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The Canadian gaming industry has suffered a setback. Loto-Québec, a well-known Crown Corporation, has withdrawn its plans for a new gaming hall. This comes after the news that made the headlines as the Loto-Quebec and Montreal Public Health Clash. The gaming hall was supposed to be situated in downtown Montreal, at the famous Bell Centre. However, it seems this is no longer possible.
A Blow to the Gaming Industry
In a recent statement, Jean-François Bergeron, President and CEO of Loto-Québec, spoke about his disappointment with the outcome. He also noted that not taking action is not a solution.
Montreal Public Health had highlighted a critical concern. They warned that the local population could be “particularly vulnerable” to gambling addictions. This concern was raised due to the proposed site of the new gaming hall. It was to be near the Bell Centre, a location closely linked to Groupe CH.
Groupe CH is the ownership group of the Montreal Canadiens. Its proximity to the Canadiens’ home arena made experts worry about the local population’s vulnerability to betting. The media became aware of this concern after Montreal Public Health decided to publicize their findings.
Loto-Québec Responds
Loto-Québec has now admitted that their plan for the gaming hall will not go ahead. Jean-François Bergeron, the President and CEO of Loto-Québec, expressed disappointment. He also suggested that this was a “missed opportunity.”
Bergeron believes that a new gaming hall could have helped the organization meet today’s challenges. He said, “Not doing anything does not amount to a solution. Neither does reducing supply without providing new options to meet player demand.”
He was convinced that a revamp of their land-based model would have been beneficial. He stressed that the future of Loto-Québec does not merely rest on this failed project. But it’s a setback that the plan did not go through.
Appreciation for Stakeholders
Bergeron also took the time to appreciate all those who had contributed to the project. This included the public health teams, the City of Montréal, and Groupe CH. He praised Groupe CH for its responsible gambling operators. He acknowledged their refusal to do business with such entities. This, he said, was commendable.
The refusal of Groupe CH to engage with illegal gambling operators aligns with protecting the public. For now, Loto-Québec’s plan for the gaming hall is shelved. But the organization is optimistic about taking on future challenges and meeting player demands in new ways.
