This week, the Ontario-based Responsible Gambling Council published its Big Games sports betting survey, which revealed concerning findings.
According to the study, approximately 89% of Ontario bettors will watch a major sporting event in 2025. Furthermore, over 77% intend to bet on events such as March Madness, the Stanley Cup, MLB, the FIFA World Cup, the Asia Cricket World Cup, and the Super Bowl.
RGC’s survey was conducted online, with 1,147 Ontarians aged 18 or older participating. The study was conducted between November 22 and December 6, 2024, using the Leger’s online platform.
Findings from RGC’s Survey
Here’s the alarming part: approximately 41% also admitted to betting more than they can afford to lose in 2024. Furthermore, 39% reported that gambling activities had caused them anxiety or concerns regarding problem gambling, with these issues being particularly prevalent among younger individuals and March Madness bettors.
RGC’s survey also found that 47% of those planning to bet on a major game do so with the expectation of winning money, while 44% would participate to enhance the excitement of the events. Additionally, 9% would place bets in an attempt to recover gambling losses. This latter behaviour is primarily observed among younger and low-income individuals.
Of those who will bet on major tournaments, 51% are likely to wager on March Madness, whereas 69% would place a stake on the Asia Cricket World Cup.
In addition to mental health issues, around 35% of survey respondents admitted that gambling activities have caused financial concerns for themselves or their families. This behaviour was mostly seen in younger males and those who placed bets on March Madness and the Asia Cricket World Cup.
Furthermore, the study discovered that over half, or 52%, of those surveyed who participate in a major game will place their wagers under the influence of substances. This adds further risks, including impaired judgement and decision-making.
On that note, approximately 86% will consume alcohol while betting. Meanwhile, 60% of those who gamble during March Madness will do so under the influence of cannabis.
Speaking of March Madness, the tournament appears to attract younger Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC), with an average betting activity of CA$323. Meanwhile, Super Bowl LIX was a significant event for older white Ontarian bettors, who had an average wager spend of CA$190.
Key Highlights
Here are some of the key highlights from the RGC study:
- The Super Bowl is the most popular sporting event for betting, with a 48% preference; the Stanley Cup playoffs follow closely in second place with 41%, and the FIFA Club World Cup ranks third with 35%.
- March Madness at 23% and the Asia Cricket World Cup at 17% are also appealing to bettors.
- Online sports betting platforms are the most preferred venues for wagering on sports at 57%. However, around 40% of respondents engage in informal betting with friends, while 35% purchase sports-based lottery tickets.
The survey further reveals that 72% of the prominent game respondents believe that their sports knowledge provides them with an advantage when betting, particularly those who wager on MM, the Stanley Cup, or MLB. However, RGC cautions that an understanding of a sport does not guarantee a successful bet.
Sarah McCarthy, CEO of the Responsible Gambling Council, emphasised that:
“Most Ontarians bet to have fun, but the biggest gambling risk is the illusion of control – the misconception that an outcome can be predicted, which can lead to over confidence that skill and knowledge of sports gives an advantage in winning. Regardless of sports knowledge and expertise, gambling is random – but a plan to manage risk shouldn’t be.”
Another aspect that significantly influences bettors' gambling activities is the prevalent online and television advertising of wagering. For instance, 39% of those surveyed were prompted to place bets after viewing marketing materials. Meanwhile, this percentage increases to 42% for younger bettors and 44% for BIPOC individuals.
Managing Gambling Risks
Many Big Game enthusiasts utilise strategies to manage gambling risks. For instance, 36% have a pre-determined betting limit, while 30% engage in betting for enjoyment rather than profit. Another approach adopted by 25% of respondents is to avoid chasing losses, while 23% refrain from increasing their bets after a payout.
Regarding online betting, 70% utilise at least one responsible gambling tool, with 28% reading about odds and 23% setting monetary limits. Additionally, approximately 20% take cooldown periods, with this being most common among March Madness bettors at 81% and Asia Cricket World Cup participants at 94%.
Considering one's mental state is also a way to gamble more safely. Approximately 24% of respondents reported that they avoid placing bets while emotionally distressed, while 19% refrain from betting when under the influence of alcohol or drugs. However, these figures rise for March Madness bettors to 27% and 23%, respectively.
RGC Provides Tips for Safer Gambling
In addition to the survey findings, the Responsible Gambling Council has also offered tips on how to improve control over your gambling habits for healthier play:
- Exercise caution with the illusion of control. Knowledge of sports does not guarantee a victory, and neither do players or statistics enhance the odds of random outcomes.
- Be aware of the time dedicated to sports betting.
- Formulate a plan before placing wagers. For example, establish predetermined betting limits and avoid exceeding your budget.
- Only gamble with funds you can afford to lose. Additionally, never borrow money or utilise funds allocated for utilities or other essential expenses.
- Do not chase losses (often referred to as revenge betting) by attempting to recover what you have lost.
- Avoid using alcohol, cannabis, or other substances while gambling.
- Refrain from betting when you are feeling upset or in a negative mood.
- Sports betting should be undertaken purely for enjoyment, not as a means to make money.
The Responsible Gambling Council is dedicated to safeguarding consumers against gambling-related problems. The organisation offers gambling education and resources to priority demographics at risk of developing issues, including younger males, student-athletes, and BIPOC communities. RGC emphasises that early education is crucial in preventing such matters.
