The University of Alberta has introduced an exciting new microcredential course aimed at providing a comprehensive understanding of the rapidly changing gambling and iGaming landscape. The course, developed by Dr. Fiona Nicoll, is designed to address the needs of professionals across several fields—from regulators and addiction counselors to educators and journalists—by providing critical insights into the intersection of gambling, gaming, and modern technology.

This four-day intensive course will be offered from November 12-15, 2024, both in-person at the U of A campus and online, making it accessible to a wider range of participants across Alberta and beyond. The course stems from years of research conducted by Nicoll and the Alberta Gaming Research Institute (AGRI) and offers timely insights into the evolution of gambling, including sports betting, iGaming, and the use of cryptocurrency in gambling.

Exploring the Digital Shift in Gambling

The gambling landscape in Alberta has undergone a major shift in recent years. Traditional brick-and-mortar casinos are no longer the sole venues for gambling, as iGaming platforms now allow users to gamble from the comfort of their own homes. Major sporting events, such as the Edmonton Oilers’ playoff run, have contributed to record usage of the Play Alberta app, an online gambling platform that has made gambling more accessible than ever.

However, with this increase in digital gambling come new challenges. The U of A course tackles issues like addiction, player responsibility, and regulatory oversight in the iGaming era. According to Dr. Nicoll, iGaming shifts the burden of tracking gambling behaviors from regulated casinos to individual players, who must now manage their consumption across multiple platforms. This dynamic creates risks for problem gambling, which the course aims to address by educating participants on the latest tools and strategies to mitigate these risks.

A Unique Learning Experience for Diverse Fields

The course is specifically designed to cater to a broad audience. Professionals in fields such as regulation, addiction treatment, K-12 education, and journalism will find the course particularly valuable. Through lectures, quizzes, and interactive activities, participants will explore topics like the role of loot boxes in video games, the rise of esports in schools, and how online sports betting is attracting younger, more diverse gamblers.

Attendees will also delve into broader societal issues, such as the stigmas surrounding gambling addiction and how these impact access to treatment. The course will provide actionable insights into how different sectors can respond to the challenges posed by modern gambling, and each graduate will receive a microcredential to add to their CV or academic transcripts.

Addressing iGaming Regulation and Social Responsibility

One of the core topics in the course is how gambling regulation has shifted in the iGaming space. Unlike alcohol or tobacco, where government regulation plays a dominant role, much of the regulatory responsibility for online gambling has been transferred to gaming companies themselves. This raises concerns about how well these companies are incentivized to promote responsible gambling.

The course also explores the concept of “Positive Play,” which shifts the focus from merely responsible gambling to creating a more enjoyable and sustainable gambling environment. Participants will engage with questions about corporate social responsibility and how positive engagement strategies can be developed to promote healthier gambling behaviors.

What to Expect from the Course

Running from November 12-15, 2024, the four-day intensive course will feature exclusive interviews with experts in the gambling industry from across Canada and worldwide. Participants will be guided through lectures, quizzes, and discussions, focusing on topics like cryptocurrency in gambling, illegal grey-market sites, and the challenges of educating older adults about safer gambling practices.

Nicoll emphasized the importance of this course, stating, “People need this information now, more than ever, as the gambling industry evolves at an unprecedented pace.” The course aims to provide a 360-degree understanding of the industry’s risks and opportunities while offering participants practical tools to address these challenges in their respective fields

Source:

University of Alberta Gambling and Gaming Microcredential, ualberta.ca, October 2024.

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