Online Gambling Surge Challenges Montreal Public Health
While overall gambling participation declines, online betting platforms see a sharp increase in usage.
1Gambling Participation Declines
A new report from Montreal Public Health reveals a significant drop in overall gambling participation among adults. In 2025, only 39% of residents engaged in gambling activities, a sharp decrease from the 54.5% recorded in 2018. Despite this general downward trend, the landscape of betting habits has undergone a major digital transformation.
2Online Gambling Triples
While traditional gambling wanes, online participation has more than tripled over the last seven years. Data shows that 13.3% of adults now gamble online, compared to just 4.4% in 2018. This shift highlights a growing preference for digital platforms, which offer faster betting speeds and more frequent gratification mechanisms than physical venues.
3Unregulated Sites Dominate
The online market is split between regulated and unregulated operators. Approximately 38% of online gamblers exclusively use sites not regulated by Loto-Québec, while 46% stick to authorized platforms. The remaining 16% utilize a mix of both. This prevalence of unregulated sites complicates efforts to monitor risks and enforce consumer protection standards effectively.
4Perception of Risk
Public perception of online gambling is increasingly negative, with many residents viewing it as a high-risk activity comparable to tobacco use. Jean-François Biron, a coauthor of the report, notes that despite this awareness, vulnerable populations remain susceptible to the addictive nature of high-speed games that prioritize rapid financial transactions and immediate rewards.
5Vulnerable Demographic Profiles
Young men aged 18 to 34 are identified as the most at-risk demographic for gambling-related harm. This group exhibits higher levels of impulsivity and a greater desire for intense sensations. Researchers suggest that these personality traits, combined with targeted advertising and normalized sports betting culture, make them particularly susceptible to gambling addiction.
6Impact on Quality Life
Although the total number of people affected by gambling harms has decreased to 7.7% from 12.1% in 2018, the severity of the issue remains high. Currently, 4.6% of gamblers are classified as being at moderate or high risk. This indicates that while fewer people play, those who do face more intense problems.
7Advertising and Regulation
Public sentiment strongly favors stricter controls, with 73% of respondents supporting a ban on online gambling advertisements. Furthermore, 70% believe these games are currently too accessible. Political parties have recently debated the regulation of illegal sites, highlighting a growing consensus that the current framework requires urgent and more comprehensive legislative reform.
8Call for Independent Oversight
Experts recommend establishing an independent regulatory body separate from commercial entities like Loto-Québec. Such an organization would focus on evaluating game types, limiting advertising reach, and ensuring robust player protection. The goal is to move beyond short-term financial gains and prioritize long-term public health outcomes through evidence-based policy and stricter oversight.
Original article: Le Devoir — Online Gambling Surge Challenges Montreal Public Health