As reported by La Presse journalist Katia Gagnon, the CH Group is about to make a very big announcement in collaboration with Loto-Québec. <q>Loto-Quebec and the CH Group, owner of the Montreal Canadiens, are on the verge of concluding an agreement to open a gaming lounge at the Bell Centre, La Presse has learned. - Katia Gagnon</q> If it may seem like a benign announcement at first glance, you should know that it raises a big social debate, fueled by many observers, citizens, stakeholders and users of the amphitheater. <q>Opening such a facility in a high-traffic area raises public health concerns. - Katia Gagnon</q> Obviously, this is a situation that many experts are concerned about. It's scientifically proven that the closer you live to a gambling parlor, the more likely you are to gamble excessively. In a context where close to 21,000 people would pass by the gambling parlor at every local Canadiens game, it is undeniable that the influx of customers to come and gamble their money, while waiting for the game to start, would be very high. So, for example, fans would have the opportunity to bet on the games at the Bell Centre as they see fit, before the game, during the game and during intermissions. In addition, they will be able to play hundreds of slot machines on site. The proximity between the two establishments will greatly increase the temptation for some. To help pass this project, the promoters are committed to reducing the number of lottery machines elsewhere in Montreal, but it will obviously take more to convince the skeptics. <q>The establishment will have several hundred slot machines as well as sports betting terminals, La Presse has learned. The brand new gaming lounge will be located in the space currently occupied by the 1909 Taverne Moderne restaurant, a very large three-story establishment adjacent to the Bell Centre that has been closed since the start of the pandemic. The lounge will offer players the opportunity to play several hundred slot machines, which we understand will come from the Montreal Casino. - Katia Gagnon</q> This will be an issue to keep an eye on, as an announcement could come in the next few hours. For all the details: <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/katiagagnon/status/1628373209455157248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1628373209455157248%7Ctwgr%5E9e3596a821297fb8eb23348a355f516a2fbd4b26%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.habsetlnh.com%2FLe-Groupe-CH-serait-sur-le-point-de-proceder-a-une-annonce-majeure-et-ca-fait-enormement-reagir-211241'> </a></blockquote></div> Credit: <a href='https://www.habsetlnh.com/equipe-lnh/canadiens-de-montreal/Le-Groupe-CH-serait-sur-le-point-de-proceder-a-une-annonce-majeure-et-ca-fait-enormement-reagir' class='link_marker' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>HabsetLNH.com</a>