CCSA Calls for National Strategy to Combat Gambling-Related Harms in Canada

The Canada Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) has issued a pressing call for a comprehensive national strategy to tackle gambling-related harms across the country. This push comes in the wake of increasing legal gambling options and advertising, presenting a challenge that the CCSA believes requires urgent and coordinated action on a national scale.

Current State of Gambling Regulation in Canada

Gambling regulation in Canada is primarily managed by individual crown provinces, resulting in varying degrees of legality and oversight. The CCSA asserts that as the options available to gamblers expand, so too must the strategies designed to prevent gambling-related harm. Their argument highlights the discrepancy between the increasing visibility of gambling opportunities in liberalized markets and the limitations faced by individual provinces with more restrictive gaming policies.

Increasing Concerns Over Gambling Harms

A recent study conducted by the CCSA in collaboration with researchers from Greo Evidence Insights has drawn attention to the need for monitoring and surveillance of gambling-related harm, which currently lacks a cohesive framework at the national level. The report does not provide definitive evidence linking the liberalization of the Ontario gambling market to an increase in gambling-related harms. However, it raises concerns about the potential for harm in a landscape where gambling accessibility is rising sharply.

As of December 2023, Ontario hosts 49 gambling operators running 72 sites, catering to a population of approximately 15.2 million. The CCSA fears such rapid growth, especially in light of increased advertising and availability, could lead to significant societal harm.

Key Concerns Outlined by the CCSA

The CCSA identified four primary concerns regarding the rise in legal gambling options:

Early Evidence of Increased Harm: Though specific data was not shared, preliminary findings suggest that increased participation in gambling correlates with rising harm, particularly among vulnerable groups.
Risky Betting Options: New betting formats, such as single-event and in-play betting, are believed to present a higher risk of harm.
Normalization of Gambling through Advertising: The high volume of gambling advertisements, especially those targeting young people, may contribute to the normalization of gambling behaviors.
Vulnerability amid Economic Challenges: The ongoing cost of living crisis and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic may exacerbate the potential for gambling-related harms among Canadians.

The Situation in Ontario

Ontario, being the only province with a liberalized gambling market, has been a focal point for the CCSA’s concerns. The province recorded an astounding CA$35.5 billion wagered in the first year of legalized online gambling, an amount that, according to CCSA, cannot be attributed solely to the transition of illegal gambling to legal platforms. They also noted a staggering 300% increase in gambling stakes within a single fiscal year, raising alarms about the implications for public health and safety.

Legislative Responses and Public Sentiment

As discussions about gambling-related issues gain traction, there are increasing calls for restrictions on gambling advertising within Canada. Bill S-269, currently pending in parliamentary committee, aims to curtail the visibility of gambling promotions, particularly those featuring celebrities and athletes. Already, Ontario has implemented its own ban on such endorsements.

Dr. Matthew Young, chief research officer at Greo, emphasized the overwhelming nature of gambling advertisements, stating, “We can no longer watch sports with our kids or go online without being subjected to an overwhelming amount of gambling advertising.” These sentiments underscore a critical moment for Canada’s gambling management strategies.

The CCSA’s Proposed National Strategy

In light of the pressing issues outlined, the CCSA has proposed a national strategy to mitigate gambling-related harms. This multi-faceted approach calls for:

Establishing national standards for the promotion and provision of gambling products.
Creating an independent national body to avoid conflicts of interest that may arise from provincial or industry-led initiatives.
Increasing funding for harm prevention and research initiatives across crown provinces.
Implementing systematic monitoring to understand the social and economic impacts of gambling.
Raising public awareness about gambling harms and integrating this knowledge into health and social services.

Dr. Young further stated, “A national strategy or framework – similar to what we have for alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis – is critical to manage the expected increase in gambling harm, especially among youth and other vulnerable populations.”

Future Directions

The CCSA aims to develop this national strategy further by exploring regulations surrounding esports betting and loot boxes. Additionally, they seek to enhance enforcement efforts to block unlicensed gambling operators and standardize harm prevention messaging across provinces.

Dr. Pam Kent, director of research at the CCSA, articulated the need for a shift in approach: “Increased gambling will undoubtedly result in increased harms and therefore increased societal costs,” she explained. She called for a comprehensive strategy that balances the potential for government revenue with the long-term societal costs associated with gambling-related issues.

As the conversation around gambling regulation and harm prevention evolves, the CCSA’s proposal signals a critical step towards safeguarding the well-being of Canadians in an increasingly accessible gambling landscape.