AQRP SUGGESTS 55-PLUS AGE GROUP BOYCOTT LOTO-QUÉBEC ON-LINE GAMING SITE

MONTREAL, Dec. 1 /CNW Telbec/ - As Loto-Québec launches its on-line gaming site, which will be available starting today, the Association québécoise des retraité(e)s des secteurs public et parapublic (AQRP) suggests that people aged 55 years or more boycott this gaming offer.

"Contrary to popular belief, more and more people over 55 years of age are using the Internet, and the number playing games of chance is also on the rise. We share the view expressed by Quebec's 18 regional public health directors that prevention should take precedence over the economic benefits expected from this new gaming offer."

"This call for caution is also important in light of new studies, currently being prepared, examining the impact of gambling on the elderly. Given this government's refusal to listen to the views of Public Health and the general population, we are forced to ask people aged 55 and over to reject this new Loto-Québec offer," said AQRP president Madelaine Michaud.

More than 2.2 million people living in Quebec are 55 years of age or over. Compulsive gamblers are believed to comprise approximately 0.7% of Quebec's adult population.

The AQRP is the largest independent association representing all Quebec government retirees. The AQRP sets itself apart through ongoing citizen involvement on issues that affect the elderly in Quebec.

For further information:

Source : AQRP
Information:
Cédric Lavoie, 418 559-9691
Mathieu Santerre, 418 928-2608
[email protected]