Sarah McCarthy, CEO, Responsible Gambling Council
Major sporting event betting is on the rise. The proliferation of online betting platforms, a surge in gambling advertisements, high visibility, community involvement, and excitement have spotlighted Big Games. Alongside, Ontarians face an increase in gambling risks – particularly among populations at risk for problem gambling, including younger male bettors, student-athletes, BIPOC individuals, and those betting on March Madness.
The Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) Big Games sports betting survey reveals nine in ten Ontarians plan to watch at least one major sporting event this year, and over three quarters will place a wager on a Big Game. The most common way to bet is now online with a sportsbook website.
For Big Game bettors, the decision to gamble is mainly driven by the desire to win money and enhance excitement. However, one in ten bets is an attempt to recover previous losses, a riskier gambling motivation more common among younger bettors.
In the past year, two-fifths of participants reported their gambling caused them to experience mental health issues, including feelings of stress or anxiety or concerns they maybe experiencing problem gambling. Over a third say gambling has caused financial problems for them or their household. Two in five Big Game bettors report betting more than they can afford to lose over the past 12 months, compared to about a third of Ontarians betting throughout the season.
These rates are all highest among younger male bettors and those betting on March Madness.
Additional risks like impaired judgement and decision-making can come with betting while consuming substances. Over half of those betting on a Big Game plan to do so; most plan to drink alcohol, but cannabis use is higher among those betting on March Madness.
While most Ontarians bet to have fun, the biggest gambling risk is the illusion of control. The misconception that an outcome can be predicted can lead to overconfidence that skill and knowledge of sports give an advantage in winning. Gambling is random regardless of sports knowledge and expertise, but a plan to manage risk shouldn’t be.
A smart plan includes being aware that even sports expertise or knowledge won’t beat the odds. When betting online, it’s important to check whether a sportsbook website is regulated or not.
Our survey also showed that of those planning to bet on Big Games, the most common strategies used to manage gambling risk remain some of the best: betting to have fun, not to make money; budgeting a pre-set betting limit ahead of time; and not betting more in an attempt to win back losses and never borrowing money or using money intended for necessities, like rent, the mortgage, or food.
Paying attention to mood and state of mind is also important to help reduce gambling risk. Avoid betting when feeling emotionally distressed and refrain from betting while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
To help play safer online, bettors can use the responsible gambling features available on regulated sportsbook websites. Reading about the odds of winning and how games work, using money limit-setting tools and personalized spending reports, and taking a cooling-off period is helpful.
Ultimately, gambling responsibly is key to limiting risks and enjoying the Big Game.
To learn how to keep play safer, visit Gambling is Random. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, there is free, confidential help available 24/7 at ConnexOntario.ca.