Alberta’s government has stopped funding a non-profit organization that provides education and other support for problem gamblers as the province prepares to expand its online gambling market.

The government has provided the Problem Gambling Resources Network with $129,700 in annual funding on an annual basis via a deal that has been in place in some form for more than 30 years.

However, earlier this month, the network’s Executive Director Ray Reshke told the Canadian Press was told the government was ending its three-year contract, meaning that the Edmonton-based organization “had our rug pulled out from under us a year early.” Reshke said the money represents 95% of the network’s annual budget but will now run out at the end of February, and he fears the organization will have to shut down as a result.

The network does not offer direct counselling but does offer a drop-in centre and an education program which Reshke estimates has held “around 10,000 gambling education presentations” and “reached probably 250,000 people. It also directs Albertans to resources for help like anonymous phone lines and Alberta Health Services and helps people enrol in Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC)’s voluntary gambling self-exclusion program.

Public health agency points to other gambling supports

Canadian Gaming Business reached out to Recovery Alberta, one of the four new public health agencies created to replace Alberta Health Services, for comment on the report and clarification on what constitutes a direct service, as well as how the agency will ensure it continues to support problem gamblers in the province.

The agency’s communications lead, Jessica Conlin, told CGB by email that the funds “are being reallocated to focus on frontline delivery of services to directly support Albertans in their pursuit of recovery.”

“Prevention services continue to be available with an ongoing investment from Alberta’s government of $2.5 million per year,” Conlin added. “Recovery Alberta is ensuring those dealing with any form of addiction has access to care. At any time, Albertans can call the Addiction and Mental Health Helpline to connect with trained professionals for access to services.

“We also continue to operate the Residential Gambling Treatment Program in the Northern Addictions Centre and support several addiction recovery centres who offer treatment programs for gambling addiction.”

Alberta gears up to launch commercial iGaming market

The reallocation of funding for the Problem Gambling Resources Network comes as the province is gearing up to greatly increase the number of online gambling options available to its residents.

Although Minister Dale Nally’s office pumped the brakes last fall on its plans to open a commercial regulated online gambling market, all signs suggest the plan is still to welcome online casinos and sportsbooks this year. Nally himself mentioned fall 2025 as a revised target timeline. The minister has also reiterated that the province will pursue an open-market model similar to Ontario’s.

Nally said at the Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas in October that he was “pleasantly surprised” by industry stakeholders’ commitment to responsible gaming, noting that “I didn’t expect that message to be as loud as it was.”

“I love it because that makes my job easier as I go back to Alberta and speak to my colleagues and tell them about your commitment to responsible behaviour,” he added to the audience. Part of his staff’s role will be to ensure Alberta’s market offers robust player protection and support whenever it does open.

In the meantime, the government-owned Play Alberta is currently the only licensed online gambling site in the province, while some commercial operators continue to take Albertans money in the background. Alberta Gaming, Lottery and Cannabis (AGLC) launched the first-ever Play Alberta app in October, making it easier than ever for bettors to wager at the touch of a button.