Some experts are calling on the NHL to treat gambling as a mental health disorder rather than a harmless pastime, following the suspension of Ottawa Senators forward Shane Pinto.
The NHL suspended Pinto 41 games last week for violating its sports betting rules. The league said it found no evidence that the American forward made bets on its matches and considers the matter closed.
LEARN MORE: Ottawa Pinto suspended 41 games for ‘sports betting activities’
But the issue has raised concerns among researchers about the support given to young athletes when it comes to gambling.
David Hodgins, a professor in the psychology department at the University of Calgary who also works at the Alberta Gambling Research Institute, said that given the scale of advertising and betting businesses in sports, it is not was only a matter of time before an athlete was trapped.
“It makes sense that some of these people are competitive athletes, on the front lines, getting exposure and seeing other people getting involved in the game and being successful in their game,” he said. “And it seems inevitable that some people will be encouraged to get involved. »
Hodgins said he would like the NHL to take a hard look at the issue and change the way it traditionally views gaming use disorder.
“(I hope) there is recognition that people can become addicted, that there is some sort of loss of control that may for some people be associated with their participation in gambling and that appropriate professional support is provided to those people,” he said.
Pinto is the latest professional athlete suspended since the U.S. Supreme Court allowed sports betting to be legalized in 2018.
The NFL has banned a handful of players for gambling violations in recent years.
The American Hockey League said in a statement that it was discussing with its players’ association whether a review of its current policy prohibiting players of league employees from betting on AHL games was necessary following the suspension of Pinto and subsequent examination.
The Canadian Hockey League, which includes the Western Hockey League, the Ontario Hockey League and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, has created a new sports betting policy ahead of the start of the 2023 season -2024.
The program includes an online educational component and aims to ensure people understand the policy and ensure there is support for those who need it.
“The CHL has specifically worked alongside the Canadian Mental Health Association to help educate our players on the signs and symptoms of problem gambling to help them provide the support they need to not only support their own needs, but also those of their teammates, their loved ones and their loved ones. /or others too,” the league said in a statement.
The league says everyone associated with the CHL — including team owners, referees, coaches, security and medical personnel, as well as players and coaches, among others — are prohibited from betting directly or indirectly on the outcome or any aspect of a CHL game. . The ban also extends to national and international tournaments involving players of junior age.
Andrew Kim, a professor at the University of Calgary whose research focuses on addiction and gambling, said there needs to be recognition of the effect gambling can have on young people.
“Young adults are at greater risk of gambling and gambling-related harm,” he said. “If you have a teammate who shows up to practice drunk, you know it, but you might not be able to tell if someone has a gambling problem.”
Like Hodgins, Kim said the prevalence of betting and gambling in sports can have an influence.
“If the NHL talks to its players about vulnerable age groups and the game, NHL players might think, ‘So you’re saying it’s not acceptable for our players to do this, but it’s acceptable for our fans of the same age to be exposed and bet on the matches. ?'” he said. You have these ads targeting the same age group… it’s so related.
Athletes may also be sensitive because they may believe they are experts in their respective sport and can safely predict the outcome of a bet, Kim said.
“As an athlete, you may think you have more knowledge than a layman and that may or may not be true,” he said. “In any game of chance, you are more likely to lose than to win.”
Nick Wells, The Canadian Press
