Police in Ontario are investigating high school students being threatened over unpaid online betting debts. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

The legal gambling market wave may have crested, but after student athletes, major league stars, and now Ontario high school students get caught on the wrong side of legal, effective forewarning education seems stuck in the backwaters.

On Sunday, Muskoka 411 revealed an Orillia, Ontario major crime unit (MCU) is investigating an iGaming operation that is using threats to get student customers to pay off their debts.  

Reports of the threats started coming into Orillia MCU last month, prompting the unit to open an investigation. Testimonies ascertained the operation under the website name of Topbets invited students to sign up online. Once registered, the individuals could then bet on sport or casino games.

Investigators state there may be more victims

Police became involved after students reported receiving threats they must pay off outstanding debts. Orillia MCU Investigators state there may be more victims “and are seeking to speak to anyone who can assist in the investigation.”

According to local news reports, the website is pressuring students “within the Orillia secondary schools.”

Following major betting scandals worldwide highlighted by Jontay Porter’s ban from the NBA, the 2023 student athlete betting storm, and now the fact that students are racking up gambling debts with firms who can resort to intimidation, it appears the North American gambling market is still some ways from calm water.