Loto-Québec Web Gambling Decision Under Critical Fire by Doctors

Loto-Québec announced Feb. 3 2010 that it will set up a website to counter the 2,000 illegal gambling sites that already exist online and to put about $50 million a year into public coffers. Doctors are ready to speak out against the action with a critical view of gambling and internet gambling in particular. The doctors across the province of Quebec state that it' is one thing to have real brick and mortar casinos available to the potential gambler but now online casinos offer a casino in everyone house with twenty four seven access and no restrictions on conduct while playing or limits on age. The medical profession says they are extremely concerned that online gambling will create a scenario that is detrimental to Quebec society. This government sanctioned plan is being called a recipe for disaster. Richard Lessard, director of Montreal's public health department, said, "There are not just economic benefits to be had, but negative impacts that have not been properly accounted for. We are convinced that by creating a legal secure site, we will create new players. You don't have to be a marketing expert to see that." He has called for a one-year moratorium on any state-sponsored Internet gambling sites. François Desbiens, public health director for the national capital region, says, "Ten to 25 per cent of online gamblers are problem gamblers," adding, "It's the kind of gambling that creates the most problems, because it's the most accessible."

Loto-Québec countered the doctors claims sighting stats from Sweden where it said the number of problem gamblers remained the same after Svenska Spel was established. Loto-Québec is committed to making the online gambling industry a safe and well controlled environment for the public. There are problems with all forms of gambling some people wager responsibly some go over board, it's that way with food drink and other recreational activities. Harmful or not online gambling is here to stay, everyone has the choice to play or not that's what makes for a free society, free choice.