Lethbridge, Mar 26: A leading researcher on gambling will deliver a public lecture this week examining the rapid growth of the industry and its broader social impact, including who ultimately benefits and who bears the risks.
Robert Williams, a professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Lethbridge and a research coordinator with the Alberta Gambling Research Institute, is set to speak at the PUBlic Professor Series on Thursday.
Titled “Legalized Gambling in Canada: Winners and Losers,” the talk will provide a general overview of gambling, its appeal, and the factors that make it a highly profitable sector.
Williams said the session is aimed at a broad audience, including regular gamblers and those interested in understanding the industry’s dynamics.
He noted that while gambling has existed for centuries, its modern form has evolved into a large-scale, profit-driven global business. “What is new is the scale and structure of gambling today.
It is no longer just a social activity but a sophisticated industry,” he said.According to Williams, governments emerge as the primary beneficiaries of legalized gambling in Canada, receiving a significant share of revenues.
In provinces such as Alberta, he said, public funds generated from gambling are often channelled into services like healthcare and social welfare.
He added that private casino operators and multinational gaming companies also gain substantially, along with Indigenous communities in certain regions that either own casinos or receive a share of revenues.
Charitable organisations are another key beneficiary, particularly in Alberta, where non-profits can host casino events and receive a portion of the proceeds.
Such initiatives reportedly generated hundreds of millions of dollars for charities in the past year.
Williams also highlighted the growing role of online gambling, noting that while it currently represents a smaller share compared to traditional casino gaming in Canada, its expansion is accelerating rapidly.
The lecture will also explore the social costs associated with gambling, including its impact on vulnerable groups, and examine future trends as the industry continues to evolve.
The event is scheduled to be held on March 26 at the Sandman Signature Lethbridge Lodge from 7 pm to 9 pm.
