Sports Betting: Separating Skill from Illusion of Control

Presented by the Youth Gambling Awareness Program (YGAP), this lunch & learn webinar will explore the topic of sports betting. If you or a loved one are dealing with challenges surrounding gambling, this learning opportunity is a welcome space for you to learn and connect.

The opening of Ontario’s regulated gambling market to private companies has significantly expanded sports betting opportunities. Ontarians can now bet on various aspects of a game, including in-play betting, which can lead to continuous betting with no clear stopping point, akin to slot machines. This presentation examines several facets of online sports betting, including esports betting and daily fantasy sports. It explores how sports knowledge influences the accuracy of match predictions and highlights the extensive media exposure of sports betting and the impact of betting content on social media. Additionally, it addresses community support services available for mental health issues related to sports betting.

Becoming more aware of persuasion techniques such as welcome bonuses and appeals to team loyalty, can also help mitigate the risks for yourself and your loved one, especially youth and young adults. Sports betting knowledge also equips people to address gambling issues by recognizing risk factors, and implementing effective interventions, advocate for social responsibility, and promote mental health and well-being.