Alberta Gaming Revenue Generated By Problem Gamblers

At a time when governments all across the world are attempting to slow the rising gambling addiction problems in their jurisdiction, a new study claims that in Alberta, Canada, has half of their gambling revenue generated from gambling addicts.

“No matter how you cut it, 50%, when only two to three percent of the population is problem gamblers and their accounting for half of all your revenue, that’s ethically problematic,” said University of Lethbridge Researcher Dr. Robert Williams.

The study conducted by the university shows that more than four percent of Alberta’s revenue comes from gambling. That is a figure that is higher than any other territory in Canada. Gambling has become commonplace in the province.

“It is clear that there is a disturbing trend in Alberta,” said Analyst Deion Grant. “It is not, however, much different than in other areas of the world. Gambling is becoming one of the most popular hobbies in the world, and that is not changing anytime soon.”

In Alberta, the government appears to be shaken enough to consider possible changes. The Gaming and Liquor Commission is in the process of reviewing the university study. Whether changes will be made to province gaming policies is unknown, but it is clear the problem gambling has the attention of lawmakers.

“The Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission is going to be reviewing that study as well as the many studies they receive,” said Finance Minister Doug Horner. “Obviously it’s a concern for us as it is for Albertans.”

Those upset with the rising gambling addiction problems are using the study as a rallying cry for reform within the gaming industry.

“Something needs to be done, we cannot continue to allow problem gamblers to pay the bills of the government,” said Marcia Burke.

Others, however, were not so quick to dismiss the importance that lawmakers place on balancing their budget.

“The first thing any government needs to accept is that if a quarter to half of your revenue comes from the problem gamblers, that you’re going to take a revenue hit if you’re going to do anything to effectively reduce the prevalence of problem gambling,” said Williams. “In lean economic times, that’s a hard sell to governments.”