Loto-Québec is considering whether its customers could one day make their payment with cryptocurrency, but the state-owned company does not yet have a concrete plan in this regard, said Jean-François Bergeron, its president and chief executive officer. The direction.
Posted at 1:43 p.m.
Updated at 3:13 p.m.
“It will have to be part of our boxes for the next few years, said Mr. Bergeron during a virtual presentation before the Chamber of Commerce of Industry of Quebec (CCIQ). Because cryptocurrency, I think it’s leverage. Banks are more and more interested in it. Governments are increasingly interested in it. »
The place of cryptocurrency is part of a broader reflection on payment methods, such as that of Apple Pay, he gave as an example during an exchange with Steeve Lavoie, President and Chief Executive Officer. of the CCIQ. “The payment experience is now part of the thoughts that organizations that have to interact with consumers think about and put a lot of effort into. »
The reflection is only in its infancy and Mr. Bergeron admits that he does not yet have “clarity” as to the role that cryptocurrency could play in Loto-Québec’s services. “We just have difficulty understanding how we are going to control this currency as we do with all the other world currencies. I would tell you that the sheet is much whiter than not currently white. »
Mr. Bergeron was not available to answer questions after the presentation.
Loto-Québec spokesperson Renaud Dugas reiterated that the company has no concrete plans related to cryptocurrency at this time. “We remain on the lookout for its evolution since it is part of the global economic landscape, but it is premature at this time to consider this mode of payment”, he specifies.
Closed for a third time
With the Omicron variant, Loto-Québec establishments are in their third period of closure. The company was on a roll before the most recent shutdown announced in December, Bergeron said.
Even if the closing periods weigh on its income, Loto-Québec has been able to adapt its activities during the pandemic, said its big boss. “Our ‘number two’ reopening was a hell of a lot better than ‘number one’ and ‘number three’, I’m sure it’s going to be even better. So we adapted. We are much more resilient. »
The casinos of Montreal, Charlevoix and Lac-Leamy as well as the gaming halls of Quebec and Trois-Rivières will open their doors on February 28. However, it will be necessary to wait until March 3 before the reopening of the Mont-Tremblant casino.
The alternation between opening and closing periods has been tough on employee morale, while Loto-Québec has been forced to make temporary layoffs, worries Mr. Bergeron. “You are already affected by the pandemic, but you are also affected in your job and your income. »
This uncertainty could affect employee retention, but the leader points out that the working conditions for “multiple shifts are still good”.
“When it’s been three times [que tu es confronté à la fermeture de ton employeur], maybe you’re thinking, “Well maybe I’m going to go work for an employer who may be less exposed to this impact.” So far, fortunately, they have all been there and we are very happy about that. »