Here's to Combating Problem Gambling

A massive settlement that stretches well beyond the borders of the province of Quebec is being hammered out and it's lottery problem gamblers who are going to benefit immeasurably from the deal.

Loto-Quebec lends muscle to the fight
There can be no mistaking Loto-Quebec's commitment to the issue: problem gambling is a no-no. As a responsible gaming organization, Loto-Quebec works hard to maintain its core principles and values and to promote an atmosphere of ‘good gaming governance' throughout Quebec.

Their pursuit of addiction-free gambling is now being achieved with a legal settlement to the tune of millions of $. Furthermore, it's not only Quebec which is being affected by the news, its other provinces too.

The out-of-court settlement is still being finalized and a hearing is scheduled in Quebec City for March 2010. It is all the result of a class-action suit which was filed in 2001 by a group of thousands of pathological gamblers. The large group of gamblers numbers 119,000 and they are seeking compensation in the province of Quebec.

Assist in problem-free gambling
At stake is the issue of Video Lottery Terminals (VLT). The thousands of gambling addicts and their lawyers are blaming these VLTs for the gambling addiction which has resulted in the lawsuit. It is hoped that the out-of-court settlement will send a strong message and go a long way towards combating problem gambling.

The financial compensation of $5,000 per claimant would result in around $700 million worth of payouts from Loto-Quebec. By all accounts and purposes, the final settlement figure is expected to be closer to $50 million. All claimants are to provide evidence of addiction - in the form of discharge sheets from treatment clinics or receipts etcetera. It's an uphill battle, but treatment is on the cards.