QJC Sounds Urgent Call

On Wednesday, June 22, the Quebec Jockey Club issued a release calling for urgent changes to the rules governing off-track wagering locations in the province in light of the recent raid of a 'Hippo Club.'

The QQJ release appears below, followed by related stories which give more information on the situation.

The Quebec Jockey Club wishes to clarify that the only betting parlour sanctioned by the QJC is the one operating at the Hippodrome in Quebec City. In fact, 'Hippo Clubs' have not existed since the bankruptcy of Attractions Hippiques in October 2009.

The Quebec Jockey Club has the exclusive right to internet betting on horseracing in Quebec, and the Pointe-aux-Trembles location raided, which used to be the site of a Hippo Club, wasn't a Quebec Jockey Club site nor sanctioned by the QJC.

This raid highlights the need for the Provincial Government to move more quickly to modify the regulations governing betting parlours. The delay in the opening of the betting parlors of the Hippo Club style opens the door to illegal activities, including betting on illegal websites. The authorities are deprived of taxes and the industry loses critical funds needed for purses for live racing. These purses feed an important economic activity in all regions of Quebec.

The Quebec Jockey Club is keen to open legal betting parlours of the Hippo Club style for horseracing as soon as the rules are modified, which changes we understand are in the works. The QJC is also planning the opening of betting parlors where only subscribers on Horseplayer Interactive can bet; these legal establishments are called HPI parlours.

Those interested on legal betting for horseracing via the internet can consult our website on www.clubjockeyduquebec.com.

Related Stories

• Quebec To Open HPI Parlours
• Quebec Hippo Club Raided, Charges Laid Over Illegal Gaming