Counsellor: Demand For Problem Gambling Treatment Increases Due To The Bookmakers' Ads

The amount of online gambling advertising has been growing continuously, especially since sports betting officially became legal in Ontario this spring.

In this regard, the Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare in Windsor, Ontario, records an increase in demand for treatment for problem gambling.

Expected Outcome

A Canadian-certified gambling counsellor at Hôtel-Dieu, Diana Gabriele, says that she and her colleagues knew that was coming. According to Gabriele, such an increase in the number of patients is due to the legalization of online betting, a strong decrease in the entry threshold into the industry, as well as powerful marketing campaigns of betting operators.

She also said that the growth in the number of patients began even before the full legalization of the market. According to her, people were alarmed that after the lifting of the bans, they were much more likely to fall into the risk zone.

The Reaction

Gabriele says that she and her colleagues have already started training other specialists to cope with the increased number of patients.

In addition, she advises all bettors to monitor the manifestation of certain signs of problem gambling, which include gambling in secret from others, the inability to stop and uncontrolled spending of one’s budget on gambling.

Those looking for immediate help can call the gambling line at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare at 519-254-2112.

Source: https://www.cbc.ca. Article: Ontario online gambling ads increase demand for problem betting treatment, says counsellor, 2022.