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.
