In an attempt to avoid the spread of the novel coronavirus, Loto-Quebec announced that it will be moving the sale of all its lottery tickets online. The lottery corporation said that it was suspending the sale of lottery products at kiosks and retailers, and would be turning off its network of lottery terminals.
Instead, Quebecers will be able to find all their favorite lottery products online.
“We’ve asked Loto-Quebec to review its rules,” said the Premier of Quebec, Francois Legault. “It probably will happen quickly, so they can continue to sell tickets online. But we do not want to have people leave their homes and take a risk just so they can buy a lottery ticket.”
The lottery said that all purchased tickets remain valid, and ticket holders are still able to participate in upcoming draws.
Loto-Quebec said that it was contact with other lottery companies in Canada so that they could align their practices and do their bit in halting the spread of the virus.
Scores of coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Quebec so far. The government has officially banned visits to seniors’ residences and hospitals, in order to protect the most vulnerable segments of the population. Bars, restaurants, gyms and other public venues have also been closed temporarily. Many video lottery terminals are located inside bars and restaurants.