As sports fans gear up for their favorite games, they're met with an onslaught of betting ads that can trigger even the most recovered gamblers. For Teddy Wojtowicz, a former gambling addict, these constant reminders are a painful reminder of his past struggles.
Wojtowicz's story is all too familiar – he spent years battling addiction, stealing from friends and family to fuel his habit. But after three years in recovery, the constant stream of sports betting ads has him feeling triggered once again. "It's at every halftime, pre-game, intermission – they're always talking about the best bets," he laments.
The proliferation of these ads is a direct result of the legalization of single-event sports betting and Ontario's open market for private sports books. This "tsunami" of advertising has created an unregulated environment where bettors can easily access online gambling platforms from outside Manitoba – including those that aren't licensed to operate in the province.
Bruce Kidd, chair of the Campaign to Ban Ads for Gambling, warns that this lack of regulation poses a significant risk to bettors. "The possibility of harm to bettors where they're completely unregulated and unsupervised in Manitoba, that concerns me enormously," he says.
The Harms
Matthew Young, a senior research associate at the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction, notes that competition from the regulated market in Ontario has contributed to the proliferation of gambling ads across the country. However, this comes at a cost – the number of calls to the Problem Gambling Helpline has gone down in recent years, but the rate of calls about online gaming specifically has risen.
Young co-authored a report that found those surveyed who reported gambling online were 45 times more likely to meet the criteria for problem gambling than those who engage in lottery only. For Wojtowicz, this is all too real – his addiction cost him time with loved ones and left him feeling like he was "living a life of lies."
The Solution
Senator Marty Deacon has introduced a bill that would require the Canadian heritage minister to develop a national framework for sports betting advertising. Deacon also co-authored a letter calling for an outright ban on sports betting advertising in Canada, citing concerns about fairness and public health.
Glen Simard, the provincial cabinet minister responsible for Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries, acknowledges that there is no easy solution – but notes that some provinces have implemented restrictions to limit the prevalence of gambling addictions. As the debate continues, one thing is clear: swift app development without proper regulation poses a significant risk to Canadian bettors.
Conclusion
The proliferation of sports betting ads is a pressing issue that requires a sober and thoughtful approach from policymakers. By implementing regulations and safeguards, we can mitigate the risks associated with unregulated gambling and promote a healthier relationship between Canadians and their favorite sports. As Wojtowicz's story shows, the stakes are high – it's time for swift app development to prioritize responsible gambling practices.