Ontario Hospital Renames Its Problem Gambling Program to Reflect Provincial Reach

^{Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare has renamed its Centre for Problem Gambling and Digital Dependency the Ontario Centre for Problem Gambling, citing its role as a provincial treatment leader. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)}

Windsor-based Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare announced Aug. 25 that it has renamed its Centre for Problem Gambling and Digital Dependency the Ontario Centre for Problem Gambling.

The hospital said the change reflects the program's growing role as a provincial leader in specialized gambling treatment.

A Name Change, Not a Service Change

The centre has served people affected by problem gambling and digital dependency for more than 30 years.

It has helped more than 1,400 people through their recovery during that time, according to Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare.

The program recently completed its 300th bed-based treatment cycle.

That makes it the only provincially funded, gambling-specific residential treatment program in Ontario, the hospital said.

“Over the years, our specialized team has established a province-wide reputation for excellence in treating problem gambling,” said Bill Marra, president and CEO of Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare.

Marra said the new name accurately reflects the centre's role as a trusted provincial leader while strengthening clarity for patients, families and referring health-care partners.

Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare said the rebrand will not change patient care or access to services.

Existing referral processes for both outpatient and bed-based treatment remain unchanged, and health-care providers can keep using their current workflows.

The centre provides outpatient counselling and bed-based treatment for people from communities across Ontario.

It also supports family members of people struggling with problem gambling.

A Growing Gambling Province

The rebrand lands as scrutiny of gambling harm among younger Ontarians grows, with recent survey data pointing to a rise in youth sports betting since 2017.

Ontario's regulated market has expanded steadily since it launched in 2022, and operators competing for players through Ontario's online casino market are required to fund and signpost problem-gambling supports as a condition of their iGaming Ontario registration.

“While our name is evolving, our commitment remains the same: providing compassionate, expert, and accessible care to everyone who needs it,” Marra said.

The Ontario Centre for Problem Gambling continues to operate out of Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare's Windsor campus, with province-wide referrals.