Quebec Marginal Population Hooked on VLTs Fuels Gambling Field, Study Shows

Problem gambling is often times linked to addictive personality traits that could be triggered by a variety of situations and circumstances. A recent study published in the Journal of Business Research comparing gaming habits in Quebec, Germany, and France revealed that Quebec players are drawn to video lottery terminals and for the most part, they appeal to players living in less economically advanced areas of the province.

Vulnerable individuals in need of financial support are often drawn to the easy money opportunities promising them a solution to each and every issue they might have. Desperate times call for desperate measures and this is why many people fall for the appeal of scratch lottery tickets with their shiny appearance, as well as video lottery terminals with their bells and whistles. Sylvia Kairouz, an associate professor of sociology and anthropology in the Faculty of Arts and Science worked on the piece of research.

Players Burn Through the Little They Have

Said devices are in the center of a class-action lawsuit against Atlantic Lottery Corporation that involves some 30,000 individuals. This lawsuit has the potential to change VLTs future across other Canadian provinces, as a consequence. The recently issued study included researchers at Concordia and Université de Montréal seeking to compare the status quo in three cities divided by the Atlantic Ocean.

The study found that for the most part smaller groups seeking a quick solution to their financial struggles are drawn to the great promises of gambling. In Quebec, VLTs are sprinkled across neighborhoods with lower income and locals are drawn to their shiny neon appeal. In comparison, French players are often attracted to table games, poker tournaments both online and in brick-and-mortar facilities, as well as wagering on sports events.

Pathological and problematic gaming enthusiasts that participate in the activity on a regular basis power some 31.6 percent of Quebec’s gaming spending. For reference, France has some 40.2 percent of players experiencing compulsive gambling, whereas Germany ranks the lowest with its 32 percent. With the help of the GINI coefficient, all data collected in the three countries was subjected to a thorough review.

Quebec Needs to Make a Change

The ultimate goal is an accurate representation of the current situation when it comes to healthy gaming habits in the three countries. In Quebec’s case, researchers used the information provided by the ENHJEU-Quebec Survey collecting information between 2009 and 2011. Mrs. Kairouz pointed out that the study revealed that individuals in need of financial support see gambling as a solution, but at the end of the day, they pour their cash into it.

In turn, Loto-Quebec uses its gaming revenue allocations to support host communities. She concluded that this direction of money circulation is unjust and unsustainable for a longer period. At the end of the day, gaming halls accessibility is key for problem gaming surge. The marginal population is more drawn to the opportunity of winning easy money in a matter of minutes or hours, but reality rarely meets their expectations.

Mrs. Kairouz made it clear that the research on the subject does not aim to condemn gambling in general, as this is a field with the capacity to propel ahead various larger projects and bring improvement to charitable organizations. It could be used by Loto-Quebec and other provincial organizations seeking player protection and promoting healthy gambling habits.