Expert Wants to Protect Children from Problem Gambling

It is no secret that online gambling’s popularity is at an all-time high across Canada, and experts are worried about its potential harm to the younger demographics. Recently, McGill University problem gambling expert Dr. Jeff Derevensky has provided some guidelines for those who want to help young people avoid the potential perils of compulsive gambling.

The expert elaborated that problem gambling is not only seen among adults as it can occur at a very young age. He shared that even making fun bets with minors or gifting them scratch lottery tickets for Christmas is not a good idea. Dr. Derevensky compared this to giving a 14-year-old a can of beer to make a point and said it can affect children in the long run.

Dangerous Even in Small Amounts

In a recent interview, the gambling expert said that his organization is trying to educate teachers on the topic as many have hosted wagering pools in the classrooms or have run casino nights for kids and their parents for real money. This is dangerous as even in small amounts it can actually increase dramatically and young people can get overly involved.

Furthermore, the expert commented that over the last few years, gambling has become more normalized and socially acceptable due to its growth. He also noted that everyone including children is bombarded with gambling ads, which has increased risks for children, while also noting that prevalence rates of gambling in teenagers can be as high as 80%.

That is why, Dr. Derevensky wants to educate young individuals to look for three warning signs for problematic gambling behaviour. These include someone having a massive gambling win, trying to make up for gambling losses, and one’s thoughts being consumed with the next gaming activity. He advised children to wait until they are mature enough and legally able to gamble but also to have enough disposable income to do it.

Meanwhile, the Centre for Youth Gambling Problems provides tips for parents. Parents are advised to explain how the risk of gambling is higher for teens than for adults as well as the difference between responsible gambling and excessive and risky one. They are also asked not the gift or offer lottery products to children or teenagers. Last but not least, monitor for unusual changes in children’s behaviour.

Ontario is Taking Steps to Protect Children

A major factor in the rising popularity of online gaming in Canada is Ontario and its iGaming sector for private operators, which generated plenty of interest from gambling brands. This led to an influx of betting ads, which caused the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario to propose banning the use of athletes and celebrities in such marketing and endorsement efforts.

The regulator’s proposal was finally approved at the end of August 2023, but new advertising rules will not go into effect until February 2024. MPP Lisa Gretzky believes that the province must do more to deal with the matter. She said that after the launch of iGaming last year, the proliferation of advertising also comes with athletes and celebrities that promote gambling websites.