In April 2022, Ontario legalized single-game and live sports betting. I wanted to know what a legal sports betting market would mean for Ontarians at risk of gambling harms. How would the legalization of sports betting impact the prevalence of gambling problems, and how could we help sports bettors avoid those harms? Through a review of 40+ existing research papers, reports, and news articles, I found that the new legalization puts young adults at risk of betting-related harms due to their inexperience, risk-taking behaviour, and unhealthy beliefs.

In April 2022, Ontario legalized single-game and live sports betting. I wanted to know what a legal sports betting market would mean for Ontarians at risk of gambling harms. How would the legalization of sports betting impact the prevalence of gambling problems, and how could we help sports bettors avoid those harms? Through a review of 40+ existing research papers, reports, and news articles, I found that the new legalization puts young adults at risk of betting-related harms due to their inexperience, risk-taking behaviour, and unhealthy beliefs.

Through my research into existing responsible gambling solutions, I discovered that the majority are reactive measures targeted toward people who are already experiencing gambling problems. I designed a sports trivia quiz challenge with responsible betting questions sprinkled throughout. This is a preventative solution targeting potential and casual bettors who are young, male, and Asian – the group statistically most at risk of experiencing betting-related harms down the road. Key features of the product include answer explanations and related links for responsible betting topics, power-ups, point bonuses, and an invitation to challenge a friend to the quiz through a personalized link.

Through my research into existing responsible gambling solutions, I discovered that the majority are reactive measures targeted toward people who are already experiencing gambling problems. I designed a sports trivia quiz challenge with responsible betting questions sprinkled throughout. This is a preventative solution targeting potential and casual bettors who are young, male, and Asian – the group statistically most at risk of experiencing betting-related harms down the road. Key features of the product include answer explanations and related links for responsible betting topics, power-ups, point bonuses, and an invitation to challenge a friend to the quiz through a personalized link.