Canadian researchers are raising concerns about the lack of health data as well as the long-term effects related to single-game and in-play sports gambling across the country.

Statistics Canada last collected national data on the prevalence of gambling back in 2018, fueling worries about what has changed since single-game sports betting was legalized in August 2021.

Matthew Young, the chief research officer for Greo Evidence Insights, said there has been an increase in online gambling since the passing of Bill C-128, the federal bill allowing gambling on single sport games.

“Things changed cataclysmically, right, and as well as the change in Ontario legislation allowing private operators into the space,” he said.