard PlaySmart portal.
The findings highlight a growing trend of gambling harm among young men in Ontario. The expansion of online betting and sports wagering appears to coincide with rising demand for support services. Regulators and operators may need to review youth-focused protections as the market continues to grow.
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