Close
Close
Browser Compatibility Notification
It appears you are trying to access this site using an outdated browser. As a result, parts of the site may not function properly for you. We recommend updating your browser to its most recent version at your earliest convenience.
Skip to Content
Home
I'd Like To...
Greo Logo
Contact Us Main menu icon
  • About Us
    • What We Do
    • Team
    • Board of Directors
    • Join Us
    View our Evidence Centre page
    Search the Evidence Centre
  • Services
    • Funding Opportunities
    • Applied Research
    • Knowledge Products 
    • Knowledge Management
    • Stakeholder Engagement
    • Impact Evaluation
    • Project Consulting
    View our Evidence Centre search page
    Search the Evidence Centre
  • Resources
    • Conceptual Framework of Harmful Gambling
    • Data Repository
    • Evidence Centre
    • Gambling from a Public Health Perspective
    • Prevention and Education Review: Gambling-Related Harm
    • Research to Inform Action Evidence Hub
    • Safer Gambling Evaluation Evidence Hub
    • Resources for Safer Gambling During COVID-19
    View our Evidence Centre search page
    Search the Evidence Centre
  • Partners
    • National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms in Great Britain
    • Academic Forum for the Study of Gambling (AFSG)
    View our Evidence Centre page
    Search the Evidence Centre
  • Contact
    • Get in Touch
    • Helplines
    View our Evidence Centre page
    Search the Evidence Centre
  • Search
News:
Pause

The emerging impact of COVID-19 on gambling in Ontario

Show or hide navigation More
Decrease text size Default text size Increase text size
Print This Page
Share This Page
  • Open new window to share this page via Facebook Facebook
  • Open new window to share this page via LinkedIn LinkedIn
  • Open new window to share this page via Twitter Twitter
  • Email This page Email
View Resource Back to Search Results

Reports


Author(s): Responsible Gambling Council

Publisher: Responsible Gambling Council

Year Published: 2020

Date Added: June 26, 2020

Resource Type: Research report

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent government emergency measures in Ontario, Canada, the Responsible Gambling Council's Centre for the Advancement of Best Practices conducted a study to determine the effects of the pandemic on Ontarian gamblers. The purpose was to improve harm prevention programs and community outreach through evidence-informed decisions. The study surveyed 2,005 adult gamblers living in Ontario to assess the impact of COVID-19 on personal financial indicators, mental health and wellness, substance use, gambling behaviours, responsible gambling, and gambling risk. The survey sample was recruited to reflect provincial census data to ensure the sample reflected the province’s population in terms of age and gender.

The study found that in the previous 12 months, 77% of respondents reported that they had gambled at in-person venues exclusively. However, 54% of respondents had gambled online in the six weeks since emergency measures were declared, with one third saying they were influenced to gamble by COVID-19 and emergency measures. Those who reported gambling online had higher levels of moderate (8%) and high risk (13%) gambling. 

The most popular practices to limit risky play included setting a money limit before starting to gamble (74%) and stopping to play if intoxicated (62%). There was low awareness of responsible gambling resources such as a helpline and self-exclusion program (below 50%, and often below 30%). Respondents indicated an interest in learning about the odds of winning a particular game, ways to keep gambling fun, and tips on time and money management while gambling.


Citation: Responsible Gambling Council. (2020). The emerging impact of COVID-19 on gambling in Ontario. Toronto, ON: Responsible Gambling Council. Retrieved from: https://www.responsiblegambling.org/wp-content/uploads/RGC-COVID-and-Online-Gambling-Report_June8.pdf

Keywords: anxiety ; financial impacts ; gambling behaviours ; gambling motivations ; mental health ; online gambling ; responsible gambling ; substance use

Topics: Anxiety and Depression ; Comorbidities ; Gambling Related Harms ; Gambling Resources ; Individual Harms ; Information for Operators ; Online Gambling ; Substance Use

Conceptual Framework Factors:   Gambling Types ; Exposure - Gambling Setting ; Environment - Social and Economic Impacts ; Types - Structural Characteristics ; Psychological - Comorbid Disorders ; Environment - Responsible Gambling ; Exposure - Accessibility ; Psychological Factors ; Gambling Environment ; Types - Motivational Characteristics ; Gambling Exposure

Geographic Coverage: Canada, Ontario

Source Type: Not-for-Profit

Related Resources:
  • The emerging impact of COVID-19 on gambling and health

Study Funding:

This survey was paid for through the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Problem Gambling Prevention Fund.

Login to Edit

Receive Email Updates...
×

© 2023 Greo

Suite 195, 3-304 Stone Road West
Guelph, ON, N1G 4W4
Tel: (519) 763-8049

Twitter icon

AccessibilityPrivacySitemapEvidence CentreContact UsBoard Login
Designed by eSolutions Group
  • About Us
    • What We Do
    • Team
    • Board of Directors
    • Join Us
  • Services
    • Funding Opportunities
    • Applied Research
    • Knowledge Products 
    • Knowledge Management
    • Stakeholder Engagement
    • Impact Evaluation
    • Project Consulting
  • Resources
    • Conceptual Framework of Harmful Gambling
    • Data Repository
    • Evidence Centre
    • Gambling from a Public Health Perspective
    • Prevention and Education Review: Gambling-Related Harm
    • Research to Inform Action Evidence Hub
    • Safer Gambling Evaluation Evidence Hub
    • Resources for Safer Gambling During COVID-19
  • Partners
    • National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms in Great Britain
    • Academic Forum for the Study of Gambling (AFSG)
  • Contact
    • Get in Touch
    • Helplines