Alberta ‘reallocates’ funding for problem gambling services
The Alberta government plans to stop funding a non-profit organization which offers support to those afflicted by problem gambling, saying the money is being ‘reallocated’ to frontline services.
The Problem Gambling Resources Network has received government funding since 1993, but its current three-year contract of nearly CA$130,000 (US$90,100)1 CAD = 0.6935 USD
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Jessica Conlin, a spokesperson for Recovery Alberta stated, “These funds are being reallocated to focus on front-line delivery of services to directly support Albertans in their pursuit of recovery. At any time, Albertans can call the Addiction and Mental Health Helpline to connect with trained professionals for access to services.”
Problem Gambling Resources Network is one of the only organizations currently focused on gambling addiction in Alberta. It provides support through a drop-in center and phone line.
The drop-in center is used as a meeting place for gamblers anonymous, and the network also helps people enroll in the province’s voluntary self-exclusion program, which bans them from casinos.
Ray Reshke, the executive director of the Problem Gambling Resources Network, responded to the funding cut, saying, “It was a real shock. We had our rug pulled out from under us a year early. We’re not counselors, but we do direct people to resources for help like gamblers anonymous or Alberta Health Services.”
