Problem gambling jumps, suicides triple in Ontario after expansion of online casinos
Problem gambling and gambling-related suicides have tripled in Ontario since private online casinos and sports betting launched in 2022.Summary
Since Ontario allowed private online casino games and sports betting in 2022, the number of problem gamblers has nearly tripled, from about 43,000 in 2018 to around 130,000 today, according to research from the Alberta Gambling Research Institute (AGRI) and Statistics Canada data. The Office of the Chief Coroner of Ontario also reports that gambling-related suicides tripled after 2022, rising from an average of five per year between 2016 and 2021. Researchers say easy 24/7 access via phones and computers and heavy advertising have normalized gambling in Ontario, while similar expansion in Alberta in July raises concerns. Studies show sharp increases in gambling-related emergency department visits and calls to the ConnexOntario helpline, particularly among men and boys. Experts criticize the lack of pre-legalization harm analysis and weak monitoring, and call for independent research funded by gambling revenues to curb addiction, bankruptcies and suicides.
(Source：CBC.ca)