Loto-Québec has detailed plans for a new gaming hall in Saguenay, with the project set to reshape the Delta Hotel and its conference centre into a modern entertainment venue. The announcement was made in Saguenay on December 5, outlining an 18-month timeline for completion and positioning the upcoming Salon de jeux de Saguenay as a key addition to one of Québec’s most visited regions.

Project Vision and Community Role

The new venue has been designed as a space that combines gaming activities with a broader entertainment lineup, including live shows and programming intended to create an energetic setting for visitors. The project intends to offer a space where gaming takes place in a guided, supervised environment, aligning with the corporation’s emphasis on oversight and social interaction.

In presenting the project, Loto-Québec underscored Saguenay’s established tourism profile and noted that the addition of a gaming hall will support both local residents and guests who travel to the region for conferences and leisure. Officials described the initiative as one that supports tourism while reinforcing responsible-gaming practices.

The public announcement brought together several regional figures, among them Jonquière MNA Yannick Gagnon, Saguenay Mayor Luc Boivin, and leaders from area tourism and economic sectors. Their presence highlighted the broad support behind the development and the expectations for its impact on Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean.

Statements from Loto-Québec and Regional Leaders

Jean-François Bergeron, Loto-Québec’s President and Chief Executive Officer, emphasized the project’s potential for both local development and community benefit in a press release. “We’re proud to present this project in Saguenay, a vibrant region known for its warm welcome and development potential. The Salon de jeux will generate positive spin-offs for the community, notably through job creation and tourist spending, as well as through the business partnerships that will arise.”

Bergeron reaffirmed that public health considerations will remain embedded in the planning process. “Our priority remains to offer an environment where gaming is overseen safely and responsibly, fostering low-risk gambling. Our teams are trained to support clients, and the location will benefit from state-of-the-art security systems.”

The corporation also noted that previous gaming hall projects in Québec City and Trois-Rivières proceeded without the concerns initially raised, and that Loto-Québec continues to group video lottery terminals in fewer, better-supervised locations as part of its responsible-gaming strategy.

MNA Yannick Gagnon welcomed the decision to build the new venue in Jonquière, describing it as a contributor to the region’s broader economic goals. “I’m delighted that Loto-Québec chose Jonquière to build its new gaming hall because it will contribute to the economic and tourist development of Saguenay and the region. In addition, its activities will take place in a facility operating with the highest regulatory and safety standards for its customers.”

Mayor Luc Boivin echoed this enthusiasm, pointing to the project’s importance for local tourism and the city’s positioning. “We enthusiastically welcome Loto-Québec to our city. Showcasing Saguenay is one of my priorities, and with this new location, which focuses on quality offerings in a safe environment, our city will strengthen its appeal as a tourist destination and gain a valuable asset for hosting business events. We’ll continue to support Loto-Québec to ensure the project’s success and generate economic spinoffs for the region as a whole.”

Tourisme Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean also expressed its support. “We’re convinced that this significant investment will have a positive impact on both regional ownership of the venue and the industry as a whole, and we’re committed to actively collaborating to seize the opportunities that will arise,” said Julie Dubord, its General Manager.

Outlook for the New Entertainment Venue

Saguenay, a city known for its natural landscapes, fjord access, and established visitor base, is positioned to integrate the gaming hall into its broader attraction mix. Once completed, the venue will join Québec’s existing gaming hall network, which includes properties in Québec City, Trois-Rivières, and the Rimouski location currently under construction.

As Loto-Québec continues to refine the project with public-health partners and local authorities, the corporation stated that it looks forward to welcoming residents and visitors to the new site when it opens its doors in approximately 18 months.