Study finds Ontario gambling ER visits nearly doubled after legalization

A study of Ontario health records found emergency visits involving gambling disorders rose steadily after Canada legalized single-event sports betting and Ontario opened its online gambling market to private operators, reaching an estimated 99% above expected levels by mid-2025. The increase was concentrated among males ages 10 to 44, especially those ages 10 to 29; researchers found no increase among females. More than 70% of the visits also involved another mental health condition or heavy substance use, and nearly one-third resulted in hospitalization. Researchers cautioned that emergency visits capture only the most severe cases and may signal broader gambling-related harm.