Gambling in Alberta.
A provincial case study: a $3.4-billion industry, the launch of Play Alberta, and a province where three-quarters of residents say they gamble every year.
Alberta has a gambling problem.
In the words of one provincial official as Play Alberta was being launched: “Just imagine the excitement of the Labour Day Classic or Battle of Alberta and walking over to a licensed sports betting area to bet on who makes the next touchdown or goal!”
The local industry is worth $3.4 billion annually and employs an estimated 13,000 people. Three-quarters of Albertans say they gamble every year, 40 per cent through multiple methods ā e.g., playing the 6/49, visiting a casino and betting on hockey. That is probably an underestimate.
The full article, “Who wants Albertans to gamble more?”, is available at Alberta Views.
For the campaign's response to Alberta's 2026 iGaming expansion, read our letter to Minister Dale Nally.