Doctors are urging for regulations on sports betting promotions, asserting that they are predisposing youngsters to future gambling issues. Dr. Shannon Charlebois, a family physician and medical editor at the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ), emphasized the detrimental impact of these ads on individuals of various backgrounds, highlighting instances where people’s lives have been negatively affected. Collaborating with Dr. Shawn Kelly, they penned an editorial in the CMAJ underscoring the omnipresence of betting advertisements during sports broadcasts and the ease of access to online gambling platforms via smartphones.
Dr. Kelly, an adolescent addiction specialist, noted that even though these ads may not target youth directly, their pervasive nature influences young individuals who are exposed to them. He has observed a surge in gambling-related issues among underage individuals, recounting scenarios where teenagers engage in online wagering using their parents’ credit cards, leading to substantial financial losses.
Addressing the emergence of gambling problems among youths, Dr. Kelly highlighted the associated risks, including increased substance use and other delinquent behaviors. He emphasized that early exposure to gambling can establish a lifelong habit with severe financial consequences. Studies from various countries have revealed a rise in gambling concerns among teenagers, posing significant challenges for both the affected youths and their families.
Dr. Nigel Turner, a scientist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto, emphasized the critical role of early gambling experiences in shaping long-term behaviors and potential financial crises. He stressed the need for preventive measures to mitigate the adverse public health impact of gambling addiction.
Efforts to limit young people’s exposure to gambling advertisements have been proposed, with calls for stricter regulations during sports events and on social media platforms frequented by adolescents. Dr. Charlebois highlighted the normalization of risky behaviors through constant exposure to gambling messages, which could have lasting effects on impressionable minds.
While recognizing the importance of responsible advertising, Paul Burns, the president of the Canadian Gaming Association (CGA), advocated for education and awareness initiatives over restricting access to gambling. He emphasized the need for a balanced approach to address the concerns raised by healthcare professionals regarding the impact of sports betting promotions on youth.