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Quebec Election 2025: A Potential Turning Point for Regulated iGaming

By jili tutorial · September 15, 2026

Quebec Election 2025: A Potential Turning Point for Regulated iGaming

Introduction: The Winds of Change in Quebec’s Gaming Landscape

Quebec’s political landscape is shifting, and with it, the future of online gambling in the province. According to the latest Leger polling released this morning, the province may be on the brink of establishing a regulated iGaming market—one that could mirror the successful models already operating in Ontario and Alberta. If either the Liberal Party or the Parti Québécois (PQ) secures victory in the provincial election scheduled for October 5, Loto-Québec, the province’s crown corporation, could soon face unprecedented competition from private operators.

This comprehensive guide breaks down the political promises, the current regulatory environment, and what these changes could mean for players, operators, and the broader Canadian gaming industry.

The Current State of Online Gambling in Quebec

Loto-Québec’s Longstanding Monopoly

For years, Loto-Québec has held exclusive rights to operate online gaming platforms in the province through its Mise-O-Jeu and Espacejeux brands. This monopoly has been a cornerstone of Quebec’s gaming policy, ensuring that all online gambling revenue flows through the state-run corporation. While this model has provided steady revenue for provincial coffers, critics argue it has failed to adequately address the growing presence of unregulated offshore gambling sites accessible to Quebec residents.

The Grey Market Problem

Industry data for 2026 paints a stark picture: the total available iGaming market in Quebec is estimated at CA$3.09 billion. However, only 27% of that market is currently channelled through regulated platforms. The remaining 73%—representing approximately $2.3 billion in gross gaming revenue—flows to unregulated, often offshore, operators that pay no taxes and offer no consumer protections.

This 73% unregulated figure is a major concern for policymakers, as it represents:

The Liberal Party’s Proposal: a Blueprint for Modernization

Expanding Regulatory Authority

On September 9, the Quebec Liberal Party released a detailed plan focused on modernizing the province’s civil service. Central to this proposal is a significant expansion of the mandate for the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux (RACJ)—the provincial regulator responsible for alcohol, horse racing, and gaming activities.

If elected on October 5, the Liberals have committed to:

  1. Granting licensing authority to the RACJ for all online gambling platforms operating in Quebec
  2. Implementing comprehensive oversight of these licensed operators
  3. Imposing strict regulations regarding:
    • Advertising standards and content
    • Addiction prevention measures
    • Protection of minors

Creating an Independent Addiction Support Body

Perhaps one of the most notable aspects of the Liberal platform is the creation of an independent organization dedicated exclusively to gambling addiction prevention and support. This body would be:

This approach mirrors similar models in other jurisdictions where operators contribute to a central fund that supports problem gambling services without direct government oversight.

Addressing Prediction Markets

The Liberals have also proposed a joint mandate for the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) and the RACJ to “fill the regulatory gap surrounding prediction markets.” These platforms—where users bet on outcomes of events like elections, sports, or financial indicators—currently operate in Quebec without any regulatory framework. This proposal would bring much-needed clarity to a rapidly growing sector of online betting.

The Parti Québécois (PQ) Position: Aligning with Reform

Following the Liberal Lead

In an interview with Radio-Canada, the Parti Québécois confirmed it would pursue similar regulatory reforms if elected. The PQ’s willingness to embrace an Ontario-style model represents a significant departure from its traditional stance, which has historically prioritized provincial crown corporations as instruments of economic and cultural sovereignty.

The PQ’s endorsement of private competition suggests that the political consensus around gaming regulation is shifting, even among parties traditionally associated with state intervention in the economy.

The Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ): Defending the Status Quo

Maintaining the Monopoly

In contrast to the Liberals and PQ, the governing Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) has remained committed to preserving Loto-Québec’s monopoly. The CAQ’s position appears rooted in a belief that:

However, this stance has faced increasing criticism from industry stakeholders who argue that maintaining the monopoly while failing to channel the 73% unregulated market is ultimately counterproductive.

The Quebec Online Gaming Coalition: Industry Unites for Change

Who They Represent

The Quebec Online Gaming Coalition (QOGC) is an industry group representing some of the world’s largest and most reputable gambling operators, including:

The coalition has been actively campaigning for an Ontario-style online gaming model in Quebec, arguing that regulated markets benefit everyone: players, operators, government, and society at large.

A Voice for Reform

Ariane Gauthier, spokesperson for the Quebec Online Gaming Coalition, expressed cautious optimism about the recent political developments:

“The Quebec Online Gaming Coalition is pleased that the election campaign is providing an opportunity to discuss the modernization of the regulatory framework for online gaming. The positions taken by the various political parties demonstrate that a broad consensus is emerging in Quebec in favor of establishing clear rules that must apply equally to both Loto-Québec and private companies offering online gaming.”

Gauthier also emphasized the coalition’s commitment to collaboration: “The members of the Quebec Online Gaming Coalition look forward to working together with government authorities and stakeholders to turn these commitments into reality.”

Poll Insights: The Shifting Political Landscape

Leger Poll Highlights

According to the latest Leger poll, the electoral race is tightening with notable shifts:

These numbers suggest a real possibility of a change in government, which could pave the way for regulatory reform. However, it’s important to note that no party currently holds a majority, so coalition negotiations may be necessary—a factor that could influence the speed and shape of any iGaming legislation.

What an Ontario-Style Model Means for Quebec

Learning from Ontario’s Success

Ontario launched its regulated iGaming market in April 2022, becoming the first Canadian province to allow private operators to compete with a crown corporation (OLG). Key features of the Ontario model include:

Ontario’s experience has demonstrated that regulated markets can successfully channel players away from unregulated offshore sites while generating significant tax revenue for provincial priorities.

Potential Benefits for Quebec

If Quebec adopts a similar model, the potential benefits are substantial:

  1. Increased Tax Revenue: Channelling even half of the $2.3 billion currently lost to unregulated markets could generate hundreds of millions in annual tax revenue.

  2. Consumer Protection: Licensed operators must adhere to strict standards for:

    • Age verification (18+ in Quebec, versus 19+ in some provinces)
    • Responsible gambling tools (such as deposit limits, self-exclusion programs)
    • Data security and privacy protection

  3. Player Choice: A diverse marketplace offering a wide range of platforms, games, and promotions would benefit Quebec consumers.

  4. Improved Compliance: By requiring all operators to obtain licenses, the province gains legal authority to crack down on non-compliant platforms.

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Considerations

Regulatory Implementation

If the Liberals or PQ form the next government, the actual implementation of a regulated iGaming framework would involve:

Industry Readiness

The QOGC’s members are already operating in regulated markets across North America and Europe, so they possess the technical capacity and regulatory experience to expedite compliance in Quebec. However, timing will be critical—operators need clarity on expected launch dates and licensing processes to allocate resources effectively.

Potential Hurdles

Any transition will face obstacles, including:

How to Stay Informed

For players, operators, and observers interested in following these developments:

Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for Quebec’s Gaming Industry

The Quebec election scheduled for October 5 represents a critical juncture for the province’s online gaming industry. With the Parti Québécois leading in polls and both the PQ and Liberals supportive of regulatory modernization, the political conditions appear ripe for meaningful change.

The movement toward a regulated iGaming market in Quebec reflects a broader Canadian trend. Ontario has already demonstrated the viability of this approach, Alberta is exploring similar options, and now Quebec appears positioned to follow suit.

For the thousands of Quebec residents currently gambling through unregulated platforms, the outcome of this election could mean the difference between navigating a legal grey area and enjoying the protections, responsible gambling tools, and dispute resolution mechanisms that only a properly regulated market can provide.

The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Quebec takes this significant step toward modernizing its approach to online gaming—one that could ultimately benefit players, the provincial government, and the reputable industry operators eager to operate within a clear, fair, and transparent regulatory framework.

This article was adapted from the original reporting by Casino.org and expanded to provide comprehensive context and analysis of the Quebec election’s potential impact on iGaming regulation.