Quebec Election Positions Private Online Gambling Market for Regulatory Shift

Quebec’s provincial election has placed the province’s online gambling framework on the political agenda. The Parti Québécois secured 59 seats on October 5, five short of a majority. The Liberals took 40 seats and Official Opposition status, creating conditions for potential cross-party legislation to end Loto-Québec’s exclusive right to offer internet gaming.

Both parties back expanding the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux (RACJ) to license private operators, enforce consumer protections, mitigate addiction risks and regulate advertising. PQ leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon stated his party would follow a model similar to the Liberal plan. Details on an independent oversight agency and Loto-Québec’s future role remain unsettled.

Political Alignment and Institutional Questions

The combined PQ and Liberal seats provide a path to pass reform legislation. However, alignment on direction does not equate to agreement on execution. Questions center on whether the RACJ receives the full mandate or if a separate conduct-and-manage entity, akin to iGaming Ontario, must first be created. Loto-Québec currently operates outside RACJ oversight.

Market Scale and Channelisation Stakes

The Quebec Online Gaming Coalition (QOGC) sees the outcome as evidence of growing appetite for change. Coalition members include Apricot, Bet99, Betway, DraftKings, Entain, Flutter and Rush Street. Communications officer Ariane Gauthier said the group believes reform enjoys broad support and can advance, according to Casino Beats.

A private-sector study estimates Quebec’s total addressable iGaming market at CAD$3.09 billion in 2026, with 27% in regulated channels and 73% unregulated. The associated gross gaming revenue loss stands at approximately $2.3 billion. By contrast, Ontario’s private market, launched April 4, 2022, generated CA$4.04 billion in unadjusted gross gaming revenue by 2025.

Loto-Québec reports 81% of its online gamblers use the Espacejeux platform, while a 2023 QOGC survey found 73% of polled Quebec players used private platforms for casino games and sports wagering. These figures highlight the channelisation challenge ahead. The election makes a competitive market more plausible, yet the precise licensing mechanics, consumer safeguards and timing require resolution before operators can assess entry conditions.

Reporting: Casino Beats

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