Both the launch of the government-operated PlayOLG platform in 2015 and the introduction of a competitive private online gambling market in 2022 were followed by large increases in contacts [to ConnexOntario]. These findings suggest large increases in problematic gambling, changes in help-seeking for gambling, or both.

We compared changes in gambling-related contacts to total contact volume for mental health and addictions. We used total contact volume to control for changes in population-level mental health or awareness of ConnexOntario.

As DrNateH on reddit said, Ford’s “agenda is to ultimately turn Ontario into Las Vegas.”