ConnexOntario, a non-profit agency managing Ontario's 24-hour gambling helpline, is overwhelmed by a surge in calls linked to the liberalization of online gambling.

The organization reported a 68% increase in interactions from 92,780 in 2019-20 to 155,391 in 2025-26, with average call durations rising from 8 to 12 minutes.Executive director Nerin Kaur highlighted the complexity of calls, noting greater demand for mental health support and addiction education.The rise in calls coincides with Ontario's iGaming system, which allowed non-government online gambling companies to operate since 2022.Despite a 23% increase in users from 95,252 in 2021/22 to 117,407 in 2022/23, funding remains stagnant at $4.2 million.

Kaur urged increased government investment in prevention and community support, particularly for vulnerable groups like young men aged 15-24 and those 35-45.Minister Stan Cho acknowledged the growing issue but has not provided additional funding.The article underscores the challenges of balancing gambling expansion with public health resources.