Quebec Election Opens Door to Ontario-Style Private iGaming Market: A Comprehensive Guide
Quebec Election Opens Door to Ontario-Style Private iGaming Market: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction: A Pivotal Moment for Quebec’s Online Gambling Landscape
On October 5, Quebec took a historic step toward reshaping its online gaming market. The Parti Québécois (PQ) won the provincial election on a platform that includes regulating private iGaming and moving toward a competitive model similar to Ontario’s. This victory marks a significant departure from the province’s long-standing monopoly system.
The PQ secured 59 seats in the National Assembly, falling five seats short of a majority government. The Quebec Liberal Party finished with 40 seats and will serve as the official opposition. Both parties campaigned on reforming the iGaming sector, signaling a rare bipartisan consensus on a politically sensitive issue.
A Quebec flag blows in the wind in Montreal. The PQ will form a minority government after yesterday’s election, with iGaming front and centre. (Image: Graham Hughes/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Understanding the Current Landscape: Loto-Québec’s Monopoly
How the Current System Works
At present, Loto-Québec—the provincial Crown corporation—holds a legal monopoly over all online gambling in Quebec. Residents who wish to gamble legally must use the Espace Jeux platform, operated directly by Loto-Québec. No private operators are allowed to offer licensed online casino games or sports betting within the province.
This structure has been in place for years, but growing evidence suggests it is failing to capture the market effectively. A private-sector study conducted in summer 2024 estimated Quebec’s total addressable iGaming market for 2026 at CAD $3.09 billion. Currently, only 27% of play occurs within regulated channels, leaving a staggering 73% in the unregulated market. This gap represents an estimated $2.3 billion in lost gross gaming revenue that goes to offshore, unlicensed operators.
The Problem with the Monopoly
Loto-Québec has claimed that 81% of Quebec online players use its platform. However, a Mainstreet Research study from 2023—commissioned by the Quebec Online Gaming Coalition (QOGC)—painted a very different picture. That survey found that three out of four Quebec players (73%) chose privately operated platforms to play online casino games and bet on sports. Furthermore, 72% of players who use Loto-Québec’s Espace Jeux platform do so exclusively to purchase lottery tickets, not for casino or sports betting.
This discrepancy highlights a critical flaw: the current system does not adequately serve consumer demand. Players are turning to unregulated offshore sites that offer no consumer protections, no responsible gambling tools, and no tax revenue for the province.
The Election Results: What Changed and Why It Matters
The PQ’s Victory and Its Platform
The Parti Québécois entered the election with a clear policy plank: regulate private iGaming and create a competitive market similar to Ontario’s. Party leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon made this a central issue during the campaign. After the victory, he wasted no time in signaling his intent to move forward.
At a news conference on October 6, St-Pierre Plamondon confirmed he is already pushing ahead with several initiatives announced during the campaign. He even congratulated Liberal leader Charles Milliard for announcing support for iGaming reform first during the electoral campaign, underscoring the cross-party nature of this issue.
The Liberals’ Proposed Regulatory Overhaul
The Quebec Liberal Party released a government modernization plan during the campaign that included expanding the mandate of the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux (RACJ)—the provincial regulator responsible for alcohol, horse racing, and gaming. Under the Liberal proposal, the RACJ would be empowered to license and oversee all online gambling platforms in the province, enforcing strict rules around:
- Advertising standards
- Addiction prevention programs
- Consumer protection measures
The PQ told Radio-Canada it would adopt a similar regulatory approach if elected, further confirming the alignment between the two leading parties.
A Rare Political Consensus
Ariane Gauthier, spokesperson for the Quebec Online Gaming Coalition (QOGC), captured the moment’s significance:
“The election in Quebec brings a new political leadership with a different perspective on online gaming. Paul St-Pierre Plamondon even congratulated the Liberal leader for announcing it first during the electoral campaign. We think this is reform that’s gathering a large consensus that could be successfully put forward by the new Quebec government.”
The QOGC is a lobby group that has operated in the province for three years, working on behalf of major commercial operators including DraftKings, Flutter, Entain, Betway, Bet99, Rush Street, and Apricot. Their sustained advocacy appears to have paid off.
The Case for Regulatory Reform: Why Change Is Needed
The Scale of the Unregulated Market
The gap between regulated and unregulated play in Quebec is enormous. With 73% of all online gambling activity occurring outside legal channels, the province is losing:
- Tax revenue that could fund public programs
- Consumer protection for players who gamble on unverified sites
- Economic activity that could support local jobs and businesses
Troy Ross, president of TRM Public Affairs, who works with iGaming operators in the private sector, emphasized the shift:
“The fact that the two leading parties in Quebec campaigned on creating an online gambling regulatory regime is encouraging. Between the Parti Québécois and the Liberal Party of Quebec, they have more than enough seats to pass legislation and launch a model. This represents a remarkable shift in government policy in Quebec. The Quebec Online Gaming Coalition has effectively built the case for regulation. We look forward to working with the new government on the details of this regulated market.”
Why Players Choose Unregulated Sites
Players turn to unregulated platforms for several reasons:
- Better game selection – Private operators offer hundreds of slots, table games, and live dealer options.
- Superior user experience – Offshore sites often have more modern interfaces, faster payouts, and better customer service.
- Sports betting options – Many regulated platforms in Quebec have limited sports markets compared to international operators.
- Lower costs – Unregulated sites may offer better odds, bonuses, and promotions than a state-run monopoly.
Without a competitive regulated market, these players will continue to gravitate toward unlicensed operators.
The Ontario Blueprint: A Model for Success
How Ontario Built Its Market
Ontario’s private iGaming model went live in April 2022. Since then, it has become a benchmark for Canadian provinces considering reform. The province currently has:
- 49 licensed operators taking wagers across 84 websites
- A market that generated CAD $4.04 billion in non-adjusted gross gaming revenue (NAGGR) in 2025
- A dedicated regulatory body (the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario)
- A conduct-and-manage entity (iGaming Ontario) that oversees operator compliance and consumer protections
What Quebec Can Learn from Ontario
Ontario’s success offers several lessons for Quebec:
| Lesson | Application to Quebec |
|---|---|
| Clear regulatory framework | Establish an independent regulator with defined authority |
| Robust consumer protections | Mandate responsible gambling tools, deposit limits, and advertising restrictions |
| Competitive licensing fees | Attract major operators while ensuring market integrity |
| Gradual rollout | Allow time for implementation and stakeholder consultation |
However, Amanda Brewer, senior vice president of policy and communications at the Canadian Gaming Association, cautioned that Quebec’s path will not be quick:
“It’s important to remember that in Quebec, Loto-Québec is not regulated by La Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux du Québec (RACJ). So the province would need to establish a regulator and likely a conduct and manage entity like iGO and AiGC, so I wouldn’t use ‘fast’ to describe anything that may happen in Quebec.”
In other words, Quebec must build its regulatory infrastructure from scratch, which takes time, legislation, and stakeholder collaboration.
Alberta’s Recent Launch
Alberta launched its private iGaming market in July 2024, with 36 live websites currently taking wagers. While newer than Ontario, Alberta’s rollout demonstrates that provinces outside Ontario can successfully implement competitive models. Quebec would become the third major Canadian province to do so.
Challenges Ahead: What Must Be Decided
Key Questions for the New Government
Ariane Gauthier outlined the fundamental decisions Quebec must make:
“Quebec has to decide what the specific rules will be that they would like to put in place and which independent organization will act as the regulator for all operators in the province, including Loto-Québec. These are not small changes. It is the foundation of a fair and secure environment. It will take some time to find the right approach, especially because it needs to be done in collaboration with stakeholders.”
The critical issues include:
- Choosing a regulator – Will the RACJ be expanded, or will a new body be created?
- Defining the scope – Will Loto-Québec operate alongside private operators, or will its role change entirely?
- Setting licensing standards – What fees, background checks, and technical requirements will operators face?
- Establishing responsible gambling rules – How will advertising, problem gambling prevention, and player protections be enforced?
- Determining tax rates – What revenue share will the province take from operators?
The Role of Loto-Québec
Loto-Québec’s future in a regulated private market is a sensitive topic. The Crown corporation currently operates without direct oversight from the RACJ, meaning the province must either bring it under the regulator’s jurisdiction or redefine its mandate. This could involve:
- Allowing Loto-Québec to compete with private operators on a level playing field
- Restricting Loto-Québec to lottery products and retail gambling
- Creating a separate conduct-and-manage entity like Ontario’s iGO
Casino.org reached out to Loto-Québec for comment but had not received a response at the time of publication.
Industry Reactions: What Stakeholders Are Saying
Private Operators Express Optimism
Major international gaming companies have been advocating for Quebec reform for years. The QOGC’s membership includes some of the largest names in the industry, all of whom see Quebec as a significant growth opportunity. The province’s population of over 8.5 million represents a sizable market that has been largely closed to them.
Troy Ross captured the industry’s sentiment:
“We look forward to working with the new government on the details of this regulated market.”
Calls for Public Consultation
While the direction is clear, stakeholders emphasize the need for careful planning. The QOGC has urged the government to:
- Conduct public consultations with operators, addiction experts, and consumer groups
- Study best practices from Ontario and Alberta
- Phase in the new system to avoid disruption
The process is expected to take months, if not longer, given the complexity of building a new regulatory framework.
Timeline and Next Steps: What to Expect
Immediate Actions
- The PQ will form a minority government and begin legislative planning.
- St-Pierre Plamondon has stated he will prioritize campaign commitments, including iGaming reform.
- Stakeholder consultations are likely to begin within the first few months of the new government.
Medium-Term Milestones
- Legislation to establish a regulatory framework could be introduced within the first year.
- The government must decide whether to expand the RACJ or create a new body.
- Public consultations and market studies will inform the details.
Long-Term Outlook
- A fully operational private iGaming market in Quebec is likely at least 12–18 months away, based on Ontario and Alberta’s timelines.
- The partnership between the PQ and Liberals gives the reform a strong legislative foundation, even with a minority government.
- The unregulated market will continue to dominate in the interim, but a competitive regulated model offers a path to recapturing lost revenue and protecting consumers.
Conclusion: A Watershed Moment for Canadian iGaming
Quebec’s election result represents a turning point not just for the province, but for the broader Canadian iGaming landscape. With Ontario already operational, Alberta recently launched, and now Quebec moving toward reform, the trend toward competitive, regulated markets is undeniable.
The PQ’s victory, combined with Liberal support, creates a rare opportunity for swift legislative action. However, the complexity of building a new regulatory system from the ground up means patience will be required. The success of this reform will depend on collaboration between government, regulators, operators, and addiction prevention experts.
For Quebecers, the promise is clear: a safer, more transparent online gambling environment that meets consumer demand while protecting vulnerable players. For the industry, it opens a major new market. And for the province, it represents a chance to capture billions in lost revenue and bring gambling activity out of the shadows.
The post Quebec Election Opens Door to Ontario-Style Private iGaming Market appeared first on Casino.org.
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