Canada’s Call for a National Strategy to Combat Gambling-Related Harms: A Path Towards Prevention and Regulation
Canada Centre on Substance Use and Addiction Calls for National Strategy to Address Gambling-Related Harms
The Canada Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) has urged the federal government to implement a national strategy aimed at mitigating gambling-related harms across the country. In its recent report, the CCSA highlighted the necessity for comprehensive prevention measures to accompany an expanding array of legal gambling options available to Canadians.
Current Landscape of Gambling Regulation
Gambling regulation in Canada is primarily managed by the crown provinces, with each jurisdiction governing its own laws and policies. However, the CCSA argues that the increasing availability of gambling options—exemplified by the recent liberalization of markets—necessitates a cohesive national approach to better address potential harms associated with gambling.
The report co-authored by the CCSA and Greo Evidence Insights details concerns regarding the visibility and accessibility of gambling platforms. It notes that online apps and websites licensed in more liberal provinces overshadow efforts in regions with stricter regulations, ultimately undermining localized measures to control gambling exposure.
Rising Accessibility and Potential Harms
The call for a national strategy comes in light of ongoing changes in gambling policies, particularly since the introduction of single-event sports betting in Canada beginning in 2021, through the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act. While there hasn’t been conclusive evidence indicating a direct increase in gambling harms since these liberalizations, the CCSA warns that the proliferation of gambling opportunities could lead to higher rates of gambling-related issues in the future.
In the province of Ontario, where gambling laws have been notably relaxed, the CCSA cited significant figures from the gambling sector, including CA$35.5 billion wagered online in the first year following legal changes. This amount, the CCSA argues, reveals that merely transitioning players from illegal to legal platforms cannot account for increased gambling activity.
Key Concerns Voiced by CCSA
The CCSA outlined specific concerns arising from the growing array of legal gambling options and significant advertising campaigns:
- Increased Participation Linked to Harm: While not detailed in the report, preliminary evidence suggests that higher participation rates in gambling activities correlate with increased harms, particularly among vulnerable groups.
- High-Risk Betting Options: The availability of single-event sports betting and in-play betting options are perceived to pose higher risks of harm.
- Normalization of Gambling: The extensive advertising surrounding gambling activities may normalize them, particularly affecting the perceptions of young individuals.
- Financial Vulnerability: The current economic climate, characterized by rising costs of living and lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, may enhance Canadians’ susceptibility to gambling-related harm.
Legislative Context and Growing Advocacy
CCSA’s findings align with the ongoing debate surrounding gambling advertisements in Canada, coinciding with legislative movements such as Bill S-269, which seeks to limit the scope and visibility of gambling promotions. This bill is currently under consideration in a parliamentary committee and aims to restrict the role of celebrities in promoting betting activities. Notably, Ontario has already implemented a ban on endorsements from athletes and public figures.
Dr. Matthew Young, chief research officer at Greo, emphasized the need for urgent action, stating, “We can no longer watch sports with our kids or go online without being subjected to an overwhelming amount of gambling advertising.”
Proposed National Strategy
In response to these challenges, the CCSA has proposed the establishment of a national strategy to effectively manage gambling-related harm. Key components of this strategy would include:
- Setting standardized regulations governing the promotion and availability of gambling products across the nation.
- Establishing a national oversight body to minimize conflicts of interest and ensure comprehensive monitoring of gambling harms.
- Addressing funding shortages for initiatives dedicated to harm prevention and research.
- Enhancing public awareness about the risks associated with gambling through targeted education efforts.
Dr. Young further reiterated the importance of a cohesive framework akin to existing public health strategies for alcohol and tobacco.
Future Directions for Harm Reduction
The CCSA has also suggested avenues for further developing this national strategy. This includes exploring regulatory measures for esports betting and loot boxes, as well as increasing collaboration between provinces to tackle unlicensed online gambling operations.
Dr. Pam Kent, director of research at the CCSA, cautioned that the current surge in gambling is likely to lead to heightened societal costs, stemming from healthcare expenses, criminal justice implications, and mental health repercussions.
As the conversation about responsible gambling continues to evolve, the CCSA’s proposal seeks to prioritize the well-being of Canadians, particularly in vulnerable populations, by advocating for a national framework that encompasses a broad range of preventative strategies against gambling-related harms.