Sarah McCarthy, CEO, Responsible Gambling Council
As another thrilling hockey season winds down, nearly three in five Ontarians (59%) say they plan to watch the Stanley Cup playoffs and two in five viewers (41%) plan to place a wager. But the illusion of sports knowledge helping to predict outcomes, the excitement of the big games, substance use, and persuasive advertising can all influence how we play.
During the regular season scoring is often higher. But when the playoffs arrive everything changes. Game plans shift, and the intensity of a tight series can mean one lucky bounce decides a game. Suddenly underdogs are just as viable as heavy favourites and no one can predict where the winning goal will come from.
The misconception that one can accurately predict a positive outcome or “win”, leading to overconfidence that their knowledge will give them an advantage, is known as the illusion of control. Concerningly, over two thirds of Ontario adults believe their sports knowledge gives them an edge, particularly men aged 18-44, according to a survey by the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC). Under the illusion of control, about one in five of this group say they bet because they believe their knowledge about the teams and players will help them win. One in ten Ontarians say they’ll bet in an attempt to make up for last year’s losses. Knowledge of the players and teams may make watching the game more fun, but it can’t account for the unexpected.
Given the unpredictability we’ve already seen in this year’s playoffs, trying to predict the unexpected and betting more than one can afford to lose can be devastating. Two in five of all Stanley Cup playoff bettors in Ontario (39%) say they’ve bet more than they could afford to lose in the past 12 months, and over a quarter (27%) say they’ve borrowed or sold something to gamble. Nearly two in five (38%) say gambling caused mental health issues, including stress or anxiety, and an equal proportion express concern about experiencing problem gambling.
To protect themselves from unnecessary harm, Stanley Cup playoff bettors need a plan before placing their bets. Knowing the risks and having strategies to manage gambling risk are essential to having fun and enjoying the game. That includes being mindful of the illusion of control and remembering that even sports expertise won’t beat the odds. Here are some tips to keep sports betting safer:
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Set betting limits ahead of time and stick within your budget
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Never borrow money or use money intended for necessities, like rent/mortgage or food
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Never chase losses by trying to win back what you’ve lost
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Limit your alcohol, cannabis, and/or other substance intake
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Don’t bet if you are upset or stressed. Take a cooling off period
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View sports betting as entertainment, not a way to make money
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Check the iGamingOntario.ca directory to find out if a gaming site is legal
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Use responsible gambling features available on regulated sportsbook websites
To learn how to keep play safer visit Gambling is Random. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, free, and confidential help is available 24/7 at ConnexOntario.ca.