The Hidden Risks of Sports Betting and Gambling Ads on Youth

The Hidden Risks of Sports Betting and Gambling Ads on Youth

Author: Lianne Castelino September 20, 2025 Duration: 34:21
Where Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids Today
KidsKids & FamilyEducationFamilyHow ToParenting

In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with Dr. Shawn Kelly, pediatrician, adolescent addictions specialist, and father of two.

Dr. Kelly shares why he co-authored a Canadian Medical Association Journal editorial on gambling advertising, the moment his own young son confused sports stats with betting terms, and why he sees this issue as a “Wild West” for youth health.

The discussion unpacks:

  • How repeated exposure to betting ads normalizes gambling for kids
  • Why adolescent brain development makes teens especially vulnerable
  • Warning signs parents should watch for
  • Practical steps families can take to build media literacy and resilience
  • What policy and regulatory changes could help protect youth

Takeaways:

  • The normalization of gambling advertising can significantly alter youth perceptions of sports, making gambling seem like an integral part of enjoyment rather than a risky behaviour.
  • Parents should actively engage in conversations with their kids about gambling, promoting media literacy to counteract the overwhelming influence of pervasive betting ads.
  • There is a concerning rise in gambling-related issues among youth, leading to increased mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression, underlining the urgency for parental awareness.
  • The developmental vulnerabilities of adolescents, including hormonal changes and brain maturation, make them particularly susceptible to risky behaviors like gambling.
  • Schools and sports organizations have a critical role in educating youth about the risks of gambling and should integrate this topic into their existing substance use prevention programs.
  • Effective regulation of gambling advertising is essential; restricting ads during youth-targeted broadcasts could significantly protect young audiences from harmful influences.

Links referenced in this episode:


Companies mentioned in this episode:

  • Canadian Medical Association Journal
  • Canadian Society of Addiction Medicine
  • bet365
  • Alcohol Gaming Commission of Ontario

This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience.

You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health.


Raising children in this era comes with a unique set of questions, and Where Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids Today is here to offer clarity, not just opinions. Hosted by award-winning journalist and mother Lianne Castelino, this weekly conversation moves beyond anecdotal advice to explore the science and research behind modern parenting. Each episode feels like a thoughtful discussion with a knowledgeable friend, one who brings in leading experts and thinkers to tackle the real issues families face. You’ll hear practical strategies for navigating everything from the emotional turbulence of adolescence to building a foundation of healthy communication from a young age. The focus is on holistic development-addressing the emotional, mental, and physical well-being of both kids and their parents. Lianne’s skill as an interviewer helps distill complex topics into actionable insights, making this podcast a reliable resource for anyone looking to ground their parenting choices in evidence and shared experience. It’s a space where the noise of conflicting advice fades, replaced by informed conversations that empower you to find your own path through the joys and challenges of family life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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