Some figures

Some interesting figures on games of skill and chance

Gaming research and statistics
Money invested by Loto-Québec

Gaming research and statistics

Gaming behaviour in Québec

In 2009, 70% of Québec adults took part in a game of chance at least once. These players spent an average of $713 per year on games of chance. The yearly per capita expenditure is $483. Nearly one-third of Quebecers spent nothing on games of chance in 2009. Approximately 97% of those who gambled are problem-free players or have a low risk of developing a problem. However, nearly 3% of players are problem gamblers: 1.9% display a moderate risk of developing a gambling problem and 0.9% are likely pathological gamblers.

 *Kairouz, S., Nadeau, L., Portrait of gambling in Quebec: Prevalence, incidence and trajectories over four years [PDF Format, 1.20 MB - Help]. Concordia University, Université de Montréal, Fonds de recherche sur la société et la culture, 2010

Suicides involving pathological gambling as a factor

Suicide is a highly complex phenomenon, and numerous factors usually come into play when an individual decides to take such an action. Every suicide in Québec is investigated by the Bureau du coroner (in French only), whose responsibility it is to identify the factors that contributed to an individual's decision. Of all the factors studied, mental problems and psychoactive substance abuse are those most often cited.

Source: Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux

Money invested by Loto-Québec

As of March 31, 2012, the Corporation has invested more than $261 million towards the fight against excessive gambling. In 2011 and 2012 alone, $30.3 million was invested.

This places Québec among the world's top jurisdictions with respect to funding for programs to fight the problems related to compulsive gambling.