Pediatricians Warn of Sports Betting Ads Endangering Children

Concerns are escalating regarding the impact of sports betting advertisements on children, particularly after a revealing moment for Ottawa pediatrician Dr. Shawn Kelly. During a discussion with his seven-year-old son, who is beginning to learn about hockey, Kelly realized that his child was confusing hockey statistics with sports betting terminology. This incident illuminated the concerning overlap between sports culture and gambling promotion, raising alarms about the potential effects on youth.

Since the Canadian federal government lifted its ban on single-game sports betting in 2021, and Ontario legalized online gambling, a surge of advertisements has inundated sports broadcasts. This raises pressing questions about the exposure of children to gambling messaging. Dr. Kelly, who specializes in both pediatrics and addiction medicine, expressed deep concerns over the continued association of sports advertising with gambling. He highlighted the potential risks, including increased rates of problem gambling and its associated mental health challenges.

In a recently published editorial in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ), Dr. Kelly and co-author Dr. Shannon Charlebois advocate for immediate government action to implement stricter regulations on gambling advertisements targeted at young audiences. They specifically call for the expedited passage of Bill S-211, which aims to develop a national framework for regulating sports betting advertising.

The urgency of these measures is underscored by alarming statistics. A survey conducted in 2019 revealed that around four percent of Canadian students in grades 7-12 expressed an urge to gamble, with two percent showing signs of gambling addiction. Since the legalization of single-game betting, the normalization of gambling among youth has escalated, exacerbated by the widespread availability of gambling through smartphones.

According to iGaming Ontario, a staggering $63 billion was wagered in the province between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024. Despite age restrictions varying by province, underage gambling remains prevalent, with children sometimes starting to gamble before the age of ten. The Canadian Pediatric Society has linked problem gambling in minors to severe consequences, including increased risks of suicide, substance use disorders, and violent behaviors.

Research from the United Kingdom indicates that males with gambling problems face a ninefold increased risk of suicide, while females experience a nearly fivefold risk. A comprehensive study of Norwegians from 2008 to 2021 found that suicide was the leading cause of death among those with gambling issues.

Dr. Kelly describes the current landscape of gambling ads as “like the Wild West,” emphasizing the recklessness of unrestricted advertising in an environment that lacks stringent safety measures. He draws a stark analogy, suggesting that allowing such promotions is akin to removing safety barriers from a playground positioned on a cliff.

As he begins to see more patients with gambling-related issues, Dr. Kelly warns that the situation is likely to worsen without immediate intervention. He notes that adolescents are particularly vulnerable to risky behaviors due to the developmental gap between their reward systems and the areas of the brain responsible for impulse control.

The editorial argues that the unrestricted promotion of sports betting represents a significant risk to the future of Canadian youth, prioritizing profit over public health. It calls for Canadian jurisdictions to eliminate commercials promoting sports betting during broadcasts likely to be viewed by minors.

The conversation surrounding sports betting advertising continues to evolve, with pediatricians and public health advocates urging a reevaluation of current policies to protect children from the potential harms of gambling exposure.