The Angus Reid Institute characterizes the rapid expansion of sports betting in Canada as both opportunity and risk.

The non-profit think says the wagering platforms bring with them concerns about addiction, financial loss and pervasive advertising.

New data from the Angus Reid Institue shows nearly 3 in 10 people surveyed say they are worried someone they know has an addiction to sports betting. This increases to 39 per cent among those who participate in betting and to 37 per cent among young men. And those who say they are worried about someone, 81 per cent say that person is male.

Overall, 13 per cent of Canadians say they have placed a sports bet in the past year, and more than half of bettors say they participate in hopes of making money, while others describe betting as a way to make games more exciting. Three in five sees sport betting as beneficial for their province.