However, Loto-Québec's CEO Jean-François Bergeron did an interview with the radio station 98.5 FM on Wednesday, saying the idea was to attract Bell Centre clientele.

If the project materializes, Loto-Québec would operate the space with food and games, the spokesperson said, adding that no further comment will be made.

The aim is to rent the now closed 1909 Taverne Moderne, a former bar on des Canadiens-de-Montréal Avenue. Loto-Québec declined CBC's interview request Wednesday, but a spokesperson confirmed that the discussion has been ongoing for a few months now. 'Now the vast majority of people are not problem gamblers, but nevertheless if you give them the opportunity, some people will develop a gambling problem,' said Derevensky, who also chairs the educational and counselling psychology department at McGill University. Jeff Derevensky, head of the International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviours. Loto-Québec is looking to open a new facility near Montreal's Bell Centre with potentially hundreds of slot and sports betting machines, but the plan is raising concerns among gambling addiction experts.Īccessibility and availability are linked to problem gambling, according to Dr.

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