Learn more about the various forms of sports betting and the potential risks, recent expansions, and tips on making informed decisions about your play.

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Privacy Policy Learn more about the various forms of sports betting and the potential risks, recent expansions, and tips on making informed decisions about your play.

Online sports betting has increased in numerous countries over the past few years,1 with sports betting contributing to approximately 45% of the online gambling market share.2 With the legalization of single-event sports betting on the horizon in Canada and the 2019 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that permitted the United States to offer and regulate sports wagering, this form of gambling will continue to grow.

The rate of problem gambling among sports bettors is higher than that of the general gambling population. 3

Numerous factors may provoke harmful gambling. Live-action sports betting, in particular, is a significant independent predictor of at-risk gambling.₄ Young adults and men are more likely to experience problem gambling harms than women in general.5 This is also a significant factor in sports betting: youth (8-17 years) and young adults (18-34 years), particularly males, are at high risk for problems with sports betting.6

Risky beliefs also raise the likelihood of gambling harms for players and their close relations. Online sports bettors and advertising commonly endorse the false belief that skills, knowledge or analysis play a more significant role in winning wagers than chance or luck.7 This belief reflects an illusion of control—when a person believes that they can control and predict complex or random outcomes.

The following characteristics below are generally associated with gambling problems among sports bettors: 38

• Male
• Young adult
• Single
• Full-time employed or student
• High-school level of education
• Engage in multiple types of gambling
• Engage with multiple online operators
• Frequently use multiple types of gambling promotions
• Have significant others and friends who favour sports betting

Gambling too often or playing for the wrong reasons – such as gambling to escape or to help pay off bills – can lead to gambling harms. Learn the low-risk strategies to keep your sports betting safe and fun.

Tips to Keep Your Gambling Safe

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