Half of Ontarians who bet on sports are planning to place a wager on the NFL championship Sunday, a new survey from the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) says.
Four in 10 Ontario adults believe their sports knowledge gives them an edge in predicting outcomes, the survey released Tuesday said. This jumps to three-quarters (73 per cent) of those who bet, and 9 in 10 of those who bet on sports regularly.
However, this false belief can increase risk as it can lead to overconfidence, and influence some to bet more than they can afford to lose, according to the RGC.
Additional risk is associated with the consumption of substances that can impair judgment and decision-making, the RGC said. The survey shows over three-quarters of those who bet plan to consume alcohol, cannabis, or other substances during the Super Bowl.
Some bettors are managing their gambling risks, with four in ten saying they will stay within a pre-set betting limit, and a third indicating they always view sports betting as entertainment, not as a way to win money.
“It’s positive to see the majority of Ontario’s sports bettors using the extra bench strength of responsible gambling tools, both on and offline,” CEO of RGC Shelley White said in a release. “The excitement of the big game, being with friends and family, and substance use can all influence how we play. And betting more than one can afford to lose can have a devastating impact.”
The RGC’s tips for safer sports betting include pre-set betting limits, only gambling with money you can afford to lose, limiting cannabis and alcohol intake, and never trying to win back what you lost.
For the study, an online survey of 1,001 Ontario residents aged 18 and over was completed between Jan. 6-8, using Leger’s online panel. A probability sample of the same size would yield a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 per cent, 19 times out of 20.
The Kansas City Chiefs will face the Philidelphia Eagles at Super Bowl LVI Sunday at 6:30 p.m.
