Loto-Québec is ready to introduce some changes to the way gambling takes place on a provincial level with the help of casino closures. The Crown corporation recently announced the temporary closure of Casino de Charlevoix, as well as video lottery terminals in the Montérégie, Centre-du-Québec, and Capitale-Nationale regions. The closure will come into effect at 12:01 a.m. on October 16.
The unprecedented situation is dynamically changing which calls for some changes and flexibility at all times. This week saw a press conference of Quebec Premier François Legault shedding more light on the constantly changing situation on a provincial level. Greater Montreal, Quebec City, and Chaudière-Appalaches regions are considered red zones which calls for some changes to the way businesses work.
Closing Casinos
All bars, casinos, and restaurants will have to close for operation temporarily, along with libraries, museums, cinemas, and theatres. Loto-Québec has promised to abide by the government’s restrictions which is why it was quick to act and issue its own statement on the subject. The Crown corporation is currently working on the closure of Casino de Charlevoix.
The casino hotspot relaunched operation back in July and ever since then it has been working four days a week. The Crown corporation had implemented all safety and health protocols ahead of the official reopening but now it will have to close for business. In addition to that, Quebec’s gaming leader also announced the mandatory closure of video lottery terminals in the Montérégie, Centre-du-Québec, and Capitale-Nationale regions. These gaming devices attract a crowd wherever they might be placed.
Individuals often try their luck on them while they are out with friends at a bar or a restaurant, but now these locations will also have to close for business temporarily. The third gaming offering that will be affected by the closures this week will be Kinzo gaming across the province. This change affects not only the regions with a red alert but also the only other Kinzo hall on a provincial level.
VLTs, Kinzo
The first days of this month saw the official lay off of some 1,350 workers employed at Casino de Montreal and Salon de Jeux de Quebec. It should be taken into account that the two venues will have to remain closed until further notice. Casino du Lac-Leamy, Salon de jeux de Trois-Rivières, and Hilton Lac-Leamy Hotel have also closed for business until the end of this month.
For the time being, Casino de Mont-Tremblant remains the sole operational gambling facility in the province of Quebec, but the dynamically changing situation could bring new announcements in the upcoming weeks. The Crown corporation states that patrons’ health is of utmost importance at the moment and all future restrictions issued by the government will be taken into account.
Individuals interested in lottery gaming will still get the chance to do so, as retailers will continue the sales of both draw-based and scratch lottery tickets available on a provincial level. Online gaming also remains available on the premium espacejeux.com platform.
