Public health officials representing 18 Quebec regions want the government and Loto-Quebec to postpone by one year their plans to offer online gambling.
On Thursday they also made several demands, including a committee of experts to study the potential effects on Quebec society.
Close monitoring
Health officials say the online gambling site should be closely monitored for two years even if the committee deems Loto-Quebec's move to be acceptable.
There is also a call for additional spending for gambling addiction prevention.
"I'm a father and I have a child who has an alcohol problem. When they come home, I won't offer them cheap booze; I will try to protect them, instead of offering them more. I would like the government to put themselves in that position," said Montreal Public Health Director Dr. Richard Lessard.
A safer way to gamble: Loto-Quebec
For its part, Loto-Quebec says Quebecers currently have access to more than 2,000 illegal and unregulated gambling sites.
Loto officials say they want to offer online gambling in a controlled and safe environment to offer alternatives to unregulated offshore sites.
They are touting various security measures including player age verification and weekly deposit limits.
