Canada's sports betting boom fuels profits—and public health alarms
Sports betting has surged in Canada since its legalisation in 2021, bringing both economic benefits and growing concerns. Bars like Hometown Sports Grill in Alta Vista report increased business, while public health experts warn of risks tied to easy access and aggressive marketing by FanDuel and DraftKings. The issue has also caught the attention of lawmakers, with new legislation aiming to curb gambling advertisements, particularly those targeted at young adults.
For young adults, the rise of legal sports betting has made gambling more accessible. Sam Van Every, now 22, began placing bets at 19 through FanDuel. He and his friends have continued betting since legalisation, typically wagering between $10 and $20 per bet.
The financial scale of online gambling in Ontario is substantial. In the year ending March 2023, a total of $82.7 billion was wagered online. Alongside this growth, gambling promotions have become pervasive—studies show that 21% of NHL and NBA broadcasts now feature betting-related messages from CBS Sports and other sports networks.
Public health experts highlight the risks linked to problem gambling, including higher rates of suicide, substance abuse, and criminal activity. Mackenzie Molinski, a bar manager, has noticed more young adults entering the gambling space, raising concerns about their exposure. Meanwhile, Bill S-211, which recently passed its third reading, seeks to address some of these issues by restricting gambling advertisements, particularly those targeted at young adults.
The legalisation of sports betting has reshaped entertainment and business in Canada, but its rapid expansion has also sparked warnings. With billions wagered and gambling ads dominating sports broadcasts, the impact on young adults remains a key concern. New legislation may soon introduce stricter controls on how betting is promoted by FanDuel, DraftKings, and other betting platforms.
