Online gambling surge is driving calls to Ontario's mental health helpline from young men
Since Ontario legalized private online gambling in 2022, mental health support calls from young men have surged. CBC spoke with two recovering gamblers about what helped them break the cycle.
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Ontario allowed private online gambling in 2022, and mental health crisis lines have been bracing for the fallout ever since.
Calls to Ontario's mental health helpline from young men have surged following the legalization of private online gambling. The specific number of calls is not yet available in public reporting.
CBC interviewed two recovering gamblers about the interventions that helped them break the cycle of online betting addiction. While the details of their stories and the specific support they identified as effective are not available in the available text, the reporting underscores the growing concern among mental health advocates that online gambling platforms — designed to be accessible at any hour and from any device — are reaching vulnerable populations faster than traditional support systems can adapt.
The surge reflects a broader pattern: as accessibility to online gambling has increased, so have reports of problem gambling among young adults. Mental health workers and addiction counsellors say the speed of digital betting, combined with constant promotional messaging and the social normalization of gambling through social media, creates a uniquely challenging environment for recovery.
The facts
When did Ontario legalize private online gambling?
Ontario legalized private online gambling in 2022.
Who has seen increased calls to Ontario's mental health helpline since online gambling was legalized?
Young men have made significantly more calls to Ontario's mental health helpline following the legalization of private online gambling.
