Alberta to Cut $1M+ in Gambling Addiction Resource Funding

At the end of January, Alberta’s government unveiled controversial plans to introduce private operators into the gambling market while reducing funding for non-profit organizations aimed at supporting gambling addiction services.

The historic decision to cut the three-decade agreement with the Problem Gambling Resources Network (PRGN), which has been providing education and resources for gambling addiction since 1993, caused waves of shock in the industry. 

More Than $1M to Be Axed in Total

Four other disability advocacy non-profits are set to lose government contracts. These decisions will eventually result in a collective funding cut of approximately $920,000. 

Considering PRGN will lose more than $130,000 in yearly support, with government funding completely coming to a halt at the end of the month, the five non-profit organizations in Alberta will be left without over $1,000,000.

Jessica Conlin, spokesperson for Recovery Alberta, explained the government’s decision, stating the funds will be “reallocated to focus on front-line delivery of services to support Albertans in their pursuit of recovery directly.”

Conlin went on to explain that “At any time, Albertans can call the Addiction and Mental Health Helpline to connect with trained professionals for access to services.”

Ushering In Private Operators

While the Alberta government is stepping back from funding gambling addiction support, it is pressing ahead with its plans to expand the province’s iGaming market, despite previous delays in October 2024.

Alberta plans to open the market to private operators rather than rely solely on Play Alberta, the government-run platform. 

The government’s goal is to cut the number of illegal gambling operators while boosting the province’s revenue with the help of a more competitive and better-regulated industry.

The groundwork for this shift was initiated in May 2024 with the passage of Bill 16, which defines the roles of Alberta’s Ministry of Service and the Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis (AGLC) in overseeing the industry.

The AGLC is the agency responsible for administering the Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Act, regulation, and related policy.

Dale Nally, Alberta’s Service Minister, acknowledged the risks of online gambling, a market he described as the “Wild West,” while emphasizing the need for regulation.

“Online gambling will never be a safe activity, but there are ways to make it safer.”, said Nally, adding they have “a fiduciary responsibility to put Albertans’ safety first, and we take that very seriously.”

Opposition NDP critic Janet Eremenko called the funding cuts to gambling support services irresponsible given the government’s $2 billion gambling revenue.

“They have a fundamental responsibility to step in and create a tangible way for people to point to a specific line item in the budget that says this is what they’re doing to address and prevent problematic gambling and gambling addiction when they’re making that kind of revenue from the gambling itself.”, Eremenko argued. 

She also raised concerns about Alberta’s plans to allow private operators in the “big tidal wave” represented by the fast-paced online gambling industry.