What are the concerns raised by doctors about sports betting ads?

Doctors are concerned that the proliferation of sports betting ads is normalizing harmful gambling behavior among youth, leading to a rise in addiction cases among teenagers as young as 13-14.

How are young people accessing online gambling?

Experts say many young people, some as young as 13-14, are accessing online betting platforms by using their parents' credit cards, leading to significant financial losses.

What are the risks associated with youth gambling addiction?

Gambling addiction in young people is linked to increased substance abuse, criminality, and even suicidal tendencies, creating emotional and financial stress for both the youth and their families.

Home / Health / Doctors Sound Alarm on Sports Betting Ads Fueling Youth Gambling Crisis

Doctors Sound Alarm on Sports Betting Ads Fueling Youth Gambling Crisis

8 Sep

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Summary

Doctors call for restrictions on sports betting ads, say they normalize harmful behavior in youth
Gambling addiction cases rising among teens, with 13-14 year olds accessing online betting
Gambling linked to increased substance abuse, criminality, and suicide risk

As of September 9th, 2025, doctors are urgently calling for restrictions on sports betting advertisements, warning they are fueling a growing crisis of gambling addiction among youth.

According to family physician Dr. Shannon Charlebois and adolescent addiction specialist Dr. Shawn Kelly, the legalization of online gambling has made every smartphone a potential betting platform, exposing young people to constant gambling messaging. "These ads are not directed at the nine-year-olds sitting with me, but they are picking up on it," said Kelly, who has seen a concerning increase in gambling-related harms among his underage patients.

Experts say the typical case involves a 13 or 14-year-old who has accessed a parent's credit card to engage in online wagering, often losing significant sums of money. This can lead to financial and emotional stress for both the youth and their families. Gambling addiction is also linked to increased substance abuse, criminality, and even suicidal tendencies.

Charlebois and Kelly argue that the constant exposure to gambling ads during sports broadcasts is normalizing a harmful behavior during a critical developmental stage. They are urging lawmakers to take action, such as restricting betting ads during games and removing them from social media platforms used by youth.

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