Impact of internet gambling on adolescents generating debate
In recent times, concerns have been raised about the impact of online gambling on young people in Canada. Psychologist André-Anne Légeré warns that the situation could deteriorate without a new reflection on our relationship with gambling.
The problem, according to experts, is not just direct access to online gambling platforms but also the exposure to gambling-like features embedded in video games. These features, such as microtransactions, loot boxes, and "pay-to-win" options, exploit young players' psychological vulnerabilities, encouraging compulsive spending and prolonged play, which can result in addiction and emotional distress.
Research indicates that a significant portion of youths (11- to 17-year-olds) are exposed frequently to gambling advertisements online, particularly through social media, which normalizes gambling behavior and can increase the risk of youth engaging in gambling activities.
Teenage boys in Canada are among the most engaged gamers, spending many hours weekly on video games. This high engagement increases their exposure to potentially addictive gambling-like features.
Moreover, gaming platforms can also be environments where young people are vulnerable to different forms of exploitation, including exploitative gambling content and peer pressure to spend money in games.
Cases of problem gambling among young people are on the rise. Xavier Lalonde, a former intervenor, has stated that the problem is more intense than people think and is expected to worsen. He has had numerous conversations with students who gamble or bet on sports sites in high schools. One teenager he followed lost $6000 in a summer.
Felix, a 17-year-old, has struggled with gambling addiction and lost $350. He started gambling online with friends and created an account on an illegal online gambling site using his brother's ID card.
The Jean Lapointe House has assisted teenagers with gambling addictions for the first time this year. Loto-Quebec, the provincial gambling monopoly, claims it only targets an adult audience. However, its online games are accessible anywhere and anytime, making them potentially accessible to minors.
Loto-Quebec's code of ethics prohibits targeting minors, but there is a lack of oversight. Loto-Quebec declined an interview request from Le Devoir. André-Anne Légeré criticizes Loto-Quebec's "double discourse."
Experts are also concerned about the insidious integration of gambling mechanics in mobile games for 3-year-olds. Monitoring and parental guidance are crucial to mitigating these risks.
In conclusion, online gambling affects Canadian youth through embedded gambling features in video games, aggressive advertising, and direct access to gambling platforms, all contributing to increased risk of addiction and related harms. It's essential to raise awareness about these issues and to provide support for those struggling with gambling addiction.
"The integration of gambling-like features in health-and-wellness apps, such as microtransactions and 'pay-to-win' options, could potentially exploit users' psychological vulnerabilities, leading to addiction and mental-health issues. This is a concern that experts have raised, given the increasing engagement of youth in these apps."
"Moreover, the normalization of gambling behavior through advertising on popular culture platforms like video games and social media could negatively impact the mental health of young people, as it may encourage risky behaviors and normalize unhealthy habits related to gambling-and-casino activities."
