Alberta’s government announced plans to bring private operators to the gambling market while cutting funds for non-profit organizations that provide gambling addiction resources.
Alberta has been making moves to introduce online gambling to the province for some time and has made significant strides in 2024.
Over $1 million of funding is planned to be axed, affecting gambling resource networks and disability advocacy organizations.
Problem Gambling Resources Network (PRGN) is set to lose over $130,000 in annual support. It will part with up to 95% of its funding, which was previously provided by a government contract dating back to 1993.
Ray Reshke, executive director at PRGN, stated that the loss of funding might result in the non-profit organization’s closure.
He said: “It was a real shock, we had our rug pulled out from under us a year early.
“We’re not counselors, but we do direct people to resources for help like Gamblers Anonymous or Alberta Health Services.
“We’ve probably done around 10,000 gambling education presentations over the time we’ve been in business, and we’ve reached probably 250,000 people.”
Four other disability advocacy non-profit organizations also stand to lose government contracts, totaling around $920,000 in funding loss.
Jessica Conlin, spokesperson for Recovery Alberta, said: “These funds are being reallocated to focus on front-line delivery of services to support Albertans in their pursuit of recovery directly.
“At any time, Albertans can call the Addiction and Mental Health Helpline to connect with trained professionals for access to services.”
While the Alberta government is stepping away from gambling addiction services, it is moving forward with plans to further develop its iGaming market scene after its October 2024 delay.
The new proposed system will forgo its reliance on a single government-operated body, Play Alberta, and instead open the market to multiple private companies.
It hopes introducing private operations will combat illegal gambling sites and generate more revenue for the Canadian province.
Alberta started paving the way for iGaming in May 2024 when the government passed Bill 16. It lays out the responsibilities of both Alberta’s Ministry of Service and the AGLC.
Dale Nally, service Alberta minister, said: “Online gambling will never be a safe activity, but there are ways to make it safer.
“We have a fiduciary responsibility to put Albertans’ safety first, and we take that very seriously.”
Dale Nally spoke at the Canadian Gaming Summit to discuss the future of iGaming in Alberta.
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