For T.S., a 22-year-old Ontario man recovering from a gambling problem, widespread advertising for online casinos and betting during sports broadcasts is “frustrating.”
“Imagine you’re an alcoholic and there was a beer ad during every show you watched,” he told CBC News.
His gambling started three years ago as a fun Friday night activity with friends, but escalated. One night last year he found himself locked inside a bathroom, losing it all — having bet away $14,000 [US$10,000].
T.S., who CBC has agreed not to name, says he quickly sought treatment and hasn’t gambled since. But during his spree, all those ads fueled him to gamble more.
