ER visits for gambling disorders doubled after expanded online gambling market
4 hours ago
- Emergency department visits for gambling disorders doubled in Ontario after the legalization of single-event sports betting and expansion of the private online gambling market.
- The increase was most pronounced among young men, with visits rising 154% above expected rates for males aged 10-29 and 116% for males aged 30-44.
- The study analyzed 952 emergency department visits for gambling disorders over 14 years, with males comprising nearly three-quarters of cases.
- More than 70% of gambling disorder visits involved co-occurring mental health conditions or heavy substance use, and almost one-third led to hospital admission.
- No significant changes were observed among females, and the findings were published in The American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
- Researchers suggest the rise in severe gambling-related harms is likely underestimated, as most people with gambling problems do not seek care.
- The study highlights concerns about Ontario's online gambling expansion, which includes 83 sites and $82.7 billion in wagers in 2024.
- Other provinces like Alberta are following suit, and experts urge careful consideration of potential harms and additional safeguards.