Welcome back to Ditch the Labcoat. Today’s episode dives deep into a topic that’s been quietly reshaping lives and families across the globe: gambling addiction. Host Dr. Mark Bonta sits down with Dr. Daniela Lobo, a leading expert in addiction psychiatry, to explore just how dramatically gambling—especially online and sports betting—has surged in prevalence, fueled by intensive marketing and made even more accessible by the pandemic’s isolation.

Together, Dr. Bonta and Dr. Lobo break down the reality behind those flashy ads and glossy casino images, peeling back the curtain on the true costs of problem gambling. They explore not just the personal financial and mental fallout, but the ripple effects that devastate families, drive up debt, worsen mental health struggles, and even intersect with substance use disorders. As gambling apps, sports betting, and even crypto-trading continue to blur the lines between entertainment and addiction, the doctors unpack why so many young adults—and increasingly, teens—find themselves hooked.

Dr. Lobo shares practical insights for recognizing gambling problems, supporting loved ones, and opening honest conversations with kids. Most importantly, they question whether the billions gained in gambling revenue are truly worth the social and health costs we’re only beginning to acknowledge.

If you’ve ever wondered what really drives gambling addiction, how to spot it, or what responsible action looks like for individuals and society, you won’t want to miss this eye-opening, evidence-based conversation. Let’s ditch the lab coat and get real about gambling in our modern age.

Episode Lessons

1. Gambling Addiction: Not a Choice — A medical disorder with devastating consequences, not a weakness or bad habit.
2. Online Gambling’s Rapid Expansion — Pandemic and marketing fueled a surge, making betting more accessible than ever.
3. Marketing Drives Gambling Behaviors — Aggressive ads and sports integration normalize betting, increasing risks across all ages.
4. Health Impact Beyond Money — Gambling harms mental, emotional, and even physical health, adding layers of stress.
5. Younger Generations at Risk — Sports and digital platforms expose youth to gambling without proper safeguards.
6. Overlap With Other Addictions — Gambling often co-occurs with mental health and substance use disorders.
7. Paths to Treatment and Recovery — Counseling, family support, financial planning, and early intervention provide hope.
8. Financial Ruin and Family Toll — Hidden gambling devastates households, with debt triggering further destructive cycles.
9. Policy and Regulation Matter — Weak oversight allows profit-driven expansion while shifting costs to families.
10. Prevention Through Education — Open dialogue and awareness reduce risks, counter marketing, and build resilience.

Episode Timestamps

03:21 – Addiction's Evolving Forms: Gambling Alert
07:08 – COVID-19's Impact on Gambling Behavior
11:56 – Gambling's Mental and Physical Toll
13:48 – Accessibility Fuels Gambling Issues
18:03 – Teens, Gambling, and Sports Obsession
22:25 – Problem Gambling's Significant Impact
25:36 – Gambling Disorders and Mental Health
29:18 – iGaming Self-Exclusion & Support
30:30 – Supporting Families with Addicted Loved Ones
36:00 – Modern Gambling: Signs and Challenges
39:02 – Gambling and Risk Awareness Conversation
42:33 – Understanding Moderation and Gambling Risks
45:23 – Ethics of Gambling Expansion
47:03 – Cautionary Insights on Gambling Apps

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>>>>>> The expressed opinions belong solely to the hosts and guests, and they do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Hospitals, Clinics, Universities, or any other organization associated with the host or guests.

Disclosures: Ditch The Lab Coat podcast is produced by (Podkind.co) and is independent of Dr. Bonta's teaching and research roles at McMaster University, Temerty Faculty of Medicine and Queens University.