Canada Confronts Youth Gambling with First-Ever National Guidelines

GUELPH, ON – May 01, 2026 – In a landmark move to address a burgeoning public health issue, Greo Evidence Insights, with funding from Health Canada, has launched a 24-month initiative to develop the nation's first clinical practice guidelines for identifying and treating problematic gambling among young people. The project aims to fill a critical void in Canada's mental health landscape, providing a standardized, evidence-based framework for a problem that has seen alarming growth, particularly with the explosion of online betting.

Currently, no national standards exist to guide mental health professionals in supporting youth who experience gambling-related harm. This initiative, funded through Health Canada’s Youth Mental Health Fund, will create a comprehensive roadmap for early identification, screening, assessment, and treatment, which will be available in both English and French.

"When a young person reaches out for help with problem gambling, they can face complex challenges, like financial stress and other mental health concerns. While anyone can be affected, young men may be at higher risk," highlighted the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health. "These national guidelines will provide a shared understanding of what quality care looks like, improving access to culturally appropriate and equity-based mental health support."

A Growing and Hidden Crisis

The urgency for these guidelines is underscored by sobering statistics. While gambling has often been perceived as an adult activity, research indicates that between 50% and 70% of youth under 18 gamble for money at least once a year. Studies have shown that youth are at a significantly higher risk of developing gambling problems than adults, with some data suggesting Ontario teens are five times more likely to face a severe gambling problem.

The national prevalence of moderate-risk or problem gambling among Canadians aged 15 to 24 was estimated at 2.22%, with the rate for young men being three times higher than for young women. The recent legalization and proliferation of online sports betting and iGaming have supercharged these risks. A 2026 study revealed a staggering 300% increase in young men contacting Ontario's mental health helpline for gambling-related issues following the province's legalization of private online gambling in 2022.

This digital shift has turned every smartphone into a potential casino, making gambling more accessible and harder to regulate for young people. A recent report co-released by Greo, titled "Online Gambling Among Young Canadian Adults: A Call to Action," found that young adults who gamble online are over 45 times more likely to meet the criteria for problem gambling compared to those who only play lotteries. The consequences are severe, linking problem gambling in youth to substance use, depression, financial ruin, family problems, and even criminal behavior to support the habit.

Bridging a National Gap in Care

Until now, the response to youth gambling has been fragmented. While dedicated organizations like the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) and the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) offer valuable services, their reach and methodologies can vary. The absence of a unified national standard means that a young person seeking help in one province may receive vastly different care than someone in another, leading to inconsistent outcomes.

The new guidelines are designed to create a cohesive national strategy. By establishing a clear, evidence-based standard of care, the initiative aims to empower a wide range of frontline professionals—from family doctors and school counselors to specialized therapists—to confidently and effectively intervene.

"Problem gambling among young people is an increasingly recognized public health concern," said Dr. Matthew M. Young, Chief Research Officer at Greo Evidence Insights and a co-chair of the project's Steering Group. "Young people experiencing gambling-related harm deserve access to evidence-based, culturally sensitive, and stage-appropriate care. These guidelines will help ensure they get that."

A Blueprint for Inclusive and Evidence-Based Action

What sets this initiative apart is its deeply collaborative and inclusive development process. The project is not being designed in an academic vacuum; instead, it is being built from the ground up with input from a wide array of stakeholders. This includes clinicians, youth, individuals with lived experience of gambling harm, and representatives from equity-deserving communities, such as Indigenous youth, young men, and ethnic minorities.

"This initiative will produce rigorous, co-developed guidelines grounded in current evidence and informed by the perspectives of clinicians, youth, people with lived experience, and equity-deserving communities," said Dr. David Hodgins of the University of Calgary, who is also co-chairing the Steering Group. Dr. Hodgins is a renowned researcher in addiction and recovery, adding significant academic weight to the project's leadership.

The organization spearheading the effort, Greo Evidence Insights, brings 25 years of specialized experience in translating complex research into practical, real-world solutions. Formerly known as the Gambling Research Exchange Ontario (GREO), the non-profit has a long history of bridging the "knowledge-to-action gap." The credibility of the team is further bolstered by leaders like Dr. Young, who previously co-chaired the scientific committee that developed the world's first lower-risk gambling guidelines.

From Guidelines to Grassroots Implementation

Developing the guidelines is only the first step. Implementing them across Canada's decentralized healthcare system presents a formidable challenge. Each province and territory manages its own health services, which can create barriers to national standardization.

The project's governance structure appears designed to anticipate and mitigate these challenges. By involving a diverse group of practitioners and community interest holders from the outset, the initiative aims to build broad consensus and buy-in. Furthermore, the plan includes the creation of plain-language resources, webinars, and other tools to support mental health service providers in adopting the new protocols.

This focus on knowledge mobilization is critical for ensuring the guidelines do not simply sit on a shelf. The goal is to equip professionals with the practical skills and confidence needed to make a tangible difference in the lives of young Canadians. This initiative represents a significant investment in the country's youth mental health infrastructure and a crucial step toward safeguarding a generation from the escalating harms of problem gambling.