A study conducted in Ontario has revealed a significant increase in emergency department visits linked to gambling addiction following the expansion of the province’s regulated online gambling market. Researchers analyzed health data from over 17.3 million residents between January 2012 and June 2025, identifying 952 such visits among 757 individuals.
Data indicates that the average quarterly rate of these visits rose by 31% after the market liberalization. The upward trend began following the launch of the private online market in April 2022, with a sustained increase of approximately 7% each quarter. By the second quarter of 2025, the volume of these emergency room visits was 99% higher than what would have been expected based on earlier statistical trends.
The most substantial impact was observed among male patients. Among men aged 10 to 29, the number of visits was 154% higher than predicted, while the 30 to 44 age group saw a 116% increase. Researchers noted no statistically significant rise in similar cases among female patients during the study period.
In 72% of the recorded cases, patients presented with concurrent mental health disorders or substance use issues, with 33% suffering from severe depression and 22% experiencing acute stress reactions. Experts suggest these findings highlight the severe consequences associated with the combined effect of private online market access and the legalization of single-event sports betting. While these figures represent the most acute instances of gambling-related harm, they do not reflect the total prevalence of addiction. For the 2024/25 financial year, the total volume of wagers in Ontario reached 82.7 billion Canadian dollars.
Note: This article is based on publicly available sources and reflects information available at the time of publication. Details may change; check the original or official source for updates.
