RGC advises sports fans to know and manage the risks when gambling as Stanley Cup finals loom
As many as 39 per cent of Ontarians betting on the Stanley Cup playoffs are betting more than they can afford and 25 per cent admit borrowing money or selling items to come up with gambling funds.
Those are numbers from a survey by the Responsible Gambling Council, an independent not-for-profit organization dedicated to problem gambling prevention. It is partially funded by the provincial ministry of health and long-term care and Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation.
The survey reports 59 per cent of Ontarians said they are watching the playoffs and 41 per cent of that group is expected to wager on one or more of the games.
Melissa Toney, RGC associate director of prevention programs, said gambling is a form of entertainment many people will enjoy without becoming a problem gambler.
According to the survey, 38 per cent of respondents are concerned they are a problem gambler and 27 per cent report feeling mental health effects from stress or anxiety related to betting.
Toney cites a number of risk factors which can lead to problems including the illusion that knowledge of a sport can help predict outcomes, the adrenalin rush from a big game or a winning bet, substance use and persuasive advertising.
Those at greatest risk are males aged 18 to 24 who are moving into a stage of more independence in life.
'From a science perspective the prefrontal cortex of their brain isn't fully developed yet,' said Toney. 'When it comes to risk taking and those types of behaviours, the decision-making piece isn't fully developed.'
The proliferation of sports betting since it was legalized in Ontario in April 2022, the onslaught of advertising and the embrace of it by sports organizations and media has made sports and sports betting seem synonymous, said Toney.
'When you have people who are really into sports who feel they know the game and they feel they will be able to make wagers that are going to be positive for them, you just have a tendency to bet a little bit more and more aggressively,' she said.
'That's when the challenges happen. When you're chasing losses. When you're not being mindful of how many online envelopes you are using or platforms that make these bets. You can now make in-play bets and all kinds of bets within the game. You can bet 24 hours a day. It has just become so easy.'
She says knowing the risks and having strategies to manage the risk is the key to keeping gambling fun.
'We're not telling people that they shouldn't bet. We just want people to be mindful of why they are betting. What kind of mind frame emotionally and mentally they are at when they are betting so that they can make better decisions. We are giving people tips on how to keep the fun in the game,' she said.
It's also important to understand the odds are not in your favour.
'Whether you are in a land-based casino or you are playing online the house is set to win. That's how it works. It's a game of chance,' she said.
Alcohol and drugs can also impede decision-making and Toney cautions against wagering while under the influence.
The challenge is to recognize the signs of problem gambling before it gets out of hand. Shame and stigma often cause people to avoid getting help before more significant damage is done. It's OK to admit you have a problem and there are resources to help, she said.
'Generally, people have to come forward for support when they have been devastatingly impacted by financial harm,' said Toney.
There are numerous resources on RGC's website at
responsiblegambling.org
, including self-assessment tools and information on addiction support services.
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