Following backlash from Montreal public health authorities, Loto-Québec is retracting its blueprint for a satellite casino near the bustling Bell Centre in Montreal’s city hub.
Loto-Québec conceded that the geographical constituents linked to the proposed gambling den potentially intensified gambling-related hazards, which raised concerns with public health officials. The socioeconomic elements of concern were primarily influenced by the prospective casino’s adjacency to the Bell Centre, coupled with its correlation to Groupe CH, the bigwig controlling the Montreal Canadiens.
Visioned to be a gambling hub featuring an array of slot machines, poker tables, and sports betting stalls, the mini casino was designed with the primary aim of catering to the patrons frequenting the Bell Centre. However, provisions were invoked for street entry as well, increasing public access to such venues.
In the heart of the argument, Montreal’s public health director, Dr Mylène Drouin, highlighted in a recent Radio-Canada interview that implanting a mini-casino in the populous city centre would expose an astonishing number of individuals at risk to video lottery terminals (VLTs), who otherwise might maintain minimal exposure to such facilities.
Dr. Drouin articulated, “The downtown area is abuzz with activities. A section of its residents is extremely susceptible to gambling addiction, especially men between the ages of 18 and 44, whose vulnerabilities to such vices are well-documented.”
Loto-Québec, in response, acknowledged the intrinsic risk associated with gambling, particularly VLTs. Accordingly, the agency had proposed an ostensibly ‘responsible project,’ which aimed to limit access to gambling. This initiative was intended to remove 600 VLTs located in bars in disadvantaged sections of Montreal Island.
Despite heeding the counsel of public health representatives, Loto-Québec expressed its disappointment in the cessation of the project, dubbing it a ‘missed opportunity.’
This planned venture faced stern resistance from the get-go. Numerous community assemblies and neighborhood councils, particularly those in Montreal’s Sud-Ouest borough and the Peter-McGill district of the Ville-Marie borough, vehemently protested against the gambling hall proposal as early as April.
The unfolding narrative surrounding Loto-Québec’s proposed casino reveals the complex task of balancing corporate pursuits with public health considerations. For those keen on parallel developments in the gaming realm, especially regarding online casinos, West Island Blog offers in-depth perspectives on current trends and discussions. The ever-evolving dynamics of the industry consistently bring to the fore essential debates on responsible gaming and its societal role.
