Alberta seeks addiction service proposals for iGaming launch

The Alberta government is seeking proposals for new gambling addiction services and supports following the launch of its regulated online gaming market. The province issued a request for expressions of interest to fund programs that would supplement existing services provided by Recovery Alberta, including potential 21-day bed-based treatment programs and enhanced hotlines.

Funding for these initiatives will be sourced from revenue generated by the province’s regulated iGaming system, which officially launched last month. Under the new system, the government takes a 20 per cent revenue cut from private operators, with one per cent specifically earmarked for “social responsibility initiatives,” such as addiction services and educational campaigns.

Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally stated that the regulated system aims to protect residents from black market operators, though he acknowledged the potential for an increase in gambling addiction. The Mental Health and Addiction Ministry noted that the growth of online gambling presents new challenges in preventing problem gambling behavior and addressing its impacts on mental health, financial stability, and overall wellbeing.