Alberta invests $2.4 million from iGaming revenue into gambling recovery services
The funding will support a new outpatient program at Brick House Recovery Centre in Edmonton and Calgary.
EDMONTON — The Alberta government has announced a $2.4 million investment in the Brick House Recovery Centre to expand gambling treatment and recovery services for Albertans experiencing gambling-related harm.
The funding comes from the province's new iGaming regulatory regime, where 1% of gross gaming revenue is directed to fund social responsibility programs, including education, research and treatment.
"Gambling can ruin people’s lives and livelihoods," said Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction.
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"If you don’t gamble today, you absolutely should not start tomorrow. For Albertans who choose to gamble and are struggling, we have your back, and we’re making sure real help is there when you need it."
Brick House said in a statement the money will fund a publicly funded, flexible, person-centred outpatient program, which includes four weeks of treatment followed by up to eight weeks of individualized aftercare.
The program will provide treatment in Edmonton and Calgary, with virtual services available province-wide.
"Gambling can have devastating consequences for individuals and families, harming mental health, eroding relationships and losing financial security," said Rick Wilson, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction.
"We are ensuring Albertans have access to recovery-focused supports that help people restore stability, build resilience and achieve long-term recovery."
The Alberta government conducted an open competition earlier this year for organizations that provide coordinated outpatient and online gambling treatment and recovery services to be eligible for funding.
Brick House Recovery Centre is the first organization to receive funding through this competition.
Additional recipients will be selected late this fall.
Earlier this summer, Nally said: "Albertans were already gambling. What we’re putting in place is a regulated market that will put player safety and player responsibility first. It’s also going to ensure that not only do all Albertans who are struggling with problematic gambling behaviours have access to treatment, but the operator will pay for it. That’s the right thing to do."
Alberta's iGaming market went live on July 13.
Currently, 33 licensed sites accept wagers, according to the Alberta iGaming Corporation.