New study finds sharp rise in young men contacting Ontario gambling helpline
A new study reveals a significant increase in young men seeking help for gambling-related issues in Ontario following the expansion of online gambling.Summary
A recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal indicates a substantial rise in young men contacting Ontario’s ConnexOntario helpline for gambling-related problems. Researchers found a more than 300% increase in outreach from males aged 15-24 after the province allowed private online gambling, with a 108% increase for men aged 25-44. The study analyzed helpline contacts from 2012 to 2025, noting increases after the launch of PlayOLG in 2015 and further expansion in 2022. The number of active player accounts also increased dramatically, by 239%, during the same period. Dr. Daniel Myran, a co-author of the study, suggests this increase may reflect a larger problem of harmful gambling patterns, exacerbated by increased marketing and features like micro-betting. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) maintains the province has strong regulations, but the study emphasizes the need to treat gambling disorders as a public health issue and ensure readily available treatment, given the severe consequences including mental health issues and suicide risk.
(Source：BayToday)