Onslaught of Sports Bock advertisements make gambling seductive to the youth, doctors say
Doctors Urge Restrictions on Sports Betting Advertisements to Protect Youth from Future Gambling Problems
In a recent article published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, doctors are calling for limitations on the advertising of sports betting, warning that these ads are setting up young people for a future of problem gambling. The ubiquity of these advertisements during sports broadcasts, coupled with the rise of online gambling, has created a potential gambling platform on every smartphone.
Editor Dr. Shannon Charlebois emphasizes that while gambling sites claim to be for individuals aged 19 and older, young people are bombarded with ads that glamorize sports betting. She points out that the developing brains of children and teenagers are particularly vulnerable to the normalization of harmful behaviors, which can have lasting effects into adulthood.
A bill to regulate sports betting advertising has been introduced in the Senate, and Charlebois believes that this is a step in the right direction. She advocates for limiting gambling ads during games and removing them from social media platforms frequented by youth.
Charlebois raises concerns about the lack of restrictions on the placement and duration of these advertisements during sports broadcasts, noting that even the names of sports betting platforms are prominently displayed on football fields and hockey courts. She emphasizes the need to protect vulnerable youth from being exposed to these messages.
Dr. Shawn Kelly, an adolescent addiction specialist, echoes Charlebois’ sentiments, highlighting the emerging issue of gambling addiction among young people. He stresses that despite age restrictions and identity verification measures, motivated adolescents will find a way to engage in gambling activities.
The normalization of gambling through advertisements during sports broadcasts is a cause for concern, as even young children are inadvertently exposed to these messages. Kelly, who watches sports with his own children, emphasizes the insidious nature of these ads and the impact they can have on impressionable minds.
As the debate around sports betting advertising continues, it is crucial to consider the long-term effects on youth and take steps to protect them from the harms of problem gambling. By implementing restrictions on these ads and raising awareness about the risks associated with gambling, we can safeguard the well-being of future generations.
