Alberta is seeking organizations that can provide additional help for people affected by gambling addiction as the province expands its newly regulated online gaming market. The government has opened a request for expressions of interest for services that would supplement treatment already available through Recovery Alberta and existing hotlines.
The proposed programs will receive funding from revenue generated by Alberta’s regulated iGaming system, which launched last month. Under the new framework, the province takes 20% of revenue generated by each private operator, with one per cent designated for social responsibility initiatives.
Those funds can support measures such as gambling addiction services and educational campaigns. The government has not yet determined how many organizations will receive funding through the current application process.
New Services Planned Alongside Existing Treatment
The government wants successful applicants to provide enhanced assistance to people and families dealing with problem gambling. The new services would operate alongside existing resources, including Recovery Alberta’s 21-day bed-based treatment program and established hotlines.
The Mental Health and Addiction Ministry said the expansion responds to challenges created by the growth of online gambling. Its application notice states that gambling-related harms can reach beyond the individual’s finances and may affect several areas of daily life.
“Gambling-related harms can affect mental health, physical health, relationships, financial stability, employment, housing and overall wellbeing,” it says.
The ministry also emphasized the availability of support while the application process continues. “Nobody should have to struggle with addiction alone, including gambling-related addiction,” the ministry said.
Organizations interested in providing the additional services have until Sept. 10 to submit applications. The government will determine which proposals receive approval after reviewing the submissions. The request does not specify how many successful applicants Alberta expects to select.
iGaming Growth Brings New Concerns
Alberta’s regulated online market launched with almost two dozen private sportsbook and casino operators ready to accept wagers. Five additional operators have entered the market during the weeks since launch.
Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally has said the regulated framework aims to protect Albertans from black-market gambling operators. He has also acknowledged that increased access to online gambling could contribute to higher levels of gambling addiction.
The government’s application notice connects the expansion of online gambling with additional demands on efforts to prevent and address problem gambling. The proposed funding therefore forms part of the wider social responsibility measures attached to the province’s regulated market.
The one per cent allocation from private operator revenue gives the government a dedicated source of funding for these initiatives as the market develops. The new services are intended to strengthen the assistance available to individuals and families who need additional support.
For people seeking assistance while new services are being developed, the Mental Health and Addiction Ministry said 211 Alberta remains available as a point of contact.
The launch of regulated iGaming has therefore created a parallel effort to expand support for people who experience gambling-related harm. The latest call for applications will determine which organizations help provide that additional assistance.
Source:
“Alberta seeks proposals for gambling addiction services as part of iGaming launch”, thecanadianpressnews.ca, August 11, 2026
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