On Friday August 2, 2002 the final documents were filed regarding the class action suit against Loto-Quebec on behalf of Jean Brochu and 119 000 other compulsive gamblers. The number of compulsive gamblers was arrived at by accepting the figures of Pauline Marois who admitted that there were 125, 000 compulsive gamblers in Quebec. 95% of people presenting for therapy appear to be dependent on VLTs, thus the figure, 119 000.
I personally think that the number is underestimated. A Loto-Quebec spokesperson said that 1 in 10 Quebecers played a VLT during the year 2000. That would equate to 700 000 people based on an adult population of 7 million. A study done by Montreal Public Health found that 43% of VLT players were problematic. That would indicate 300 000 gamblers adversely affected by VLTs in Quebec.
Notwithstanding, the class action suit is asking for the following minimum amounts to allow VLT victims to seek treatment for gambling dependency:
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INDIVIDUAL COST
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DESCRIPTION
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CLAIM
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$2,800
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Cost of Individual Therapy (30 days)
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$ 333 200 000
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$500
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Psychological Follow-up
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$ 59 500 000
|
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$500
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Fees for Medical Expertise
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$ 59 500 000
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$963
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Loss of Salary during Treatment ($7/hr * 32hr/wk * 4.3wks)
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$ 114 597 000
|
|
$100
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Miscellaneous Expenses (Parking, Transportation, etc.)
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$ 11 900 000
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$4,863
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TOTAL
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$ 578 697 000
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In addition the suit asks for exemplary damages of $1 000 per person ($119 000 000) to create a Foundation which would fund research, prevention programs and treatment for gamblers who become dependent on VLTs.
One Comment
great post as usual!