Canada Needs National Strategy to Monitor Online Gambling Harms: Report
A recent report released by the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) has highlighted the urgent need for a national strategy to monitor and address the harms associated with online gambling in Canada.
The report, titled “Gambling in Canada: A National Strategy for Monitoring and Addressing Harms,” found that online gambling is rapidly growing in popularity in Canada, with an estimated 3.5 million Canadians participating in online gambling activities in 2020. However, the report also identified a number of concerning trends and issues related to online gambling, including an increase in problem gambling rates, the proliferation of unregulated online gambling websites, and a lack of comprehensive data on the impacts of online gambling on Canadians.
According to the report, problem gambling rates in Canada have been steadily increasing over the past decade, with an estimated 1.8% of Canadians experiencing moderate to severe gambling problems in 2020. The report also noted that online gambling is particularly attractive to young people, with a growing number of young Canadians engaging in online gambling activities.
One of the key recommendations outlined in the report is the development of a national strategy to monitor and address the harms associated with online gambling. This strategy would involve the establishment of a national database to track online gambling participation and related harms, as well as the implementation of measures to protect vulnerable populations, such as young people and individuals with gambling problems.
The report also called for increased regulation of the online gambling industry in Canada, including the introduction of licensing requirements for online gambling operators and stricter enforcement measures to crack down on unregulated or illegal online gambling websites.
In response to the report, the Canadian government has committed to working with provincial and territorial governments to develop a coordinated national approach to addressing the harms associated with online gambling. In a statement, Health Minister Patty Hajdu stated that “the findings of this report are concerning, and we are committed to taking action to protect Canadians from the risks of online gambling.”
Overall, the report underscores the need for a comprehensive and coordinated response to the growing challenges posed by online gambling in Canada. By implementing a national strategy to monitor and address the harms associated with online gambling, policymakers can help to protect vulnerable populations and ensure that Canadians can participate in online gambling activities safely and responsibly.
