Summary
- Social media ads are driving a surge in youth gambling in Quebec, with teens as young as 12 betting on illegal sites and losing thousands.
- Quebec’s government-run gambling monopoly fails to stop unregulated sites, which drain $1.4 billion yearly and expose kids to risky platforms.
- Experts and industry groups push for a regulated system like Ontario’s to protect young players and reduce financial losses.
You’ve probably noticed how easy it is to stumble across online gambling ads, but did you know they’re hooking kids as young as 12?
Quebec is grappling with a surge in youth gambling, exposing cracks in its current system that need fixing fast.
Social Media Fuels Underage Gambling
Social media is a big driver of this issue. Ads for gambling sites, often disguised as fun games, pop up on platforms you use daily, pulling teens into betting.
One 17-year-old shared how he started betting for fun, won big from a small stake, and got hooked. Using a relative’s ID, he accessed an illegal site, lost thousands in weeks, and didn’t realize the damage until it was too late.
Addiction Risks Start Young
Experts like Xavier Lalonde, a former addictions counselor, warn that stories like this are common. Some teens lose thousands quickly, lured by shady sites that delay withdrawals to keep them betting.
Kids as young as 12 are gambling with real money in schools, and early exposure raises the risk of addiction later in life. Social media influencers make it worse by promoting gambling in ways that seem harmless to you and other young users.
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Quebec’s Monopoly Isn’t Working
Unregulated Sites Drain Billions
Quebec’s government-run Loto-Québec holds the only legal online gambling site in the province, but it’s not stopping kids from betting on illegal platforms.
These unregulated sites are pulling in about $1.4 billion a year in revenue, money that could support public services if regulated.
The current monopoly setup isn’t keeping up with the problem, leaving you and others vulnerable to risky sites.
Calls for a New System
The Quebec Online Gaming Coalition, backed by major private operators, argues for a regulated, competitive system like Ontario’s. In Ontario, licensed operators follow strict rules, like verifying ages and promoting responsible gambling.
They also pay taxes, unlike illegal sites. Experts say this approach could protect young players like you and cut financial losses, but Quebec needs to act to make it happen.
Protecting the Next Generation
This issue hits close to home if you’re a parent, teacher, or young person. A better system could mean stronger age checks, fewer sneaky ads, and more awareness campaigns to keep kids safe. Until changes come, you can stay cautious about gambling ads and talk to younger users about the risks of betting online.
A Push for Reform
The youth gambling surge is a wake-up call. By moving to a regulated system, Quebec could reduce illegal betting, protect vulnerable players, and keep more revenue in the province.
You can expect more debates about how to fix this as the industry and government weigh their next steps.
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