Quebecois Develop Healthier Gambling Habits via Self-Exclusion Program

Self-exclusion is one of the ways in which players could make a conscious effort to improve their relationship with gaming both online and in brick-and-mortar casino venues. Quebec players are setting new records when it comes to restricting their access to gambling, as over the past fiscal year some 5,313 individuals have opted for Loto-Quebec’s self-exclusion program.

When compared to previous years this amount marks a significant surge in the numbers of individuals willing to make a move and realizing they have an issue. Coming to terms with the existing problematic relationship with gambling is the first step towards improvement, which could happen via therapy or other problem gambling programs. Upon realizing that there is, in fact, an issue, all players have the opportunity to put an end to their gambling activities whatsoever.

Loto-Quebec Offers Support in Trying Times

Every provincial lottery corporation offers its players the opportunity to take a break from gambling with the help of the self-exclusion programs. Loto-Quebec is one of the corporations willing to work towards a better future for its casino patrons. The most recent estimations show that more people than ever are willing to put an end to their relationship with casino venues.

When compared to the situation back in 2012, the number of individuals joining the self-exclusion program has increased some 75 percent. This is an impressive feat praised by the Crown corporation promoting healthy gambling habits on a day-to-day basis. According to the information issued by Loto-Quebec, some 5,313 Quebecois sought help over the fiscal year 2018-2019. In comparison with the performance over the previous fiscal year, there is a surge.

During fiscal 2017-2018 a total of 5,111 individuals from Quebec implemented the program in their lives and saw results. For reference, their number over fiscal 2016-2017 managed to reach 4,436. The upwards trend is visible and addressed to the increased online gambling activity over the past few years. More and more individuals turn towards mobile gambling available via Loto-Quebec’s Espacejeux.com

Other Provinces Fail to Keep Promises

A correlation between the increasing number of online players and self-exclusion program participants has been noticed thanks to the increasing online gambling revenue generated by Loto-Quebec. The special program could apply to gambling in general or either of its varieties, depending on the personal preferences. Some 3,507 individuals opted out of the online gambling opportunity offered by Loto-Quebec.

It is important that the program shows actual results and proves to be reliable. Loto-Quebec claims that regular checkups are being done in casino venues with the help of photo identification of every player. This prevents the vicious circle of relapse and players entering casino venues despite their promise not to. Some 3,700 scans for excluded players were performed over 2018. It could be recalled that the Ontario self-exclusion program offered by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation was exposed for being compromised by one of the participants.

Joe Frieri managed to burn through CA$300,000 before opting for the healthy gambling habits program. Despite this move, he still managed to enter more than 10 casino venues across the province. British Columbian Nik Galego put the BCLC Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program to the test by making it into Chances Playtime in Courtenay and filming the entire experience. He was not asked for an ID upon entering, which might have prevented him from losing CA$20 inside the venue.