Exploring the University of Alberta’s New Micro-Credential Course on Gambling and Gaming

The landscape of gambling and gaming in Canada is undergoing monumental changes, propelled by the rapid growth of digital platforms and evolving regulations. In a timely response to this transformation, the University of Alberta (U of A) has unveiled a new micro-credential course aimed at equipping professionals with essential knowledge in this burgeoning field. With gambling increasingly integrated into daily life through online platforms, the need for well-informed professionals has never been greater.

The Course: A Response to Emerging Challenges

The micro-credential course, created by U of A political-science professor Fiona Nicoll, is rooted in extensive research conducted in collaboration with the Alberta Gaming Research Institute. It represents the first comprehensive study of its kind in Canada, providing critical insights into the gambling landscape.

The course will be conducted over four days, from November 12 to 15, in an interactive format that caters to both in-person and online learners. Participants will receive a credential that can be highlighted on their resumes, thereby enhancing their professional profiles in a rapidly expanding market.

Why Now?

The timing of this course is crucial. Professor Nicoll emphasizes that the transition from traditional brick-and-mortar casinos to online gambling—commonly referred to as iGaming—has reshaped the gambling environment drastically. In this new paradigm, individuals are tasked with self-regulating their gambling habits, which adds complexity to the issue. The shift has intensified the responsibilities placed on both the players and the professionals who support them, particularly in fields such as addiction treatment, regulation, and education.

"As the environment is changing so rapidly, we saw the need to provide a comprehensive resource and education to those who will be directly interacting with these issues," said Nicoll. "People need this information now more than ever."

Course Structure: A Comprehensive Look at Gambling and Gaming

The curriculum of the micro-credential course draws on insights from exclusive interviews and research findings from Canada’s first national project dedicated to gambling and problem gambling. This knowledge will be presented in an accessible format, making complex academic information comprehensible for various audiences, including practitioners, researchers, and policymakers.

Topics Covered

Participants can expect to engage with a wide array of topics, including:

• The principles of responsible gambling
• The psychological and sociological impacts of gambling
• The interplay between video gaming, cryptocurrency, and traditional gambling
• Public health considerations related to gambling use and abuse
• Practical approaches for professionals in treatment, regulation, and education

The Role of iGaming

One of the most significant shifts highlighted in the course is the rise of iGaming, which allows gamblers to participate in games from virtually anywhere, provided they have internet access. This ease of accessibility raises more questions than answers when it comes to regulation and responsible gambling practices. Unlike traditional gambling venues, where regulations are straightforward, iGaming blurs the lines, shifting some responsibilities toward players themselves.

The Challenge of Study

Understanding iGaming’s complexities is no small feat. As Nicoll points out, it operates at the intersection of gaming and financial speculation, making it challenging to pin down its implications. This is why this course is critical, as it focuses not just on the mechanics of gambling, but also on the culture and ethics surrounding it.

Enrollment Details

With a cost of $1,000, the course includes a networking lunch on all four days, along with assessments to gauge understanding and application of the material. Graduates will leave with a credential that can bolster their CVs, positioning them favorably in various professional settings, from healthcare to educational institutions, and even journalism.

Who Should Take This Course?

The course aims to reach a diverse audience. Whether you are a graduate student planning to work in social services, a professional in the field of gambling regulation, or an educator dealing with K to 12 students, this micro-credential offers critical insights that can directly benefit your practice.

Conclusion

The University of Alberta’s new micro-credential in gambling and gaming stands at the forefront of an evolving industry. As Canada grapples with the implications of transitioning to an online gambling model, educational resources like this become essential in guiding professionals tackling the challenges and opportunities within the sector. Profound changes are on the horizon, and with informed professionals increasingly essential, the U of A’s initiative offers a proactive step towards understanding and managing those changes effectively.