Online gambling is growing at record speed in Canada and reshaping how young people interact with money and risk. Sports betting ads, mobile gaming apps, and online casinos are available round the clock, often just a click away. For many young adults, especially young men, this easy access, flashy promotions, and constant sports-based advertising make gambling seem harmless, even normal. Unfortunately, this new trend is quietly building a serious debt problem among younger generations, including teenagers.
How pervasive is online gambling in Canada?
Online gambling is seemingly everywhere and has quickly become a widespread phenomenon. In Canada, about one in three young adults now gamble online, according to the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction. Ontario, the largest regulated market, already has over 1.1 million active online gambling accounts; this is roughly equal to the population of Ottawa.
Youth aged 10 to 24 are now showing higher rates of problem gambling compared with adults, according to specialists, who say their problem gambling service is seeing younger clients as online gambling and sports-betting ads grow more common in Ontario. This suggests that younger people are not only being exposed to gambling earlier but are already experiencing more harm than older age groups.
Part of the issue is advertising. Unlike alcohol or tobacco promotions, gambling ads are barely regulated at the federal level. During sports broadcasts, gambling logos and betting odds appear in nearly every break. Social media pages and ads promote online casinos or betting apps, often framing them as harmless fun or an easy way to “get in the game.”
This normalizes gambling as part of Canadian sports culture. For a generation growing up online, it blurs the line between supporting a team and betting on one. Teens and young adults, already more prone to impulsive decision-making, are especially vulnerable to this constant refrain. It gets worse when gambling is presented as harmless entertainment rather than what it truly is: financial risk.
How has online gambling grown in recent years?
Online gambling in Canada has grown sharply in just a few years. In 2020, Canadians collected about CAD 230 million in gross online gambling winnings. By 2024, that number had risen to roughly CAD 400 million, reflecting a huge increase in participation and money flowing through online platforms. Industry research suggests that online gambling now makes up about 35% of all gambling revenue in Canada, expected to be worth more than CAD 5.5 billion by the end of 2025.
Several changes have driven this growth:
- Provinces such as Ontario have opened regulated online markets, allowing many private operators to compete for customers.
- Single-event sports betting has been legalized for adults, making it easier to bet on individual games or plays.
- Lottery and casino corporations are losing some of their older customer base and are now increasing ad budgets to attract younger, “experience-oriented” customers through mobile apps, live betting, and bonuses.
Companies use targeted online ads, team sponsorships, and influencer marketing to reach people who might never walk into a casino. Many young people are drawn in by welcome bonuses, “free” bets, and live in-game betting options that seem low-risk but are designed to keep them playing.
Health experts warn that online gambling is significantly riskier than traditional lottery play. One Canadian study found that people who gamble online are about 10 times more likely to exceed lower-risk gambling limits and more than 45 times more likely to show signs of problem gambling compared with people who only buy lottery tickets.
Who is most impacted?
The most at-risk group in Canada includes young men, teens, and college-aged adults. About one in three young adults reports gambling online, and among those who do, nearly a quarter experience high levels of harm, including reduced savings, increased credit card debt, and worsening mental health. Some rely on credit cards or personal loans to continue gambling, which deepens their debt.
Those who gamble more often report:
- More debt and less ability to save.
- Higher stress, regret, and a sense of failure.
- Strained relationships with family or friends.
Younger people are especially vulnerable because the parts of the brain involved in impulse control and long-term planning are still developing into the mid-twenties. Paired with aggressive advertising, this creates a recipe for early addiction and lifelong financial consequences.
Why is gambling debt different?
Debt from gambling happens differently than other kinds of debt. It can build up in hours, not months, and is often tied to impulsive or emotional decisions rather than planned spending.
The cycle of chasing losses
A common risk is “chasing losses.” Many gamblers try to win back the money they lost by betting more. When people win, they feel powerful and in control. When they lose, they sometimes keep playing in hopes of turning things around. This cycle can repeat quickly, especially in online gambling, where access is constant and digital payments make losses feel less real.
Emotional and financial strain
Gambling debt also carries a strong emotional load. People often feel embarrassed or guilty because they think they “should have known better.” Unlike student loans, which are usually seen as a long-term investment, gambling losses are viewed as personal mistakes. They can also be quite unpredictable. This can make it harder to ask for help from family or friends. People often feel deep shame, guilt, or secrecy around them. That emotional burden can prevent people from seeking help until the situation becomes severe. Stress can also strain relationships and mental health, leading to anxiety and depression.
How to stay out of or get out of online gambling debt?
Some practical strategies to get out of gambling debt:
- Set limits on deposits and time spent on these platforms through account or device settings. Use built-in tools on gambling sites to cap deposits, losses, and time spent per day or week. Treat these limits as non-negotiable.
- Use cash budgeting for greater awareness and control over your money.
- Avoid credit cards or lines of credit for gambling. If this feels difficult, freeze credit cards through your bank. Some banks may even let customers block online gambling transactions.
- Block gambling sites via browser extensions.
- Make a simple debt plan. List how much you owe, what interest you pay, and plan regular payments, starting with the highest-interest debts. Even small automatic payments help.
- Reach out for support. Services like Gamblers Anonymous Canada, provincial helplines, and mental health programs offer free, confidential help.
- Find alternatives that deliver the same excitement. Sports, volunteer work, or fitness goals can replace the thrill of risk with a sense of progress.
The earlier someone addresses gambling behaviour, the easier it becomes to regain control over finances and emotional well-being. Support from friends, family, or peer groups can make it easier to stay on track and rebuild financial stability.
Tips for parents and guardians
Canadian surveys show that many youth start online gambling or spending money on games before age 18, often without adults fully realizing it. Some helpful steps include:
Talk early and often
Treat gambling like other risky behaviours. Use sports broadcasts or online ads as conversation starters about odds, risk, and how companies make money. Keep the tone calm and curious, not blaming.
Explain how odds work
Make it clear that “the house” is designed to win over time and that most people lose money when they gamble, even if they sometimes win.
Watch for warning signs
Sudden money issues, unexplained charges, secretive use of devices, staying up late online, or intense reactions to wins and losses in games or sports bets can all be red flags.
Set tech and money boundaries
Use parental controls, app store settings, and bank limits to reduce access to real-money gambling or in-game purchases.
Model healthy financial behaviour
If adults in the home gamble, keep it low-key and within a clear budget, and avoid sending the message that big wins are a solution to money problems.
If a teen seems in trouble, parents can contact provincial gambling helplines or youth mental health services for guidance on next steps.
Key takeaways
Online gambling in Canada is expanding faster than regulations can keep up. With more than a third of young adults now gambling online, debt and mental health problems are rising. The constant presence of ads, easy access through apps, and lack of oversight can make gambling feel “normal”. However, the widespread impact can be devastating. Education, regulation, and early intervention are critical. For anyone struggling, help is available, and recovery is possible. The key is taking the first step before digital gambling debt becomes a lifelong financial and emotional burden. If you’re currently dealing with debt, you can contact one of our trained credit counsellors for advice – they can help you figure out which debt solution could be the right fit for your specific situation.
