In contests throughout Canada, you may have noticed, now and then, “This prize is not available to residents of Quebec.” It may be quite frustrating, but there are a whole lot of reasons for it. Let’s explore why do contests exclude Quebec residents most of the time.
Quebec Contest Laws
Before we dig deeper into the reasons, let’s look at some of the Quebec Contest laws set up by Regie des alcools, des courses et des jeux (RACJ), a government body that regulates things like lotteries, alcohol, and gambling. It will give us an implicit explanation of where this “supposed” discrimination is coming from.
- The contest rules and advertisements should be registered with the government 30 days before the contest.
- Translate all the documents, including that of the rules, in French, and publish the rules.
- Allowing Quebec’s government to mediate any laws and change them accordingly, including approval and cancellation of the contest.
- Filing security to ensure that no prize fraud occurs and the prizes are awarded.
Why do Contests Exclude Quebec Residents?
Many would assume that the contest holders have something against Quebec residents or are victims of some inherent discrimination. In the case of these contests, that certainly is not true, and there are reasons for excluding the Quebec people.
It is Extremely Costly for Contest Sponsors
There are many additional costs if a host wants to hold a contest in Quebec or involve Quebec in the game. From registering their contest with the government, providing security, to translating all written text to French, the costs go beyond the profits for small companies, leading them to exclude the people of Quebec.
Quebec has Strict Rules and Regulations
The rules and regulations implemented by the governing body of Quebec are pretty strict. Contest holders find it hard to comply with all of them or probably do not want to risk it most of the time, especially when they seem unreasonable to the contest holders.
Companies Fear Severe Criminal Charges
In case of non-compliance to the Quebec laws, the penalty is often so severe that the hosts find it more feasible to not include the residents of Quebec in their contests. This harshness stays even if the rules and regulations were not followed by mistake.
What does Quebec need for More Availability of Contests?
If the province of Quebec wants more availability of contests for their residents, there are some steps they must take. Luckily there are many contents available in Quebec right now, just not as many across Canada.
Loosening the Restrictions on Contests
Firstly, Regie des alcools, des courses et des jeux (RACJ) will have to loosen up with all the strict policies and requirements they have imposed, so more and more people can have the confidence to hold the content. As of yet, only the big names can hold contests, but loosening the restrictions could loosen the net for small organizations too.
Abandoning Translation to French
Translation of all the documents to French can be a very lengthy process, and at times may cost a lot depending on the availability of efficient translators. If the use of English is accepted, by all means, all the people from Quebec will be allowed to participate in the contests.
Final Thoughts
We’d like to reinstate again that this limited availability is not the result of some blatant discriminations, but contest hosts, especially ones with a little budget, are forced to stay on the safe side.