Currently, Loto-Québec is the only lawful online gaming operator available in the province, and it positions its platform as the sole legal gaming website available for those living in Quebec. However, the core point presented by the coalition is that being legal has not conferred control.
In their recent attempt to reach decision-makers in the province, the group has argued that Quebecers can still access a large gray market of offshore sites. That segment is estimated to be around 2,000 platforms that serve the province, with no subject to licensing, tax contribution, or oversight.
The coalition is also relying on polls it has previously published, which found that most online players don’t stick to the crown corporation’s site. One QOGC release cites Mainstreet Research results indicating that only 26.6% of online players used Loto-Québec’s Espace Jeux platform for their online casino gaming or sports betting activities (excluding lottery). 73%, in turn, went to private operators.
The Coalition’s Four-Part Blueprint
The coalition is now proposing the development of a regulated commercial model, similar to the one being followed in Ontario since 2022. The proposal includes the following four elements:
- An independent regulator to oversee the online market, rather than leaving it entirely in the hands of the existing crown structure.
- Shared standards for all operators, covering areas such as compliance, audits, and responsible gambling.
- A defined model for licensing private operators, together with a taxation and revenue share structure.
- Dedicated funding from the new revenue streams for prevention and community health initiatives, which would link the expansion of the market with social safeguards.
The coalition’s pitch is that regulation can transform the existing situation, where usage of private sites is common, into something that can be controlled and monetized.
What Changes If Quebec Moves
If Quebec goes ahead with the reforms, the effect would be operational, with compliance, reporting, and responsible gambling requirements applying to existing out-of-system operators. In the longer term, Quebec’s decision could also contribute to the national trend where provinces experiment with competitive iGaming models.
