Loto-Québec sued after gambler's suicide

A family is suing Loto-Québec for $1 million in damages after a man with a gambling problem committed suicide near Montreal Casino.

Jules Grenier, 74, hanged himself under a bridge near the casino on April 2, 2008, after a week-long gambling spree that cost him $6,000.

Grenier lost an estimated $500,000 between 1999 and 2008 before committing suicide.

His wife and son blame Loto-Québec for encouraging Grenier's gambling by providing him with a privilege membership card.

Anti-gambling advocates say the gaming corporation spends a lot of money to attract gamblers, regardless of whether people have problems with their habit.

"I think it is an extreme case of where things ultimately lead, but it is also indicative of the way that Loto-Québec operates. This person was enticed to gamble, and this ultimately lead this person to grave despair," said Bill Clennett, of the Coalition for Ethics on Gaming.