Alberta Gaming Liquor and Cannabis wants to see a change in the way gambling happens within the borders of the province. Slot machines might become a gambling offering available around the clock, according to the new regulation. Experts in problem gambling were quick to share their concerns of increased problem gambling rates down the road if casino venues implement this change.
At the moment players have the chance to experience poker activities 24 hours per day, but this gambling opportunity might soon be enhanced with yet another equally as appealing one. Alberta Gaming Liquor and Cannabis wants to see slot machines become working around the clock as well, potentially increasing the gambling revenue of casinos down the road. At the moment, this type of gaming is available between 10 a.m. and 3 a.m.
Problem Gambling Concerns
Gambling enthusiasts across Alberta might be in for a treat, as slot devices in casinos could soon work 24 hours per day. However, the extended working hours of these machines might pose a threat to players’ mental health, as experts have warned. Extended hours of exposure to the triggering slot machines might increase problem-gambling rates in the province.
Every casino location would have the chance to decide whether or not it wants extended hours of slot machine gambling on its premises. This could lead to increased gaming revenue and larger allocations to the host community and the province. It could also harm the community with more money poured into the casino venues and a worsened relationship with gambling in general. There are 28 casino locations in operation in Alberta.
Of them, 11 offer poker gaming with the extended hours around the clock. Projections are that those locations might be excited to bring 24-hour slot gaming and make their offerings even more attractive to players. Such a move would position the province well in the overall Canadian gaming market, as neighboring provinces already have 24-hour slot gaming.
GameSense Available in Alberta
It could be recalled that the year 2018 saw the popularity of slot gaming increase. Casino slot machines were able to draw CA$1,126,508,000, the largest portion of the overall gaming revenue. Video lottery terminals bagging CA$598,074,000 followed them closely. Electronic bingo managed to rake in the smallest revenue over this period reaching only CA$11,482,000. Last year showed that slot machines, VLTs, and electronic bingo amassed CA$1,736 billion combined.
This marked a slight slump and local officials are willing to work on the improvement of the offerings. All money goes to the general revenue of the province since the Alberta Lottery Fund is no longer existent. Problem gambling is a concerning topic, as slot machines and Video Lottery Terminals are among the most addictive gaming devices out there. In this sense, allowing access around the clock might worsen the relationship some players have with them.
British Columbia Lottery Corporation’s GameSense program is distributed across the province of Alberta and players could experience an honest conversation with an expert. The program aims to normalize the conversation on problem gambling and teach players the basics of healthy gambling. They also have the chance to learn more about the odds of given gaming activity and understand better its core features.
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