Santacatarinas – RGC warns of increased gambling risks among younger bettors and March Madness audiences.
Key points:
– 77% of Ontarians plan to bet on high-profile sports events such as March Madness, the Stanley Cup Playoffs and the Super Bowl
– 41% of bettors report gambling beyond their means, with risk levels higher among younger participants
– Over half of bettors plan to gamble while under the influence of alcohol or cannabis
A new survey from the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) has revealed that 77% of Ontarians intend to place bets on major sports events in 2025, including March Madness, the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Asia Cricket World Cup and the Super Bowl.
The findings, released ahead of this year’s NCAA basketball tournament, highlight growing concerns around risky gambling behaviour, particularly among younger bettors.
According to the report, 41% of respondents admitted to wagering more than they could afford to lose in the past year. Mental health impacts were also evident, with 39% saying their gambling had caused stress or anxiety.
These figures were most pronounced among those betting on March Madness and the Asia Cricket World Cup, where betting beyond financial limits was reported by 51% and 69% of participants, respectively.
santacatarinas on major sporting events in 2025
RGC CEO Sarah McCarthy said: “Most Ontarians bet to have fun, but the biggest gambling risk is the illusion of control – the misconception that an outcome can be predicted. Regardless of sports knowledge and expertise, gambling is random.”
Among those who plan to place bets during major events, 52% indicated they would do so while consuming substances, predominantly alcohol (86%) or cannabis (up to 65% among certain groups).
One in 10 also said they bet in an attempt to recover past losses – a pattern more common among younger and lower-income respondents.
Good to know: In January 2025, The RGC partnered with the NFL to deliver a gambling education programme for student-athletes in Canada
The survey also noted that 72% of major event bettors believe their sports knowledge gives them an advantage, despite gambling outcomes being ultimately unpredictable.
Younger and BIPOC bettors were more likely to be influenced by advertising, with 44% of BIPOC respondents placing wagers after exposure to promotions.
To manage risk, 70% of those betting online said they would use responsible gambling tools such as spending limits or cooling-off periods, with usage highest among March Madness and santacatarinas Cricket World Cup bettors.
The RGC is continuing its outreach efforts, particularly with priority groups such as student-athletes, BIPOC communities and young men, through education programmes and collaborative initiatives.
