You don\u2019t have to be a fan to know that online gambling such as sports betting is big business \u2013 and a growing public health concern.<\/p>\n
In Ontario, online gambling brought in $82.7-billion<\/a> dollars in wagers and $3.2-billion in gross revenue in 2024-2025, a 32-per-cent increase over the previous year. Experts say it\u2019s also leading to more problem gambling, particularly among young men. <\/p>\n A recent study in the Canadian Medical Association Journal<\/a> found Ontario\u2019s addictions and mental-health helpline saw a surge in people seeking help for problem gambling after online gambling was legalized in the province \u2013 especially calls from boys and men aged 15 to 24, which increased by more than 300 per cent.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, a 2025 report<\/a> by the Canadian Centre for Substance Use and Addiction found that among young adults aged 18 to 29 who gamble online, 69.4 per cent met the criteria for problem gambling. If you have a young person in your life who gambles, here are some things to know about how to spot the signs of problem gambling, when to seek help, and ways to minimize the risks.<\/p>\n Ontario helpline saw increase in gambling-related requests after province opened regulated market, study finds<\/a><\/p>\n 1. Know the signs to watch for<\/p>\n Andrew Kim, an associate professor of psychology at Toronto Metropolitan University who studies addictions and mental health, says it can be harder to detect problem gambling than a drug or alcohol addiction. But there are some behaviours to watch for.<\/p>\n \u201cPreoccupation, irritability and researching odds, getting overly reactive while watching sports and withdrawing are all common signs,\u201d he said. \u201cThe first harm is going to be financial, which may be hidden, but also there\u2019s signs of anxiety and depression, irritability and, of course, asking for money.\u201d <\/p>\n Someone with a gambling problem might say they\u2019ll only place one bet, but end up making multiple wagers, oftentimes \u201cchasing losses,\u201d making new gambles in the hopes of winning back lost money, Kim explained.<\/p>\n Kim says young men who are sports fans, drink alcohol, have university degrees, and have disposable income and high levels of impulsivity are more prone to gambling on sports. <\/p>\n According to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health<\/a>, there are many risk factors for developing a gambling problem, including having easy access and having a history of mental health problems.<\/p>\n David Hodgins, a psychology professor at the University of Calgary who studies gambling and substance-use addictions, says the reason why someone gambles also affects their risk of developing a problem. \u201cGambling to forget, escape or feel better has a corollary with developing issues,\u201d said Hodgins. \u201cWhy are you gambling? If it\u2019s to escape negative emotions, that\u2019s a red flag.\u201d<\/p>\n Sports betting is the new, big money trap for Gen Z — and the rest of us<\/a><\/p>\n 2. Seek help early to minimize harms<\/p>\n The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction<\/a> says harms related to gambling can include financial loss, relationship conflicts, and physical and mental health issues. <\/p>\n Experts say early intervention, such as counselling or talk therapy, can help reduce long-term harm. <\/p>\n Intervention can also be self-directed, says Hodgins. \u201cMotivational cognitive strategies like reminding yourself of negative consequences and putting distance between yourself and triggers are effective,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Family and friends can also play a role in offering support. Because \u201cgambling is relatively hidden, it\u2019s important to stay connected with anyone who might have a problem,\u201d Hodgins added.<\/p>\n Others may find that support groups or 12-step recovery programs help. That was the case for Aldo Infuso, who says he was a problem gambler for 21 years before he admitted he had an issue and joined Gamblers Anonymous.<\/p>\n \u201cImagine I\u2019m in a pool and the water\u2019s between my lower and upper lip \u2013 that\u2019s how close I was to drowning,\u201d said Infuso. \u201cI had a beautiful home, job, and three beautiful kids and they all got exposed to my addiction; it grips you. It\u2019s an insidious, baffling disease.\u201d <\/p>\n Infuso now runs a helpline and support groups for Gamblers Anonymous Toronto and says the age demographic of the men seeking help keeps getting younger. \u201cThe phone and sports are the culprits and we\u2019re seeing a surge in the number of calls from young men,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n The organization also runs a program for families and friends of problem gamblers. Infuso says parents must employ tough love. \u201cI tell parents, \u2018Don\u2019t bail your kids out,\u2019 that\u2019s the first mistake,\u201d he said, warning against providing cash or credit transfers to problem gamblers. \u201cCheck the credit cards. Check if he spends a lot of time alone. Get them at the beginning when the damage is minimal \u2013 don\u2019t be like me and wait 21 years.\u201d <\/p>\n