Gambling in Alberta
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, e.g., playing the 6/49, visiting a casino and betting on hockey. That is probably an underestimate.