Latest news with #ResponsibleGamblingCouncil
Hamilton Spectator
29-05-2025
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
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 , including self-assessment tools and information on addiction support services.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Young Bettors and March Madness Participants Face High Gambling Risks
TORONTO, March 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Responsible Gambling Council's (RGC) Big Games sports betting survey reveals the vast majority of Ontarians (89 per cent) plan to watch at least one major sporting event this year. Over three quarters (77 per cent) will place a wager on a Big Game like March Madness, as well as the Stanley Cup Playoffs, MLB World Series, Asia Cricket World Cup, FIFA World Cup and/or the Super Bowl. However, two in five bettors (41 per cent) report having wagered more than they can afford to lose in the past year. 39 per cent say gambling has led to stress, anxiety or concerns about problem gambling with these risk factors being higher among younger and March Madness bettors. For people who plan to bet on a Big Game, the decision to gamble is driven primarily by the desire to win money (47 per cent) and enhancing game excitement (44 per cent). Additionally, one in 10 (9 per cent) bet in an attempt to recover previous losses, a gambling motivation which is more common among younger and lower-income bettors. Among those wagering on high-profile tournaments like March Madness (51 per cent) and Asia Cricket World Cup (69 per cent), reports of betting beyond one's means are even more pronounced. Beyond mental health concerns, over a third say gambling has caused financial problems for them or their household (35 per cent). These trends are all highest among younger male bettors and those betting on March Madness and Asia Cricket World Cup. Over half of those who will bet on a Big Game will place their bets while consuming substances, which are associated with the additional risks of impaired judgement and decision-making (52 per cent). The majority plan to consume alcohol while betting (86 per cent). Cannabis use is higher among those betting on March Madness (60 per cent) and Asia Cricket World Cup (65 per cent). March Madness appeals to younger and Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) bettors, with higher average bets of $323, while last month's Super Bowl LIX was popular among older and white Ontarians, with average bets of $190. Key survey highlights The Super Bowl (48 per cent) is the most popular event for betting, followed by the Stanley Cup playoffs (41 per cent) and the FIFA Club World Cup (35 per cent). March Madness (23 per cent) and the Asia Cricket World Cup (17 per cent) also attract a strong betting audience. While online sportsbooks (57 per cent) are now the most common way to place sports bets, many Ontarians bet informally with friends (40 per cent) or purchase sports-based lottery tickets (35 per cent). Gambling risk factors Most Big Game bettors believe their sports knowledge gives them an edge in predicting outcomes (72 per cent), particularly those watching March Madness, the Stanley Cup Playoffs, or the MLB World Series (77 per cent). Yet, while knowledge and skill does inform a bet, it doesn't guarantee a win. 'Most Ontarians bet to have fun but the biggest gambling risk is the illusion of control – the misconception that an outcome can be predicted, which can lead to over confidence that skill and knowledge of sports gives an advantage in winning,' says Sarah McCarthy, CEO, Responsible Gambling Council. 'Regardless of sports knowledge and expertise, gambling is random – but a plan to manage risk shouldn't be.' Also influential, online and TV gambling advertisements have prompted two fifths of major sports event bettors to place a wager (39 per cent); more so among populations at-risk for problem gambling, including younger bettors (42 per cent) and BIPOC individuals (44 per cent). Reducing risk Of those planning to bet on Big Games, the most common strategies to manage gambling risk are deciding on a pre-set betting limit (36 per cent), betting to have fun and not to make money (30 per cent), not betting more to recoup losses (25 per cent), and avoiding increasing bets on previous wins (23 per cent). Among those who plan to bet online, 70 per cent will use at least one of the responsible gambling features available on regulated sportsbook websites, such as reading information about the odds of winning and how certain games work (28 per cent) or using money limit-setting tools (23 per cent). A fifth use personalized spending reports or take a cooling off period (20 per cent). Use of these online tools is highest among those planning to bet on March Madness (81 per cent) and Asia Cricket World Cup (94 per cent). Paying attention to mood and state of mind are also important to help reduce gambling risk. A quarter of Big Game bettors will avoid betting when feeling emotionally distressed (24 per cent) and a fifth will refrain from betting while under the influence of alcohol or drugs (19 per cent). These rates are slightly higher among those betting on March Madness (27 per cent; 23 per cent). RGC tips for safer sports betting Be mindful of the illusion of control. Remember that even with sports expertise a win is not guaranteed and understanding the game, players or stats won't boost your chances of predicting a random outcome Be aware that time spent, and knowledge gained won't help you 'beat the odds' Plan before you play – pre-set betting limits and stay within your budget Only gamble with money you can afford to lose – never borrow money or use money intended for necessities, like rent/mortgage or food Never chase losses by trying to win back what you've lost Limit your alcohol, cannabis, and/or other substance intake Don't bet if you are upset or stressed View sports betting as entertainment, not a way to make money As part of its ongoing commitment to reduce gambling risk, RGC provides responsible gambling education and programming to priority populations who are at particularly high risk, including younger males, student athletes, and BIPOC communities. Early responsible gambling education helps reduce risk and builds capacities to succeed both on and off the field. To learn how to keep sports betting safer visit Methodology An online survey of 1,147 Ontario residents aged 18+ was completed between November 22 - December 6, 2024, using Leger's online panel. A probability sample of the same size would yield a margin of error of +/-2.9%, 19 times out of 20. About RGC The Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to problem gambling prevention. RGC works to reduce gambling risks by creating and delivering innovative awareness and information programs, for a wide range of different groups including youth, young adults and the general public. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, there are resources to support you. Visit to learn more. | LinkedIn: responsible-gambling-council |Instagram: responsiblegamblingcouncil | Facebook: ResponsibleGamblingCouncil For further information Dave Bennett Xposure PR dave@ 905.339.6668
