The Rise of Online Sports Gambling (Part 2 of 2)

In Part Two of our deep dive into the rise of online sports gambling, we shift from the problem to the people on the front lines of the solution. This episode focuses on the young men across Canada who are being hit hardest by the rapid growth of digital sports betting — and on the supports available when gambling starts to take control.Our guest is Marnie Proctor, Health Promoter with Community Addiction Services of Niagara (CASON), an organization leading the response to gambling-related harm in Niagara. Marnie shares what CASON is seeing on the ground: the dramatic increase in young men struggling with online betting, the psychological impact of non-stop sports-gambling advertising, and the rise of micro-betting and app-based gambling that makes losses faster and harder to manage.We also explore CASON’s new public awareness campaign aimed at young males — a bold, honest initiative designed to cut through the noise of glossy gambling ads and speak directly to those at risk. Marnie walks us through the counselling, outreach, and harm-reduction programs CASON offers, and what family members, friends, and communities can do when someone needs help.This episode is not about blaming or banning. It’s about understanding a rapidly changing landscape, recognizing early signs of harm, and making sure people know that support is available — confidential, local, and judgment-free.If you or someone you know is struggling with online gambling, this conversation offers hope, guidance, and a path forward.