As the fitness and wellness industry continues to grow, it's essential to recognize the impact of sports betting ads on former gamblers. The proliferation of these ads has triggered many individuals who are struggling with recovery from gambling addiction. In this article, we'll explore the effects of sports betting ads on those in recovery and discuss the need for responsible advertising practices.
Teddy Wojtowicz, a former gambler in recovery, shared his story with CBC to raise awareness about the struggles faced by others who are trying to navigate a reality inundated with online gambling advertisements. According to Wojtowicz, the constant stream of sports betting ads triggers him and makes it difficult for him to avoid them.
"It's triggering. I found myself almost downloading the apps on my phone," said Wojtowicz, who has been in recovery from a gambling addiction for nearly three years. "I've learned to get up and move around during commercial breaks to avoid being subjected to so many ads."
Wojtowicz's story highlights the importance of responsible advertising practices in the fitness app development industry. While some may argue that sports betting is a form of entertainment, it's essential to recognize the potential harm it can cause to those who are struggling with addiction.
Bruce Kidd, chair of the Campaign to Ban Ads for Gambling, a not-for-profit volunteer-led organization, agrees that the proliferation of sports betting ads has led to a "tsunami" of advertisements reaching Canadians across the country. "They [Canadian governments] created a wide open market and made no effort to limit the advertising," said Kidd.
The Impact on Mental Health
The constant exposure to sports betting ads can have severe consequences for mental health. According to Matthew Young, a senior research associate at the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction, competition from the regulated market in Ontario has contributed to the proliferation of gambling ads across the country.
Young co-authored a recent report that found those surveyed who reported gambling online were about 45 times more likely to meet the criteria for problem gambling than those who engage in lottery only. The data also showed that 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 from 10 per cent of calls in 2019-20 to 40 per cent in 2024-25.
A Call for Change
Senator Marty Deacon brought forward a bill that has passed the Senate and is now before the House of Commons, which would require the Canadian heritage minister to develop a national framework for sports betting advertising. Deacon also co-authored a letter along with 40 other senators, addressed to Prime Minister Mark Carney, calling for an outright ban on sports betting advertising in Canada.
"It's not fair for the provinces and territories that didn’t open their betting markets to private operators in an effort to limit the prevalence of gambling addictions," said Deacon. "Part of the motivation behind my bill is to fix the problems that came from legalizing single-event sports betting in Canada."
Conclusion
The proliferation of sports betting ads has severe consequences for mental health and can trigger individuals who are struggling with recovery from gambling addiction. As the fitness app development industry continues to grow, it's essential to recognize the impact of these ads on former gamblers and advocate for responsible advertising practices.
Fitness app developers must consider the potential harm that their advertisements may cause and work towards creating a more responsible and sustainable environment for all individuals involved in the fitness and wellness industry.