Online gambling rates have spikes during the pandemic and the local health unit is concerned. Here are four things we learned from this month’s meeting of the local public health board.

GAMBLING CAN BECOME A SERIOUS HEALTH ISSUE: During the pandemic, online gambling rates rose from 54 per cent before the pandemic to 87 percent, and popularity in online gambling increased among those who previously gambled in-person. Carolyn Doris, manager of Family and Community Health Team with Peterborough Public Health, provided an update on the impacts that online gambling and the advertising of online gambling can have on residents. The Responsible Gaming Council predicts that the introduction of iGaming – Ontario’s internet gaming model – will increase access to gambling and gambling advertising.

She said gambling can become a serious health issue that impacts approximately 2.5 per cent of all Ontarians. When considering the health and social impacts, online gambling can lead to crime, dysfunctional relationships and bankruptcy impacting social, economic, and health. Those at greatest risk for gambling related harms include young men ages 18-44. 

Online gamblers who were at higher risk for gambling harms also report experiencing high levels of anxiety and depression. PPH is recommending that increased supports for harm reduction, mental health, addictions, and treatment must be considered at the local and provincial level to support those facing harms related to online gambling.

PPH REPORTING ALMOST 500 LOCAL CASES OF COVID AND 14 OUTBREAKS IN HIGH-RISK FACILITIES: Donna Churipuy, director of Health Protections, provided an update on COVID-19 transmission in the region. On Oct. 5, PPH increased the local COVID-19 Risk Index to the “Very High” risk level. All indicators including deaths, hospitalizations, case rates, and wastewater signals continue to increase, indicating increased transmission in our region. As of Wednesday, October 12, PPH was reporting 489 cases and 14 outbreaks in high-risk facilities.

IN THIS REGION, ONE PERSON DIES EVERY EIGHT DAYS FROM A DRUG-POISONING: Doris also provided an update on the drug-poisoning crisis. In September of 2022, 24 calls were made to 911 regarding an opioid poisoning in the region of Peterborough City and County. Thirty-five visits were made to the emergency department due to drug-poisonings and there were six suspected deaths due to drug-poisonings. On average in the region, one person dies every eight days from a drug-poisoning.

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