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Survey: 13% of Canadians Bet on Sports as Concern Over Addiction Rises

Public opinion tilts negative over sports betting expansion.

Overview

  • An Angus Reid Institute poll of 1,803 adults finds 13% placed a sports bet in the past year, with rates highest among men under 55 and higher-income households.
  • Among bettors, 57% say they wager mainly to make money, placing profit ahead of entertainment.
  • Use of safeguards is mixed, as 46% of bettors report using at least one responsible-gambling tool such as deposit limits.
  • Canadians voice alarm, with 28% worried about an addicted acquaintance, 69% expecting more problem gambling, and a 46% to 8% tilt against expansion.
  • In response to pervasive ads, a Senate-backed bill to curb sports betting advertising has passed second reading in the House and now heads to a committee study.