Published:
November 18, 2009 09:23 pm EST
The Montreal Gazette’s Paul Delean reports that Loto-Québec has submitted a proposal to the provincial government for an internet wagering initiative in partnership with British Columbia and the four Atlantic provinces that will allow Quebecers to play poker online at a secure, government-regul
ated site by next summer.
With 2,000 'illegal' gaming sites available to Quebecers, Loto-Québec president and chief executive officer Alain Cousineau says the proposed poker website is the socially responsible alternative.
The Quebec government has not yet responded to the Loto-Québec proposal.
To read the Montreal Gazette article in its entirety, click here.
(With files from the Montreal Gazette)
Tags
Please read the MOntreal
Please read the MOntreal Gazette article in its entirety......
My opinion:
Loto Québec and Quebec Government always preached to the Quebec Population that people had no more interest in the racing industry. As CPMA article of November 2009 in Standardbred Canada Mr. Nichol told that in 2008, combined wagering on Canadian Horse racing from Montreal's wagering hub alone - simulcast, internet and telephone surpassed $115 million. Including the other three former track locations in Aylmer, Trois-Rivières and Quebec, that total is $135 million. That represents $11 million per month lost from the pools at Canadian racetracks. I have to justify one point, our bettors had no choice to bet outside racing, because we had none in Quebec Province.
Can it be the reason why Loto-Quebec never put the racing industry on their list of priority?
All Quebec horsemen know very well that the 1.9 Billion made by Government of Quebec last fiscal year was Racetrack and Horsemen profit in the past. Because it was the only only legal wagering/Betting.
One month after the Ending - Attraction hippiques bankruptcy - they dare to announce this project!!!
I, Personnaly offered to the Hippodrome of Aylmer to organize and pay (as Director of the NCRHHA) for activities at the opening of the racetrack in Aylmer when the contract was given to Attractions Hippiques, and I have been told that the Quebec Government refused every activities for families (children) to be around gambling (On Saturday afternoon) WOW!.
Now the parents and kids, with this project would play and bet via their computer at home. It is correct now because it is Loto Quebec who will collect the money.
I will be ashamed Mr. Cousineau to announce this project on Standardbred Canada after doing nothing for the Quebec Racing Industry. More than 7000 Quebecers (horsemen direct and indirect jobs) were licensed with Regie des Courses et des jeux du Quebec in 2008.
Who was Quebec Racing Industry 1st Enemy? Loto Quebec, or Quebec Government (pretty close the same) or Attraction Hippiques. Has he been given a specific mandate?. This is my personal opinion!