Responsible Marketing of Video Lottery Terminals

During the 2008-2009 fiscal year, work was completed on the reconfiguration of the network as outlined in Loto-Québec's 2004-2007 development plan. The number of Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) was reduced by 36.2%. There are now 10,735 VLTs on 2,321 sites. The SLVQ will nonetheless be continuing to ensure that the supply of games remains geographically diversified and strong enough to prevent the proliferation of illegal machines.

Voluntary VLT Withdrawal Program

A voluntary VLT withdrawal program was set up as part of the network reconfiguration to prevent a rise in availability of games in the immediate vicinity of the two gaming halls. The program is open to retailers located within 2.3 km of Québec and Trois-Rivières gaming halls and comes to a close on November 30, 2009. Retailers who take part in the program will be entitled to financial compensation equivalent to commissions received during the 12 months preceding the VLT withdrawal.

The SLVQ's core operations remain the responsible commercialization approach to VLTs and the control of network accessibility. More than ever, actions to raise awareness and promote responsible gaming behaviours to customers, owners and employees of network establishments are continuing, as is the program for evaluation and continuous improvement of methods for the responsible management of VLTs.

Moreover, this approach to responsible management of VLTs practiced network establishments is perfectly in keeping with the responsible gaming principles of the World Lottery Association (WLA). Awareness-raising and promotional efforts targeting responsible gaming behaviours by the public and respect of the code of commercialization are concrete examples that show our commitment-and that of all owners and employees in the video lottery network-toward responsible commercialization.