Canadian Experts Urge Stronger Regulations to Shield Youth from Sports Betting Ads
Experts in Canada warn that pervasive sports betting advertising is exposing youth to gambling harms. Urgent legislative action is needed to safeguard minors and reduce problem gambling risks.
Canada is facing growing concerns over widespread sports betting advertising, which many experts warn is exposing minors to harmful gambling influences. Despite existing age restrictions, problem gambling continues to impact young people, especially as advertising for sports betting has become pervasive since 2021, saturating sports broadcasts watched by children. This normalization of gambling as part of sports culture heightens risks for youth.
The legalization of online gambling in Ontario in 2022 has further intensified the issue by transforming smartphones into betting platforms, exacerbating existing problems related to social media and technology addiction. Research indicates that minors who engage in problem gambling are at increased risk of severe consequences, such as substance use disorders, theft, violence, and notably, a nine-fold higher risk of suicide among males and nearly five times among females, according to recent UK studies. Norwegian data from 2008 to 2021 also reveal that suicide is the leading cause of death among individuals with problem gambling.
In an editorial published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, Dr. Shannon Charlebois and Dr. Shawn Kelly emphasize the urgent need for legislative action. They argue that allowing constant and prominent sports betting promotions during broadcasts accessible to minors is a detrimental oversight. The authors advocate for the federal government to expedite Bill S-211, which aims to establish a comprehensive national framework with standardized regulations to reduce exposure to gambling advertising and protect vulnerable populations.
The call for tighter regulations underscores the importance of protecting youth from the psychological and social harms associated with gambling. Implementing stricter standards could help curb early exposure and reduce the long-term risks of addiction and its severe consequences.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-canada-youth-sports-advertising-specialists.html
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