Ottawa residents struggling with gambling addiction are being urged to reach out for help, but the province-wide service they'd call on is stretched thinner than ever. ConnexOntario, the organization that runs Ontario's main gambling addiction helpline, says the number of people calling for support has exploded in recent years — and funding hasn't kept pace.
A Lifeline Under Strain
ConnexOntario offers free, confidential listening and referral services for anyone dealing with problem gambling, whether it's a casino habit, sports betting, or the growing world of online gambling apps. For years it's been a go-to resource for Ottawa residents who don't know where else to turn, quietly connecting callers to local counselling, treatment programs, and support groups across the city.
But according to the organization, call volumes have surged dramatically, driven in large part by the explosion of online and mobile sports betting since Ontario opened up the single-event sports betting market a few years ago. More people are gambling from their phones at all hours, and more people are running into trouble because of it — a trend addiction counsellors in Ottawa say they've noticed firsthand in their own caseloads.
Why This Matters for Ottawa
Ottawa is home to a mix of casinos, sports betting apps, and lottery outlets, and like the rest of the province, the city has seen gambling become more accessible than ever thanks to smartphone betting apps. Local addiction support workers say Ottawa residents are increasingly turning to ConnexOntario as a first step before seeking in-person help through Ottawa Public Health or local mental health and addiction agencies.
When a province-wide helpline is overwhelmed, the ripple effects land squarely on cities like Ottawa. Longer wait times or reduced capacity at ConnexOntario could mean Ottawa residents in crisis have a harder time getting connected quickly to local resources, at exactly the moment they're reaching out for help.
Calls for More Funding
Advocates are now pushing the province to boost funding for ConnexOntario to match the reality of how much gambling has grown in Ontario. They argue that as the province continues to profit from expanded gambling options — including the online betting market — the support systems meant to catch people who fall into addiction need to grow just as fast.
For Ottawa residents who might be worried about their own gambling habits or those of a loved one, ConnexOntario remains available by phone, text, and online chat, even as the service works through increased demand. Local Ottawa organizations, including community health centres, also continue to offer in-person counselling for those who need more direct support.
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, ConnexOntario can be reached 24/7, and Ottawa Public Health can help connect residents to local addiction services.
Source: Global News Ottawa
