Province Fronts Treatment Funding Ahead of iGaming Revenue Flow Under New Regulated Framework
The Alberta government has announced $2.4 million in funding for the Brick House Recovery Centre to expand treatment and recovery programmes for problem gamblers. The grant coincides with the rollout of the province’s regulated iGaming market, which launched in mid-July 2026 under an agreement allocating 1% of operator profits toward addiction treatment.
Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Minister Dale Nally explained that the grant serves as an advance against future repayments from gaming companies operating in the province, ensuring that treatment services can begin immediately without waiting for the 1% levy to accumulate. Brick House Recovery Centre currently operates physical branches in Edmonton and Calgary alongside virtual assistance services across the province.
Anticipated Revenues and Black Market Regulation
Alberta expects to generate $76 million in iGaming revenue this year, accounting for 20% of all revenue produced by legally regulated sites in the province. While the Alberta iGaming Corporation has listed 31 sites as legally open for business, operator payments have not yet begun flowing, prompting the province to front the treatment costs. Nally noted that Alberta joined Ontario as one of only two Canadian jurisdictions to legalise iGaming to capture millions of dollars previously spent annually on unregulated offshore sites. Licensed operator Betway previously reported an 8% increase in Alberta revenue over the past year.
Addressing the allocation model, Nally stated that the 1% funding rate remains under review. The province is prepared to raise the percentage if treatment funding needs increase, especially as land-based casino and iGaming revenues grow. Dr. Lovneet Hayer, co-founder of Brick House Recovery Centre, expressed gratitude in an official press release, emphasizing the centre’s dedication to providing quality, recovery-oriented care for affected individuals and their families.
