The Rise of Online Sports Gambling (Part 1 of 2)

Online sports gambling is growing faster than almost anyone imagined — and young men are being hit the hardest. Since Canada legalized single-event betting in 2021, gambling has shifted from an occasional activity to a 24/7 digital marketplace embedded in sports culture, social media, and entertainment.

Revenues have surged into the billions. Research shows that 1 in 5 young men aged 18–24 gamble online weekly, with rising rates of financial stress, anxiety, and early signs of addiction. Doctors across the country are warning that relentless advertising — especially on social platforms and during major sporting events — is “grooming a generation for gambling dependency.”

In this episode, we explore why young men are particularly at risk, how aggressive marketing shapes behaviour, and what the social, economic, and mental-health consequences look like. We also examine solutions: regulation, education, and community supports that could help reduce harm.

Our guest, Dr. Michael Naraine from Brock University, is a leading expert in digital sport management and marketing. He breaks down the mechanics behind online gambling platforms, the psychology of sports betting, and what communities can do to protect vulnerable youth.

This episode isn’t about banning gambling — it’s about understanding the risks and creating safer systems for young people in an increasingly digital world.