Online gambling more than doubles among young Montreal men, study finds
A new study finds online gambling has more than doubled among young Montreal men, as treatment providers report more young people seeking help.
A study conducted in Montreal has revealed a significant increase in online gambling among young men, despite a decline in overall adult gambling rates. The research surveyed 8,500 adults and found that 39% of respondents engaged in some form of gambling in 2025, a 15% decrease compared to 2018 and 2002. However, the study highlights a troubling trend among men aged 18 to 34, with the number of online gamblers more than doubling.
Dr. Sylvia Kairouz, a gambling researcher from Concordia University, attributes the rise in online gambling to the ease of access through mobile devices. She notes that the convenience of accessing gambling sites on a phone makes it difficult for individuals to resist. "When you just need to pick up your phone and push a button to gamble, that makes it very difficult to resist," she said.
Anne Elizabeth Lapointe, CEO of Maison Jean Lapointe, a treatment center for gambling addiction, confirms the findings in her organization's experience. She observes a growing number of young men seeking help for online gambling addiction since the COVID-19 pandemic. Lapointe attributes the shift to a decline in in-person gambling options, while online gambling becomes increasingly prevalent.
She also highlights the concern surrounding minors engaging in online gambling, noting that even those with limited income can face serious consequences from their losses.
The study found that 75% of respondents would prefer no gambling advertisements at all. Lapointe suggests stricter regulation of gambling advertising to address the issue. For those who gamble, Kairouz advises setting a budget and sticking to it, as long-term sports betting is inherently unprofitable due to the unpredictable nature of outcomes. She reiterates that "the house always wins," emphasizing the inevitable loss in betting.
Support for individuals struggling with gambling-related problems is available across Canada. In Quebec, the Gambling: Help and Referral service (Jeu: aide et référence) offers free, confidential, 24/7 assistance at 514-527-0140 in Montreal or 1-800-461-0140 elsewhere in Quebec, along with online support. Global News encourages readers to seek help through these resources.
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