Problem Gambling Awareness Month highlights rise in online betting

March marks Problem Gambling Awareness Month across Canada, and new data is shedding light on gambling trends in Saskatchewan. Carla Shynkaruk reports.

March marks Problem Gambling Awareness Month across Canada, and new data is shedding light on gambling trends in Saskatchewan, particularly when it comes to online betting.

As more aspects of daily life have moved online since the COVID-19 pandemic, gambling has followed suit. Experts say the expansion of online sports betting has changed the landscape significantly.

“Now, since the introduction of online gambling and wide-open sports gambling, sports gambling is now much more prominent,” Nigel Turner, a specialist in mental health and addictions at the University of Toronto, told CTV News.

Turner says that 20 years ago, the average age of gamblers was around 55 and most gambling happened in person at casinos. But the rise of online platforms combined with targeted marketing has shifted the demographic.

“They wanted online gambling because, again, it can appeal to the younger audience,” Turner said.

Statistics show seven per cent of Saskatchewan residents reported gambling online in the past year. Men aged 18 to 34 are the most likely group to bet on sports online weekly.

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Turner says younger gamblers are increasingly reaching out for help.

“The percentage of younger people who are calling the helpline has skyrocketed compared to what it was,” he said.

The Saskatchewan Problem Gambling Helpline has received 4,098 calls over the past five years. According to Mobile Crisis, which operates the line, there has been a small but measurable uptick in calls since 2020.

Recent research funded by Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan (LGS) shows VLTs and instant scratch tickets remain the leading activities associated with moderate-risk and problem gambling in the province.

The crisis line is funded in part by LGS, which also supports research, public awareness and addictions programming.

“The crisis line — it’s a red flag waving. So, what’s causing that red flag to wave? And then how can we address some of the underlying issues that are causing people to feel that they need the crisis line?” David Loewen with LGS said.

The Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC) says it is strengthening responsible gambling measures on legal platforms, including PlayNow.com.

Officials with WCLC say new digital features will allow users to set spending and time limits, complete self-check-ins and access additional support resources.

They also warn that illegal gambling websites may use aggressive marketing tactics and lack the consumer protections required in Saskatchewan.