Doctors and health experts in Canada are raising concerns over the growing presence of sports betting advertisements, warning that they may encourage gambling among young people and lead to serious long-term harms. The Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) has published an editorial urging that these ads be restricted, especially during sports broadcasts that children often watch.
Family physician Dr. Shannon Charlebois, who is also the medical editor at CMAJ, said she has seen gambling destroy lives across all age groups. “I have seen people’s lives fall apart at all ages, from all walks of life, whether it’s an accountant with a career behind him, or a kid looking to maximize his college fund, who then lost it all within weeks,” she explained.
Dr. Shawn Kelly, an adolescent addiction specialist, added that even though these advertisements are not specifically aimed at children, young viewers are still influenced by them. “These ads are not directed at the nine-year-olds sitting with me, but they are picking up on it,” he said, noting that he watches sports with his twin children and has seen the impact firsthand.
Dr. Kelly has been tracking gambling issues in young people, who increasingly use online platforms to place bets, often without parental knowledge. “I’ve seen an increase in harms from gambling in people who are under the age legally allowed to gamble,” he said. Many teenagers engage in online betting using parents’ credit cards, sometimes losing significant amounts of money in a short period.
These early gambling experiences can create lasting financial and emotional stress. Studies in Norway, the U.K., and Canada show that hundreds of teenagers already report low to moderately severe gambling problems. Kelly warned that these behaviours, if left unchecked, can escalate over time and lead to serious consequences.
Gambling addiction often starts at a young age and can have lifelong effects. Dr. Nigel Turner, a scientist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto, explained that most people who develop gambling problems later in life began before turning 19. “If you start gambling when you’re young, you establish a habit that can echo throughout your life and lead to serious financial problems,” he said.
A 2024 report from the Lancet Public Health Commission on Gambling warned that gambling poses a substantial public health risk. Early exposure to gambling increases the likelihood of substance use, delinquent behaviour, and even suicidal thoughts in affected individuals. Turner highlighted that shame and stigma often prevent people from seeking help, making early intervention crucial.
Charlebois emphasized that children’s brains are still developing, making them particularly susceptible to the messages conveyed by gambling ads. “It’s very dangerous because it normalizes a harmful behaviour during an impressionable stage. It’s especially appealing to youth who are naturally risk-takers,” she explained.
Current sports broadcasts often include multiple ads for betting platforms, sometimes projecting their names onto football fields, hockey rinks, or other sports arenas. Charlebois pointed out that there are no limits on how many ads can be shown during a game or how long they can run, leading to repeated exposure for young viewers.
Charlebois highlighted that a bill introduced in the Senate to regulate sports betting advertisements could help address this issue if passed. She suggested that advertising during sports games should be restricted and removed from social media platforms popular with youth. “These steps would prevent gambling from being normalized and reduce early exposure that leads to future addiction,” she said.
Paul Burns, president and CEO of the Canadian Gaming Association (CGA), acknowledged the need for responsible advertising but believes education is more effective than strict limitations. He said gambling ads make up about two percent of total TV ads and roughly five percent of total TV ad spending. “Even during last year’s NHL playoffs, gambling companies were not among the top 10 advertisers,” he noted.
Burns emphasized that the CGA supports responsible promotion and increased awareness, particularly to protect youth. However, he stressed that restricting access might not be as effective as educating families and young viewers about the risks associated with gambling.
Both Charlebois and Kelly agree that public education is essential, but they maintain that more proactive measures are needed. Kelly said that many young people who develop gambling problems are unaware of the risks or how quickly losses can accumulate. “We need to prevent youth from being exposed to these habits early on. Prevention is much easier than treating gambling addiction later in life,” he said.
Parents and schools also play a critical role in addressing this issue. Experts suggest open conversations about gambling, understanding its risks, and setting clear rules around online and mobile access to betting platforms. Awareness programs in schools and communities could help children recognize the dangers of gambling before habits are formed.
The message from Canadian health experts is clear: exposure to sports betting advertising can be harmful to children and teens. Restricting these ads, increasing public awareness, and promoting responsible messaging are critical steps to protect young people from developing gambling problems that could last a lifetime.
By taking action now, Canada has the opportunity to prevent the normalization of gambling among youth and safeguard both their financial and mental well-being for the future.
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