# Ontario youth mental health and gambling trends > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ontario-youth-mental-health-and-gambling-trends > Updated: 2026-08-27T00:29:08.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2. Recent data from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) regarding Ontario youth indicates a complex shift in student health trends. While psychological distress among students in grades 7 to 12 has seen a decline from 51 per cent in 2023 to 46 per cent in 2025, mental health struggles remain significantly higher than levels recorded a decade ago. Concurrently, there has been a notable rise in gambling activities among students. Initial reports noted that one in 10 students reported placing sports bets in 2025, a sharp increase from one in 100 in 2017. Subsequent findings expanded on this trend, revealing that one in five students reported engaging in some form of gambling within the past year. Specifically, online sports betting participation grew from 8% to 12% since 2023. Researchers attribute the surge in gambling to the 2022 opening of Ontario’s online market to licensed operators, the accessibility of smartphones, and aggressive marketing. This trend is reflected in an increase in gambling helpline calls, particularly among males aged 15 to 24. In response, regulators have initiated enforcement actions, including a $120,000 fine against an online casino for allowing underage access. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-27: Ontario youth gambling rates rise following market expansion A CAMH survey shows a 50% increase in online gambling among Ontario students since 2023, with one in five students reporting gambling activity amid the province's expanded online betting market. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ontario-youth-gambling-rates-rise-following-market-expansion ### 2026-08-24: Ontario youth mental health distress levels decrease to 46 per cent A CAMH survey shows psychological distress among Ontario youth fell to 46 per cent in 2025, though online gambling among students has risen sharply to one in 10. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ontario-youth-mental-health-distress-levels-decrease-to-46-per-cent --- Cite as: Ontario youth mental health and gambling trends. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ontario-youth-mental-health-and-gambling-trends