Gambling-Related Emergency Visits Rise Sharply in Ontario After Online Expansion
17 September 2026
Since Ontario opened its online gambling market to private operators in April 2022, emergency department visits related to gambling disorders have spiked dramatically, particularly among young men. A new Ontario study found that 757 individuals accounted for 952 emergency department visits for gambling disorders over 14 years, with the final 2022 results revealing a troubling trend.
The study, published in October 2023, identified a worrying 154% increase in the observed number of visits compared to the expected rate among males aged 18 to 30 at the end of the study period. Researchers found no comparable change among females. This alarms gambling harm experts, who warn that online gambling's 24/7 access, speed, and novelty may prove especially risky for adolescent and young adult brains.
The gambling-related emergency visits exacted a heavy toll. More than 70% involved another mental health condition or substance abuse, and nearly one-third led to hospital admission. Identified co-occurring mental health conditions have mental health practitioners concerned.
The Ontario gambling helpline saw a surge in calls following the market opening, including a 317% increase from young males aged 18 to 30. That echoes emerging evidence that online gambling can be more addictive than land-based play for some, thanks to features that encourage longer sessions, faster play, and constant accessibility.
New gambling formats raise concerns
Researchers and public-health experts have singled out live sports betting and other digital product formats as likely factors. Also concerning are the extended gambling sessions, heightened risk-taking behaviors, and dependency on instant gratification that characterize online gambling.
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The World Health Organization has warned that gambling can cause mental illness and suicide, exacerbated by financial stress, relationship breakdown, and family violence. The Council of Europe noted that studies indicate online gambling can be more addictive than land-based gambling for some, while a 2024 report detailed addiction, social isolation, financial debt, and psychological distress as its harms.
The Ontario data follow the latest findings from health experts, who note that gambling's harms, including addiction, can parallel those of alcohol and other drugs. Problem gambling has been shown to lead to a downward spiral affecting both individuals who gamble and those around them.
On its own, 757 people and 952 visits are not a crisis, but rises of 154% and 317% among vulnerable young adults suggest increasing harm. Online gambling may be accelerating problem gambling behaviors. It remains unclear why young men, rather than women and older adults, are proving more susceptible, but this demographic pattern warrants attention. While absolute numbers remain small, the upward trend is concerning. Public health experts recommend enhanced protections including age verification, spending limits, player controls, public education, and comprehensive screening tools.