Alberta Government Seeks Proposals for New Gambling Addiction Services as Part of iGaming Launch

Alberta’s government is seeking proposals for new gambling addiction services and supports as part of its recently launched iGaming market. The province published a request for expressions of interest this week, looking to fund organizations that can provide enhanced treatment and support options for individuals and families struggling with problem gambling.

The new push comes just weeks after Alberta officially opened its regulated online gaming market on July 13, ending the monopoly that government-run Play Alberta had held since 2020 and allowing private sportsbook and casino operators to compete for Alberta bettors for the first time.

How the New Programs Will Be Funded

The Ministry of Mental Health and Addiction said the programs being solicited will supplement what’s already available through Recovery Alberta, including a 21-day bed-based treatment program and existing gambling hotlines. Funding will come directly from the revenue Alberta collects through its regulated iGaming system.

Under Alberta’s revenue-sharing structure, the province retains 20% of net iGaming revenue for its General Revenue Fund, while an additional 3% of gross gaming revenue is carved out before operators see their share — 2% earmarked for First Nations initiatives and 1% specifically dedicated to social responsibility programs like gambling research, prevention, education, and treatment. That 1% social responsibility allocation is the funding stream behind this new request for proposals.

What the Province Is Looking For

Organizations interested in providing services have until September 10 to apply. The ministry is specifically seeking groups capable of delivering enhanced supports to individuals and families affected by problem gambling, beyond the baseline hotline and treatment infrastructure the province already funds. In the meantime, Albertans looking for help can contact 211 Alberta for immediate assistance.

The timing reflects a broader pattern seen in other newly regulated Canadian iGaming markets, where governments have paired the opening of competitive online betting with dedicated funding streams for responsible gambling infrastructure. Alberta became just the second Canadian province, after Ontario, to open its market to private operators, and regulators have positioned player protections and self-exclusion tools as central to the rollout rather than an afterthought.

Alberta’s approach also ties directly into the province’s stated goal of drawing bettors away from unregulated offshore sites. Officials have argued that a regulated market gives players access to enforceable advertising standards and consumer protections that offshore operators don’t offer, while also keeping gambling revenue — and now, a dedicated share of addiction-services funding — inside the province rather than flowing out of it entirely.

What Comes Next

With the application window open through mid-September, the province is expected to announce funded organizations and specific program details in the months following. As more of Alberta’s iGaming revenue comes online with additional operators completing their licensing, the pool of money earmarked for social responsibility initiatives is likely to grow alongside it, giving the province more flexibility to expand treatment options beyond what Recovery Alberta currently provides.