Gambling was largely illegal in Canada until the early parts of the 20th century. Parimutuel wagering on horse racing was legalized in 1910, and quickly became popular throughout much of the country, including in Alberta. Today, three are three horse racing tracks of note in the province, including Northlands Park, which has been open since 1900 and now hosts a variety of racing seasons in different parts of the year. However, the long history of racing at Northlands is expected to end after 2016, potentially leaving the province without a top-level track.
The first big expansion of the provincial gaming industry began in the 1970s. The first charity casinos began to appear, limited in the fact that they were non-profit institutions. By 1980, the first permanent private charitable casino, Cash Casino, had opened in Calgary, and it was soon followed by a similar venue in Edmonton.
Around the same time, the use of lotteries to raise revenue also began to take hold. In 1979, the provincial authority over lotteries was established, and by 1982, the Lotto 6/49 game had launched, making it possible for Albertans to win large jackpots if they held a lucky ticket. Lotto 6/49, Lotto Max, and other games are still being held to this day under the purview of the Western Canada Lottery Corporation, which also operates the lotteries for Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Canada’s territories (Yukon, Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories).
One of the biggest changes to the province’s gaming industry came in 1992, when the VLT program was introduced. After a brief test of the machines was held at summer fairs in Edmonton and Calgary during 1991, widespread distribution of the games was allowed the next year. Today, there are 6,000 terminals in locations throughout the province, mainly in bars, restaurants, and racetracks. This number is capped by law, though the machines have been upgraded on multiple occasions to improve the selection available for players.
Over the years, the selection of charitable casinos in Alberta has also improved. While none of these venues are huge – it would be hard to classify them as Las Vegas-style resorts – there are about two dozen throughout the province, including several each in Calgary and Edmonton. In addition, you can find a number of similar casinos operated by First Nations tribal groups. Under Albertan law, these Canadian casinos must be opened on reserves, and operate under the same conditions as other charitable venues in the province, though with more flexibility in what their revenues may support. Examples of operations opened by First Nations charities include the River Cree Resort and Casino and the Stoney Nakoda Resort and Casino.
Today, gambling is a major part of Alberta’s economy, and contributes heavily to the governmental budget there. In recent years, the province has added more than $1.2 billion annually to its coffers from VLTs, even after accounting for all expenses (including programs meant to help those with addictions).