A longstanding gambling support organization in Alberta is facing imminent closure after the provincial government terminated its funding agreement, a decision that coincides with discussions about expanding private online gambling operations in the province.
The Problem Gambling Resources Network, a non-profit based in Edmonton, has relied on government funding agreements since 1993. However, according to executive director Ray Reshke, the organization was informed earlier this month that its three-year contract would end a year early, cutting nearly $130,000 in annual funding.
“It was a real shock,” Reshke said, describing the decision as an unexpected setback. “We had our rug pulled out from under us a year early.”
Key Resource for Problem Gambling Faces Shutdown
As one of the few groups in Alberta dedicated to gambling addiction support, the Problem Gambling Resources Network has provided assistance through its drop-in center and phone line. While the organization does not provide counseling services, it connects individuals with Gamblers Anonymous meetings and Alberta Health Services programs.
Additionally, the network helps individuals register for the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis voluntary self-exclusion program, which prevents access to casinos for those struggling with gambling addiction.
However, one of its most impactful programs has been its gambling education initiative, which relies on volunteers who have personally experienced gambling addiction to deliver presentations in schools and workplaces.
“We’ve probably done around 10,000 gambling education presentations over the time that we’ve been in business, and we’ve reached probably 250,000 people,” Reshke said.
Despite this outreach, the government determined that the organization does not provide direct services, leading to the funding cut. The same reasoning was applied to four disability advocacy organizations, whose funding was also terminated, totaling at least $920,000 in withdrawn support.
Criticism Over Government’s Justification for the Cuts
The government’s rationale for reallocating funding has drawn criticism from those involved in gambling education efforts.
Volunteer Andree Busenius, who has led school presentations, argues that the need for educational outreach has never been higher.
“One of the things I often hear back from students is that they can list off 10 or 15 online gambling sites,” she said. “But if I ask them [to name]
three places to get support for addiction in Alberta, they struggle.”
Busenius’ presentations aim to raise awareness of gambling-related risks, including gambling elements found in video game mystery boxes. She emphasized that the positive feedback from teachers and parents demonstrates the importance of these programs.
“My true hope for anyone that hears our presentation, whether it’s me or Ray, is do not ride the dump truck all the way to the dumpster like I did,” she said.
Government Defends Decision Amid Focus on Online Gambling Market
Questions directed at Mental Health and Addictions Minister Dan Williams were redirected to Recovery Alberta, a newly formed public health agency.
Recovery Alberta spokesperson Jessica Conlin defended the decision, explaining that the funding would be redirected to front-line addiction services.
“These funds are being reallocated to focus on front-line delivery of services to directly support Albertans in their pursuit of recovery,” Conlin stated. She added that residents can access trained professionals at any time through Alberta’s Addiction and Mental Health Helpline.
When asked whether other addiction-related organizations were also experiencing funding cuts, Conlin did not provide an answer.
The Opposition NDP’s mental health and addictions critic, Janet Eremenko, expressed strong disapproval of the decision, calling it irresponsible, particularly since Alberta generates over $2 billion annually in 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 said.
Her concerns are heightened by Alberta’s interest in legalizing private online gambling, following Ontario’s model.
“Online gambling is a big tidal wave on the horizon, and these kinds of cuts are going to mean that the consequences of that are going to be bigger than ever,” she warned.
Potential Changes to Alberta’s Online Gambling Landscape
Currently, the province only licenses one online gambling platform, Play Alberta, which is government-run. However, offshore operators, such as Bet365, are still accessible to Albertans.
Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally, who oversees gambling regulation, described the current market as the “Wild West” and said Alberta is considering Ontario’s regulated model to bring private operators into a legal framework.
“Online gambling will never be a safe activity, but there are ways to make it safer,” Nally stated. “We have a fiduciary responsibility to put Albertans’ safety first, and we take that very seriously.”
As Alberta debates expanding online gambling, the closure of the Problem Gambling Resources Network raises concerns over the province’s approach to responsible gaming and addiction support.
With 95% of the organization’s funding coming from the government, Reshke said there is little chance of keeping it operational.
“We do some fundraising, [but]
we have a hard time with that,” he admitted. “People don’t like to provide money to gamblers.”
Source:
Alberta Cuts Funding to Gambling Support Group, Eyes Private Online Betting, cbc.ca, January 31, 2024.
