Ontario Sports Betting Boom Raises New Gambling Concerns in 2025

A new survey from the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) has confirmed what many have feared—Ontario is sinking deeper into a gambling crisis. With 77% of residents planning to bet on major sporting events like March Madness, the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and the Super Bowl, the province is becoming a playground for reckless wagering.

The numbers paint a grim picture:

41% of bettors admit to gambling beyond their means, with younger gamblers at even higher risk.

Over half plan to gamble under the influence of alcohol or cannabis, increasing the likelihood of poor decision-making.

One in 10 bettors is chasing losses, a behaviour commonly linked to gambling addiction.

Despite countless warnings, Ontarians continue to believe they can outsmart the odds—72% say their sports knowledge gives them an edge, even though gambling outcomes are entirely random. This false sense of control fuels more losses and deeper financial trouble.

Vulnerable groups, particularly younger bettors and BIPOC communities, are being aggressively targeted by gambling advertisements, with 44% admitting that promotions influenced their betting habits. Meanwhile, authorities claim to be tackling the issue through "education programs," but the reality is clear: gambling companies and the government are raking in profits while individuals spiral into financial ruin.

Even with responsible gambling tools in place, the industry thrives on addiction, and the cycle of loss continues. Ontario's sports betting obsession is no longer just entertainment—it's an epidemic.