Study: Online Sports Betting Linked to Uptick in ER Visits

A recent study in Ontario has shown a disturbing trend created by online sports betting.

The American Journal of Preventive Medicine has released a new report on the link between legalizing the industry and an uptick in gambling-related ER visits. The study analyzed data from January 2012 to June 2025 from residents eligible for universal health coverage who sought care for gambling disorders at emergency departments across Ontario.

The results weren’t good news for the legal sports betting industry.

Legalization Led to Spike

In the study, the AJPM found that there were 952 ER visits for gambling disorders over the 14 years. These came from 757 individuals, 72% of whom were men.

There was no noticeable spike in ER visits after Ontario launched online sports betting in April 2022. However, the numbers have steadily grown each quarter since then. This has nearly doubled the rate of visits between 2022 and 2026, and it continues to rise. 

Oddly, the spike was mostly limited to male bettors. The rate was already low for female bettors before legalization, but has remained steady since.

The majority of bettors who visited ER departments did so to address major depression and suicidal ideation.

Small Numbers, Big Impact

While 952 visits over 14 years may not sound like a significant issue, it helps to put it in context. 

Struggling bettors who feel the need to visit an emergency department to address their addiction have serious concerns for their safety. They are concerned about harming themselves or others as they struggle with the devastating impact of addiction. This is a final cry for help that is far beyond reaching out to common problem gambling resources.

The number also doesn’t include those who chose not to seek help but succumbed to the mental damage suffered. This includes suicide, assault, and other crimes committed as a result of compulsive gambling.

It also doesn’t include bettors who seek help through other means, including visiting mental health facilities.

Could Numbers in The US Be Worse?

The AMPJ study focused only on Ontario’s market, which operates differently than markets in the US. The province also has different problem gambling resources available, with some arguing it protects bettors more effectively. 

Another key difference is the lack of universal health care in the US. That means many Americans have to pay high costs to visit the ER. This is a serious concern for bettors already struggling financially. 

While plenty of free resources are available, they fall short of the support provided by an actual hospital visit.