Sports betting in Canada: Are we making a bad gamble? - The Fifth Estate

Ontario is awash in ads promoting betting on sports. The Fifth Estate explores the sudden spike in gambling options and why some in the United Kingdom, where gambling advertising is being scaled back, say Canada is making a bad bet.
Read more: www.cbc.ca/1.6710407
For help with gambling addiction visit: www.responsiblegambling.org
If you or someone you know is struggling, here’s where to get help:
• Talk Suicide Canada: 1-833-456-4566 (phone) | 45645 (text between 4 p.m. and midnight ET).
• Kids Help Phone: [phone] (phone), live chat counselling on the website, kidshelpphone.ca/.
• Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention: Find a 24-hour crisis centre, suicideprevention.ca/resources/.
#SportsBetting #Gambling #Canada
producer/director
TIMOTHY SAWA
writer
BOB MCKEOWN
TIMOTHY SAWA
associate producer
ANDREW CULBERT
SATBIR SINGH AULAKH
additional producing
VIRGINIA SMART
video editor
IAN HOAG
senior videographer
JOHN BADCOCK csc
additional cinematography
ANDY HINCENBERGS
JON CASTELL
YAN THEORET
JOE FIORINO
PATRICK MORRELL
archival material
CANADIAN GAMING SUMMIT
CFL
CNN
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
GETTY IMAGES
NHL
PARLVU
POND5
REUTERS
SPORTSNET
TMX GROUP
TSN
TWITTER
UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO
KZbin
editing support
RYAN FERGUSON
Intern
RISI BELLO
graphic designers
TIM KINDRACHUK
FROILAN UNTALASCO
graphic directors
ELA AZZOPARDI
JEFF GOLDHAR
visual research
LESLIE MORRISON
media management
ABRAHAM BARMADA
post audio
RON SEARLES
colourist
SCOTT McINTYRE
rollout producer
LEANNE STEPNOW
social media producer
BRITNEI BILHETE
digital producer
JANET DAVISON
theme music
STEVE D'ANGELO
project manager
VICTOR KERR
associate director
NANCI KING
packaging editor
ALESSIA PROTOMANNI
resource coordinators
MEGAN BEECKMANS
SAM NAR
coordinating associate director
RHONDA KIRKPATRICK
senior producer
ALLYA DAVIDSON
executive producer
DIANA SWAIN
original broadcast
JANUARY 12, 2023
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About The Fifth Estate: For four decades, The Fifth Estate has been Canada's premier investigative documentary program. Hosts Bob McKeown, Gillian Findlay, Mark Kelley and Steven D'Souza continue a tradition of provocative and fearless journalism. The Fifth Estate brings in-depth investigations that matter to Canadians - delivering a dazzling parade of political leaders, controversial characters and ordinary people whose lives were touched by triumph or tragedy.

[@radaction5743]

The 5th Estate doesn't mention the absolute worst part of legalized sports betting: The sportsbooks ban those who are winners or have the potential to be winners. What other legal business is allowed to operate that way? Nobody can win in the long run because the books will not allow long-term winners to exist!

[@DomenicMarando]

Shame on Gretzky and other sports figures for sullying their reputations by supporting and encouraging gambling! Shame!!

[@rexrichardson8834]

@Domenic Marando Why, I'm sure if you were offered 15 million to do a commercial you would do it.

[@reginamccarter9793]

​@@rexrichardson8834😅

[@glenncurley680]

His Wife got busted for illegal gambling and now he promotes the disease.

[@LoneTurtle10]

@@rexrichardson8834 No I would not. I stand up with my values, and potentially ruining someone or a families life is not one of them.

[@gullybull5568]

​@@LoneTurtle10 gretsky was ALWAYS a puppet

[@derrick5130]

Thank you for covering this. I am glad sports gambling is legal but we need regulations around advertising. The current situation is predatory

[@ryanm9257]

i agree sport betting should be legal but should not allow any advertising

[@mikebyers1873]

Yes every ad break has multiple betting ads its definently predatory

[@ricardo9013]

yea i see it everywhere now including primetime spots when kids are watching. It should be atleast limited to latenight or certain programming

[@lucashenderson2775]

Agreed. It should be treated like cigarettes where it's legal as a matter of personal choice, but it shouldn't be advertised all over the place.

[@mariamakoroma7097]

I’m so happy to hear Bob McKewon’s voice again, the fifth estate is not the same without the OGs.

[@michellea1130]

I know! it really isn't the same. I love when its hosted by Jillian, bob, or Mark.

[@JeremiahNuddFilms]

This deserves way more views. This is real journalism. Well done Fifth Estate!

[@wiseone2890]

It’s so frustrating trying to watch sports and every commercial is sports betting

[@CatsSands]

Caught my 14 year old grandson trying to download the app for betting after seeing Gretzky and Conner on tv being excited about betting. He just wanted to be cool like them. My brother, who gives out xmas presents from our local casino has now admitted all our heritance money is gone. Over $650,000. Yes, great idea Canada lets make more social problems bigger and ruin lives and gloat it on tv. "Hey, look at Canada" move here, we'll give you free gambling money. Yet, if you have a cannabis store you cant advertise or even sell chips. Were the laughing stock of the world. Oh! Then we harden the rules for police so no one dares smoke pot anymore. Should we not harden the rules for gambling, like for my brother gambling all away my heritance? Should he not get 25 years in jail instead of having to go to counciling? We no restitution? All's i know is we got screwed by gambling and no one is taking responsibility.

[@jdelliquadri1]

This is going to get worse in the upcoming years. Many people do not understand what gambling can do the addict and their families.

[@highdsociety923]

there should be more commercials about GOING OUTSIDE AND PLaYING SPORTS AND BEING ACTIVE with HUMANS!!

[@themoralcode7214]

Just watched this tonight. As a longtime hockey fan (of almost 50 years), I no longer watch as I am sickened by the in game advertising promoted between periods and during commercial breaks. It's too bad because I believe hockey (the game) has become such an exciting game with some amazing players doing things never done before. :(

[@billiondollardan]

I wish it was still illegal here in Ohio. It's been legal for less than a month and there are ads all over. My cousin has lost a couple tens of thousands of dollars betting in Michigan and it is wrecking his life. I guess the government can't resist another tax revenue stream

[@SHERMA.]

It's your cousins fault he's got a gambling problem not the states It's not the government that couldn't resist another revenue income, its your cousin that couldn't resist the idea of a big win

[@JibberLang]

Hahahahahahahah your cousin shouldn't be betting on sports he knows nothing about

[@tedd5361]

"I don't like it so nobody should be allowed to do it" Amazing to me how unamerican some people are..its a shame really

[@kellyfehr5240]

I know addicts of every variety and the conclusion I've reached is that kids should be taught about addiction. But the revenue from cigarettes, alcohol, and gambling are too necessary to governments.

[@clovemartin]

He needs to be more responsible. It's about personal responsibility.

[@charlesjames1464]

Their aggressive advertising should come under serious scrutiny..

[@tonyharvey6597]

Exactly, and it comes with a "fine print" disclaimer -- Gamble Responsibly

[@mightiesthelmutz2836]

The governments keep becoming more MAFIA like everyday. From the numbers game to our lottery, to borrowing/lending, and now one game betting.....

[@ranborandy750]

Keep going!

[@flightsimulatorguy7668]

You forgot drugs and taxes

[@sethledyv3237]

I get gambling ads at least 20 times a day these past few weeks and I cannot express how sick of it I am.

[@jonminny]

I think we all are

[@glenncurley680]

Yes, please ban these ads!

[@AlwaysUche]

Great reporting! We need more of this type of journalism in the US. Those who promote and profit from the gambling industry need to be held accountable for the damage it does to people intentionally or unintentionally

[@CraigThurston2014]

Shame to Wayne Gretzky and pro athletes being brand ambassadors for betting companies.

[@420greatestqueen]

The non-stop advertising for gambling sites during last year’s Stanley cup finals was annoying

[@minimalist_zero]

This was simply fantastic reporting.

[@hutton420]

I was looking forward too this! Great video

[@calebbrantley193]

Thank you for this. Just came at the right time. Now is the time to quit gambling I am done!

[@donlittle7]

This is the type of REAL journalism the CBC should devote itself to.

[@ravenishere69420]

Great work as always, (only 1 minute or so in but keep it up)

[@PresidentCoochieGrabber]

When you're gambling on the coin toss before a game you know you got a problem lol

[@mikehalpern384]

yeah, i always bet a dollar ont the superbowl coin toss! :)

[@davidburke2453]

You can bet on what colour the gatorade will be that is poured on the coach after the game! lol

[@MEGIDIOT]

That is a hockey-related question. Lol Matthews couldn’t even look at him in the eye.

[@That90sShow]

MATTHEWS atleast only advertises free betting sites. MCDAVID is the only professional athlete promoting monetary gambling. Yet he's not criticized. 🤣🤣

[@charlesjames1464]

Gambling is a serious habit. That can make you homeless,, and destitute..

[@highdsociety923]

THERE SHOULD BE NO BETTING COMMERCIALS... and his EXCUSES of people change the channels and there are regulations to airing the commercials... BUT THE COMMERCIAL is STILL AIRED do you think any CHILDREN SEE IT? Advertising to GAMBLE on TV is the Same REASON why DRUGS are DECRIMINALIZED, and SWEARING is ALLOWED on TV!

[@StormShadow1500]

Excellent journalistic reporting! Sports betting is dangerous for the consumer!

[@thefozzybear]

When I was 20 I would spend about $4000 on proline tickets and only won about $200. I knew I had to stop. Responsible gambling is not gambling at all.

[@ryantwitter343]

Hahahah

[@freeguy3751]

I agree Fozzy Bear. There is no "responsible gambling." It's like saying "drink responsibly." (Riiiigggggghhhhhtt, like that's gonna work.🙄)

[@nimo6972]

Lost my home gambling on sports, now my losing has caused me to steal from my parents, & grandparents to make a bet. I have lost 850,0000.

[@dtesla9086]

Thanks for the Upload, Great Reporting By the 5th Estate

[@TeachersOnFire]

Great report. Thank you.

[@register1430]

Glad the emphasis was on the cringe inducing quantity of ads. Hockey Night in Canada? No. A 4, 5 , 6 hour gambling ad fest with a hockey game attached.

[@freeguy3751]

great way to put it, so true. Major CRINGE

[@Jay-py1ow]

It’s going to absolutely ruin sports man 😑😑

[@Jarthvader]

Some of the stuff is personal responsibility, some of it is extremely sleazy. Ontario Gaming ripped up their self exclusion list before allowing casinos in, so everybody who took the steps to safeguard themselves pre-regulation was thrown to the wolves.

[@gorjanninkovski935]

Thank you for catching up to the world

[@owenhutchison4295]

The commercials a definitely annoying and I'm not into betting but how many people can bet no problem vs those with gambling addiction?

[@robertbernard6410]

cocaine habit is cheaper than gambling

[@sherbetxdamnare]

@@Etaoinshrdlu69 yeah but imagine how much fun you can have with a brick

[@PresidentCoochieGrabber]

And atleast u get something for ur money.

[@freeguy3751]

🤣🤣but gambling is seductive now because it's the next cool thing. You're dark dude 🤣

[@americanadreaming]

Any active athlete who signs a contract to promote sports betting houses is the opposite of a role model.

[@2011blueman]

Same thing happened in Michigan. I grew up in Michigan when there were a handful of Indian casinos, but no online betting, sports betting, marijuana, etc. Now every billboard and tv ad is for marijuana and sports books. It's absolutely shameful because the government is basically praying on people now to get tax dollars.

[@Toy1er]

Hey pal, don't lump marijuana in with gambling. There's absolutely no reason anyone should ever be jailed over pot. Unlike alcohol & gambling it's never ruined anyone's life. False equivalency.

[@barneyrubbles2485]

THIS WAS A GREAT PROGRAM TO WATCH AGAIN INDEAD AN YES IT IS TRUE ABOUT ALL THAT GAMBLING..

[@ravisukhdeo676]

Another Classic episode Bob!

[@lando_jm4609]

fantastic reporting

[@MagikMac]

Every single person who is in the commercials and promoting the betting I am DONE with !

[@KrazyKanucker]

I grew up a Gretzky fan but was very disappointed to see him involved and profiting from this. I don't need to watch this whole vid to know what its about.

[@freeguy3751]

His first line was all I needed to hear, then I changed the channel. I can't watch a canadian icon tarnish himself like that.

[@davidscapin8610]

Well Done CBC for doing this story, Wonder why Post Media didnt cover this .

[@Phlegethon]

More American companies making money off Canadians

[@Eric-ew8jt]

I never was into gambling of any kind, not even as a kid. I’ve always looked at it as not losing 5 dollars but losing 100 dollars. I didn’t even know what a VLT was until I moved to Alberta in the 2000’s gambling sickness is just as serious as a crack cocaine sickness. Everything in moderation is ok but when it becomes habitual not so good

[@Amm17ar]

Addictions* not sickness.......

[@Eric-ew8jt]

@@Amm17ar potato potato its the same thing just depending on what you decide to call it. Thankfully we are all entitled to our individual opinions

[@Amm17ar]

@@Eric-ew8jt Its not. Addictions arent a sickness like the flu or Cancer. Its different, which is why we discuss it as such and have a word for it. We wouldnt have a different word for it if it was the same thing. Calling it a sickness has a connotation that degrades and limits the help that can be provided. Did you even watch the video....? Also, comparing it to crack cocaine, yeah no, its gambling. The two might have some similar lead ups, effects, and loss of life, but the two are very different. And last time I checked, crack cocaine in moderation was never okay...... I guess we do agree on one thing, were all entitiled to our opinions, just sad some peoples opinions are as dated as yours seem to be. I reccomend doing a bit of research into addictions understanding the nuances to better educate yourself so that you can possibly help people or provide support vs. refering to them as sick.

[@freeguy3751]

"everything in moderation is ok"?! So crack cocaine in moderation is ok? How about prostitution? Wake up. Gambling is a serious vice.

[@johnbrowne3950]

When a sports betting segment comes on I turn the channel.

[@saimotivationalchannel9m520]

“Those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.”

[@hklinker]

Public pressure can be applied to the NHL players who have signed deals to promote betting on hockey games. If the public hits back, it stands to reverse at least some of the damage now being done. After all, how many people are going to dig in for a fight about ‘their right to watch sports stars in an endless stream of ads encouraging people to bet on hockey’? There is plenty of opposition to this. It just needs to be organised.

[@AlexAndra-iy5zu]

I put myself in gambling rehab 17 years ago. I’m so grateful I did because I remember those sleepless nights. One thing everyone should know is there are gambling rehabs and the Indian casinos and online casinos and Las Vegas have to contribute a portion of their profit to help those with a gambling problem. I paid for my own gambling rehab which was 30 days in a treatment center but the state paid for my 12 weeks of IOP. If you have a problem there is help. Wishing you all the best

[@bretzky9261]

Leafs +900 to win the Cup get in on it now.

[@jonminny]

Im done gambling but thats a decent value for anyone still addicted

[@phil4977]

What do addiction rehab centres work on - 3 things - Alcohol, drugs & gambling. All three are worked on simultaneously as the underlying issues are the same for all three

[@Pulsedriver93]

There is nothing entertaining about losing a sports bet.

[@joannasliwa8147]

Gambling , buying or selling the best players ( hokey, football, basketball etc ) like race horses ( that is why it is almost impossible to find a 100% team from the same country ) is the unfortunate path sports have been taking for years .

[@tpp27]

"THE HOUSE ALWAYS WINS".

[@thomasb.smithjr.8401]

This is just one more tawdry aspect of the 'Hunger Games' reality for far too many souls ... 😮

[@flightsimulatorguy7668]

The commercials are so annoying and cringe, especially the Gretzky ones

[@sdot5389]

Betting on the CFL is a sure sign you have a major problem.

[@PresidentCoochieGrabber]

Gambling is a waste of money

[@themadlibrarian2933]

On 4 Jan 23, GeoComply reported 11.3 million geolocation transactions in Ohio on 748,000 accounts for the first two days the market was live as of midnight 1 Jan 23. This shows every time that the app was opened by an accountholder. That compared to 9.3 million in New York and 8.2 million in Pennsylvania over the same two days. Over the next two days, the number of accounts increased to over 910,000 and the number of geolocation transactions through the first four days increased to 19.48 million. The population of Ohio is 11.69 million, so roughly 18% of the eligible population has a sports betting account.

[@Toy1er]

Compulsive gamblers are the most financially responsible people in Ohio.

[@jonminny]

Ironic his name is Bettman and he is against gambling in his league.

[@philmowatt3645]

There's very little a government can do about betting if you want to do it online. It's an international industry. In the Middle East, sports betting sites are blocked. However, there are ways around that. Computers make it easy to bet.

[@garycogswell5499]

Canada doesn't sin often, but when it does, it's poor people who pay. Don't let the fabric of our country, be turned to rags.

[@absolutepowerchannel8980]

Lol. Its almost conspiratorial the amount of time me and others in some group I know almost hit a parlay for a lot of money, losing by only one miss. The things I wonder about is maddening. 🤫

[@Rationalreason777]

The money spent on gambling in Canada at 14 billion is half what California's is. IMAGINE how much money we are talking about internationally.

[@FueledbyJohn]

Gambling is simply entertainment, and it is always in the houses favour. Match-fixing certainly does very much seem wrong. Fortunately, I don't place bets, but yes, the ads do seem excessive.

[@DavidGS66]

Even McDonalds Monopoly was fixed for years in USA & Canada, so I won't be gambling on sports when only insiders can win big. You might by chance bet same as match fixers, but you naturally won't bet as big.

[@freeguy3751]

This video validates why whenever there is a sports betting ad on, I change the channel or click off the stream. I don't want the spiders to get me in their web. This is gonna be an epidemic if there's no major changes.

[@NotoriousVC]

Finally an episode about an interesting topic that actually affects Canadians on this channel, don't care about NATO propaganda about Ukraine and Iran.

[@SuperStubug]

ya but slot machines and casinos are ok..... I dont think advertising should be allowed

[@thomaswentt1047]

I don't see the appeal of gambling. Why pay for false hope when you can make your own for free?

[@AlexSquared]

whats with this shows anxiety provoking sound/score, especially in the beginning? Brutal.

[@jonminny]

We need a gambling ad blocker on regular tv or better yet just cancel your tv subscription all together

[@lennycottingham]

Im in Scotland and every person i know has a betting app on their smart phone..at least one...and i know people that committed crime to get betting money ITS EVERYWHERE

[@hklinker]

Is there any organised opposition?

[@lennycottingham]

@@hklinker hi there..no ..no opposition so you'd notice..nearly every English and Scottish premier league side is sponsored by a betting app..eg..BET888....dafabet...William Hill....Casino555...ect..its only banned advertising on TV adverts during games..everything else is ok..i work with people who bet on their phones at work..not just results but number of corners..free kicks..and thats just football..you also have cricket..horses..ect

[@hklinker]

I love watching sports but never got into betting on them. Full disclosure though - I’m involved in fantasy hockey. It takes an enormous amount of my time, and that is penalty enough. No need to pump money in as well.

[@justincase4812]

For me I have been playing sport select less because of how pervasive and simply ridiculous how think sports betting is being thrown in viewers faces.

[@skinnybruna]

Sport gambling was legalized in the Netherlands couple of weeks ago... I hope it won't get as bad as seen in this documentary

[@missesmew]

Well, ask if your country is made up of humans and there you’ll have your answer.

[@mikehalpern384]

i gamble a lot, only on sports but since i only bet 1$ on each game its not a problem .... even if i make about 500 bets per year. football, hockey, baseball, ufc, formula 1, tennis, etc. i bet on all the events i watch, it just makes the games more interesting. 52% success in 2022 so i hardly lost any money, maybe 10$ for the whole year. 99% of the people lose money so its not worth it to bet more than a dollar or two on anything. cut your losses by betting small, there are places where you can bet 25 cents or less ... so its not a problem for anyone.

[@TheBlobablob]

Some people gamble for a dopamine and adrenaline rush. The more money you spend the more exciting the game is. If Im betting 25 cents on a smart bet Im likely not winning anything but If I am betting a crazy parlay to win any significant amount of money, its likely not going to hit.

[@dylanr8481]

Are you trying to brag about your petty winnings? $500 is nothing and 80% of sports bettors are addicted.

[@gullybull5568]

24:10 FULL DISCLOSURE

[@on-site4094]

now I understand Why Amish never embraced technology … corporation’s like to get them young it provides. a lifetime of revenue

[@2011blueman]

I wouldn't use the Amish as an example.

[@freeguy3751]

Not the best example lol but I get your point. How do you shield kids from all this corruption and toxic influence?

[@kevindavis9365]

Goalies get pulled while down three to cover spreads. Among other atrocities to touch on. Fans want a good time and get thrown games. Not very sportmanlike

[@Janewomanpower]

Great coverage. And a disgrace to see how easy this can be fixed by govt. Is a hard pill to swallow.

[@mikeready216]

The Govt is in the game ( PRO - LINE )

[@michaelduggan1890]

I'm a $10.00 a week football pool guy and that's it . I'll stick with that thank you. Proline tickets are a serious addiction !

[@pikeman80]

The companies say responsible gambling is important but please gamble.

[@yeungeddie]

THIS IS SCARY BRUH

[@michaelostle7943]

No Smoking..no Drinking No Gambling.. All fun in Moderation

[@LBG-cf8gu]

gambling responsibly, now i get it. i must learn to give away my hard earned $$$ responsibly. what could ever go wrong? count me in.

[@coreyglanville546]

Unfortunately Australia is absolutely a disgrace, punting Ads all day...I'm a punter I hate it.

[@UKNOWMESCP]

The "problem" is.... .. Dad can lose the house the car... and the shirt off his back. From the couch in the living room.

[@gullybull5568]

1word. say : " RIIGGED-SHIP "

[@theDane70]

Any gambling is not good, our own government has been doing it for years with all those lotteries and scratch tickets....

[@eshep71]

I'm going to bet, yes

[@eshep71]

@Cowboy Pants already did lol 2 mins in

[@robcollects3105]

You can say this about anything really. Should we make alcohol illegal because some people will drink and drive?

[@nataliebouderau934]

It's really going for like come on ..

[@SpursFanCanada]

Addictions attack weak people.If you're a strong willed individual thern you can beat any addiction ,if you're not then addiction wins.

[@freeguy3751]

Clearly you've never been to a treatment center and learned what the disease of addiction really is. It's ignorant people like you that keep toxic vices socially acceptable in society

[@phil4977]

Humans are not important to governments. Money is everything.

[@theStevenPowell]

Canada plays sport? Since when?

[@davidlalas]

Drake...

[@christinagompf-alksne3566]

Match fixing in Canada not illegal?!? That’s why I don’t watch hockey anymore. The government needs to offer more resources & treatment help for those suffering a gambling addiction, it’s as real as any addiction & there just isn’t the help out there.

[@Investing-qg7xo]

Now do big pharma