The University of Alberta’s Groundbreaking Course on Gambling and Gaming
As gambling evolves at a rapid pace in Canada, its implications for society and various industries can no longer be ignored. The University of Alberta is stepping up to address this growing concern by offering a pioneering micro-credential course focused on gambling and gaming. This initiative comes at a crucial time as the landscape of gambling in Canada undergoes unprecedented changes, elevating the need for education and awareness.
Understanding the Course
The new course, available through the University of Alberta’s continuing education office, is designed to provide essential knowledge for individuals engaged in various fields impacted by the gambling sector. From addiction treatment professionals to educators and policymakers, this course aims to empower participants with the tools and understanding necessary to navigate the complexities of gambling in modern society.
Historical Context: A Canadian First
Developed by political science professor Fiona Nicoll, this course is rooted in extensive research carried out under the auspices of the Alberta Gaming Research Institute. Nicoll’s work represents the first comprehensive study of gambling and problem gambling in Canada, making the course a significant landmark in Canadian academic offerings related to this topic.
The course integrates exclusive interviews and insights from the research, presenting them in a format that is both accessible and engaging. Nicoll emphasizes that this education is not just for academics; it’s intended for anyone who interacts with gambling in a professional capacity.
The Changing Face of Gambling
In recent years, the gambling industry has grown tremendously, catalyzed by events like the Edmonton Oilers’ playoff push, which saw record-high engagement on platforms like the Play Alberta app. The transition from traditional brick-and-mortar casinos to iGaming—allowing individuals to gamble online at any time—marks a significant shift.
According to Nicoll, this transformation in how gambling is accessed alters the landscape, making individual responsibility more critical than ever. With greater accessibility comes increased risk, necessitating informed decision-making among users and stakeholders.
Key Highlights from Professor Fiona Nicoll
In an interview with Postmedia, Professor Nicoll discussed the motivation behind the course and its relevance in today’s environment. Some key points from their conversation include:
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Why the Course Was Created:
Nicoll aims to prepare professionals across various sectors—like health care, education, and journalism—to understand and engage with the emerging realities of gambling in Alberta. Given the rise in engagement in gambling activities, this course seeks to arm participants with the knowledge to respond effectively to the new challenges presented. -
Immediate Need for Education:
“I saw the need to bring this to as many people as possible because the transformations that are coming are unprecedented in Canada,” Nicoll stated. With the drastic shift in gambling modalities, there are growing concerns about how to regulate this industry and the responsibilities that now rest on the shoulders of individual players. -
Focus on Accessibility:
One of the profound challenges in disseminating knowledge about gambling is that much academic research can be inaccessible. By structuring this information into a comprehensive course, the University of Alberta aims to bridge the gap between complex academic research and real-world implications that affect communities. - The Complexity of iGaming:
Nicoll described iGaming as a uniquely challenging subject to study due to its intersection with video gaming and the rise of cryptocurrency-related speculation. This multifaceted nature complicates traditional regulatory approaches to gambling, requiring new frameworks for understanding and engagement.
Course Details and Registration
The four-day intensive course is available both in-person and online from November 12 to 15, 2024, for a tuition fee of $1,000. This fee includes networking lunches on all four days. Upon completion, participants will receive a credential that will enhance their resumes and professional stature.
Participants interested in taking the course can find more information and register through the University of Alberta’s continuing education office.
Conclusion
The University of Alberta’s new course on gambling and gaming emerges as a critical educational resource, designed to address the complexities of an evolving industry that touches the lives of many Canadians. As gambling and gaming become ever more integral to the social and economic fabric of the nation, equipping professionals with knowledge and resources is more important than ever. Through courses like this, the University of Alberta is leading the charge in responsible gambling education and awareness.
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