Online gambling is booming ahead of Super Bowl. So, experts say, is the risk to public health
The Super Bowl is not just about football anymore. With fans expected to wager billions of dollars on the big game, experts are raising concerns about the public health implications of the rapidly growing gambling industry.
The American Gaming Association predicts that American fans will bet a record $1.39 billion US on this year’s Super Bowl, highlighting the continued expansion of the legal sports betting market. This trend is mirrored in Canada, where single-event sports betting was legalized in 2021 and online betting was legalized in Ontario in 2022.
The legalization of online gambling has opened the door to private online gambling companies to operate in Canada, with some offshore companies offering betting apps accessible in most provinces. However, the lack of regulation for these apps is a cause for concern.
Luke Clark, director of the Centre for Gambling Research at the University of British Columbia, warns that the legal changes in Canada have led to the emergence of riskier forms of gambling and increased advertising and marketing, raising public health concerns.
For individuals like Theodore Oliver, a 27-year-old from Saskatoon, the proliferation of sports betting ads can be triggering and troubling. Oliver’s gambling addiction spiraled out of control during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to financial, physical, and mental health consequences before he sought help for his destructive problem.
A recent report by the Lancet Public Health Commission on Gambling highlights the substantial threat that gambling poses to public health, extending beyond financial losses to include loss of employment, broken relationships, health effects, and crime-related impacts. The report urges governments to take action to mitigate these harms.
Heather Wardle, a professor of gambling research and policy, emphasizes that the negative impacts of gambling extend beyond the individual to affect families and communities. She calls on governments to prioritize public health above economic motivations and implement stricter regulations on gambling advertising.
Psychology professor Steve Joordans advocates for limitations on gambling ads to reduce the glorification and normalization of sports betting. While Paul Burns, CEO of the Canadian Gaming Association, defends the industry’s commitment to responsible play and regulation, there is still a call for further government policies to address the risks associated with gambling.
As Theodore Oliver continues on his path to recovery, he urges policymakers to consider the implications of promoting an activity that poses significant health risks. By implementing stricter regulations and oversight, governments can better protect the public from the harms of the rapidly growing gambling industry.
