Alberta expands access to responsible gambling support

Tuesday, August 20, 2024 7:38 PM
Photo:  Courtesy Massachusetts Gaming Commission
  • Mark Keast, CDC Gaming

In a July interview, Dale Nally, Alberta’s Minister of Service and Red Tape Reduction, said responsible gambling is a big focus for the provincial government as it builds out its new igaming regulatory regime.

“As we are doing that engagement with many of the stakeholders, it continues to inform our decision as we move forward,” he told CDC Gaming. “So I can’t say conclusively that we’ve landed in one spot, but here’s what I can tell you. The most important pillar that we will have in the launch of our igaming strategy will be responsible gaming. We have a fiduciary responsibility to all Albertans to have a safe, responsible environment for them to gamble, and that is going to be the first and foremost priority of our government as we move forward.”

Alberta Gaming Liquor & Cannabis (AGLC) is getting ahead of all this, with the announcement yesterday that it has launched the GameSense Info Line, expanding the reach of the GameSense responsible-gambling program.

“AGLC places a tremendous amount of importance on responsible gambling,” said Kandice Machado, CEO, AGLC, in a statement. “This past year, GameSense has grown exponentially around the province, with the brand being added at the homes of the Oilers, Flames, Elks, Stampeders, and both Edmonton and Calgary CEBL teams. In adding the GameSense Info Line, AGLC is providing another way players can access tools, resources and support to help keep gambling fun and entertaining.”

The GameSense Info Line (1-833-447-7523) will operate on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursday–Saturday 1-8 p.m. Winner’s Edge members and PlayAlberta.ca accounts will be able to access the numbers directly from their respective websites.

GameSense Advisors are in casinos and racing entertainment centers across the province and provide information on how to play games, odds of winning, and tips on how to keep it all fun. Players are also provided with tools to help with budgeting. Advisors can offer specifics on AGLC’s Self-Exclusion Program.