VIMHS
Vancouver Island Mental Health Society
Researcher raises concerns over Ontario’s approach around online gambling
Researcher raises concerns over Ontario’s approach around online gambling
Researcher raises concerns over Ontario’s approach around online gambling
Friday 14th February 2025
Explore concerns over Ontario's online gambling regulation with researcher Iris Balodis, highlighting public health impacts and the need for independent oversight.
26 minutes
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Get the buttons here!The Hidden Costs of Ontario's Online Gambling Boom
Episode Overview
- Ontario's new gambling regulations have raised public health concerns.
- Problem gambling rates may be higher than previously reported.
- The need for independent research and oversight is critical.
- Gambling addiction is influenced by environmental factors and industry practices.
- Advertising plays a significant role in promoting gambling.
I don’t think there’s anyone in Ontario that is unaffected by it, from hearing and seeing ads, to all the opportunities for play
In this episode of People First Radio, Associate Professor Iris Balodis from McMaster University shares her concerns about Ontario’s approach to online gambling regulation. With Canada legalising single-game sports betting in 2021 and Ontario regulating gambling sites beyond its provincial crown corporation in 2022, the landscape has dramatically changed. Balodis, who has been researching gambling addiction for 25 years, highlights the lack of independent oversight and research into the public health impacts of these changes.
She notes that while the Ontario government benefits financially from gambling, there's a significant gap in understanding its consequences on the population. Balodis points out that problem gambling rates in Ontario might be higher than previously thought, with some surveys suggesting up to 11% of people meet the criteria for problem gambling. She stresses the need for independent research to truly understand and mitigate the harms associated with gambling.
The episode also touches on the personal struggles faced by individuals with gambling problems, including deceit, financial ruin, and severe mental health issues like depression and suicide. Balodis emphasises that gambling addiction is not just an individual issue but one influenced by environmental factors and industry practices designed to keep people hooked. The conversation sheds light on the broader context of gambling addiction, comparing it to substance use disorders and discussing the role of advertising and societal attitudes.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of gambling addiction and the urgent need for better regulation and support systems.