A scan of gambling treatment services across provinces in Canada

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Author(s): Allami, Youssef ; Williams, Robert J. ; Stevens, Rhys M. G. ; Shaw, Carrie A. ; Nicoll, Fiona ; Christensen, Darren R. ; McGrath, Daniel S. ; Kim, Hyoun S. ; Hodgins, David C.

Journal: The Canadian Journal of Addiction

Year Published: 2026

Date Added: September 08, 2026

In Canada, each province manages its own mental health and addiction services. Support services for people experiencing harms from gambling vary across provinces. In this study, the researchers conducted an environmental scan of gambling-specific support programs in Canada. The researchers also surveyed eight program managers to learn more about their programs and the challenges they face. There are significant differences in specialized support for gambling across provinces. While some provinces have high levels of support, others offer general addiction services with limited gambling-specific support.

Citation: Allami, Y., Williams, R. J., Stevens, R., Shaw, C. A., Nicoll, F., Christensen, D. R., McGrath, D. S., Kim, H. S., & Hodgins, D. C. (2026). Gambling treatment services across Canada: A preliminary scan of provincial models and a call to action. Canadian Journal of Addiction, 17(1), 30–33. https://doi.org/10.1097/CXA.0000000000000263

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/CXA.0000000000000263

Keywords: counselling ; gambling ; problem gambling ; treatment

Topics: Family and Friends ; Information for Treatment Providers

Conceptual Framework Factors: Gambling Resources ; Resources - Interventions

Study Design: Mixed Methods

Geographic Coverage: Canada

Study Population: An environmental scan of gambling support programs across Canada, and a survey with eight program managers.

Sampling Procedure: The researchers used Google, public health websites, directories of addiction services, and gambling helplines to gather publicly available information about gambling support services that exist in each province. The environmental scan was conducted in August 2022. Managers of programs included in the scan were then contacted and invited to participate in a brief survey.

Study Funding:

This study is part of the Alberta Gambling Research Institute (AGRI) National Project (ANP) funded by the Canadian Consortium for Gambling Research, the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction, Greo Evidence Insights, and AGRI.