The socio-economic impact of gambling in Alberta

Overview

Abstract (English)

This report describes the results of a two and a half year research project focused on analyzing the socioeconomic impact of gambling in Alberta (SEIGA). This report reflects only research performed by a team of researchers at the University of Alberta. A companion report was produced by another research team at the University of Lethbridge. These two reports are intended to be coordinated, in that each contains complementary information about the socioeconomic impact of gambling; a complete picture of the socioeconomic impact of gambling will only emerge from both. Socioeconomic impact of gambling (SEIG) studies identify relevant areas where gambling affects society, define appropriate indicators that reflect the impact of gambling, estimate values for these indicators through quantitative or qualitative methods, summarize the nature of the impact based on estimates of the indicators, and discuss the implications for society. Generally accepted methods for conducting SEIG studies are still emerging; this study builds on a recent, widely accepted SEIG framework developed by Anielski and Braaten (2008). We extend and adapt this framework to take into account specific features of the gambling industry in Alberta. We assess the socioeconomic impact of gambling in six impact domains: the economic and financial domain, the tourism and recreation domain, the employment domain, the health and well-being domain, the legal and justice domain, and the community domain. In addition, we assess the socioeconomic impact of gambling by type of gambling activity and by geographic area in the province. Table 2.1 on page 40 contains a concise summary of the impact domains and indicators used in this research. SEIG studies have well-known limitations. Some are avoidable, while others are not. We carefully and thoroughly accounted for all known avoidable problems with SEIG studies while performing this research. Unfortunately, space and time limitations prevent a comprehensive analysis of a subject as complex and pervasive as gambling, and some impacts of gambling defy even the most determined attempts at assessment. Despite these limitations, we firmly believe that the two reports identify and assesses the most important socioeconomic impact. The two reports constitute a complete analysis of the socioeconomic impact of gambling, but not an accounting of the costs and benefits of gambling in Alberta. Identifying and assessing the key socioeconomic impacts lies within the scope of SEIG studies. Adding up the value of the costs and benefits in order to assess the net impact of gambling on society lies outside SEIG studies, because no objective weighting system for costs and benefits exist and no two individuals would agree on a common weighting scheme.

Abstract (French)

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