Addictions experts urge caution ahead of Super Bowl
Addiction specialists in Windsor, Ont. are urging caution about the dangers of problem gambling with Super Bowl season around the corner.
According to officials at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare, demand for recovery services has climbed since single-event sports betting became legal in Canada last August.
“We have noticed an uptick in people seeking services at the center,” said Chelsea Rodrigues, a counsellor at the Centre for Problem Gambling and Digital Dependency. “We have seen a dramatic shift in clients.”
Rodrigues said, “Over the last little while we've definitely seen a lot of new gamblers in terms of people who maybe didn't place sports bets in the past but feel it's a little bit more accessible and a little bit easier at this point. So we're seeing people that had never really dabbled in this before sort of exploring it and learning it and really thinking that this could be something that they'd like to spend their money on.”
According to Rodrigues, research has shown that increased exposure and accessibility tends to normalize gambling behaviour and in turn, the chances of problematic use.
“It's essentially almost impossible to escape,” Rodrigues explained.
She added, “A lot of these triggers are from seeing advertisements or signs or things outside of ourselves. And at the moment, nobody can even enjoy a sports game without seeing the betting odds and even on days like today the ability to bet on Groundhog Day. So everything is basically on the table in terms of having access to wager on.”
Rodrigues said that Super Bowl and award show seasons often prove to entice people to bet on the outcomes.
“We know the Super Bowl is coming up. This tends to be a very highly triggering time for our sports gamblers. So we just ask them to be mindful,” she said. “Ask them if they really can't sit through the game without being triggered and having those thoughts of placing a wager, maybe skipping it this year and having something else planned that day instead to distract.”
Rodrigues said free services at the Centre for Problem Gambling and Digital Dependency are available and encourages family members to join. She said the dangers of gambling are similar to other addictions, but faster — costing relationships, time and family.
“Most people feel ashamed to tell those around them that they're struggling with an addiction or with some problematic gambling urges. And we just want to advise that the best thing you can do is to talk to somebody close to you and give us a call because we can help you navigate that journey,” she said.
Rodrigues told CTV News Windsor there’s no shame in seeking support and that dialogue is encouraged.
“Sometimes loved ones spot it before the gambler themselves and they noticed that the gambler is just more distant, more distracted,” she said. “Perhaps they're spending more time on their phone.”
Rodrigues said they urge family members and loved ones of gamblers and as well gamblers themselves to come into the centre to talk to someone in order to receive help, or to create strategies for safe gambling if it has not yet veered into a problematic and addictive territory.
“Gambling can have an effect on your relationships, on your job on your mental health on your finances,” she said. “There's a number of ways in which gambling addiction can devastate someone's life but I do want to state that there is a life beyond that and we can certainly help people get back on track.”
Rodrigues added, “Gambling is a form of entertainment. So really be willing to play with what you're willing to lose.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Quebec judge orders bus driver to stand trial for 2023 daycare crash deaths
A judge has ordered a Quebec man to stand trial on charges of first-degree murder in the deaths of two children killed when a bus rammed into a Montreal-area daycare last year.
Trudeau's latest pre-budget pledge targets millennial moms, vowing $1B in loans for more child-care spaces
The federal government is launching a new loan program to help child-care providers in Canada expand their spaces, and will be extending further student loan forgiveness and training options for early childhood educators, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Thursday.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Multiple bridges in Calgary shut down for police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
Krispy Kreme doughnuts coming to McDonald's in U.S., but not Canada
Canadians will be missing out on a sweet new partnership between McDonald's and Krispy Kreme, which will see doughnuts available at McDonald's locations across the U.S. by the end of 2026.
BREAKING Calgary officer charged after allegedly assaulting handcuffed man
A Calgary police officer has been charged after allegedly assaulting a handcuffed man two years ago.
Where is the worst place for allergy sufferers in Canada?
The spring allergy season has started early in many parts of Canada, with high levels of pollen in some cities already. Experts weigh in on which areas have it worse so far this season.
How do you navigate the social media minefield with your kids?
Growing fears about social media's harm have sparked lawsuits against social media companies from hundreds of school districts in the United States and now Canada. CTVNews.ca wants to know whether your children are addicted to social media or if you have concerns about their usage of platforms such as Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok and X.