Approaching Election, Quebec Coalition Intensifies Pressure in Online Gaming Sector
In the heart of Quebec, institutions like Loto-Québec have long been entrenched, with locals showing a reluctance to uproot monopolies. However, change may be on the horizon, spurred by the Quebec Online Gaming Coalition (QOGC).
The QOGC, launched in May 2023, is a powerful alliance of industry heavyweights, including Betway, Bet99, DraftKings, Entain, Flutter, Games Global, Rush Street Interactive, and Apricot Investments. Its mission is to advocate for a more competitive and regulated online gaming market in Quebec, learning from the experiences of other jurisdictions, particularly within Canada.
Ariane Gauthier, a 20-year political communication professional and former public policy advisor to Quebec Premier Francois Legault (2018-2022), serves as the QOGC's spokesperson. Gauthier emphasises the need for change, stating, "It might take years to get the government's attention, but it's not a matter of if it will happen, it's when."
The current regulatory landscape in Quebec allows for single-game sports betting through provincially regulated platforms like Loto-Québec's Mise-o-jeu, as well as international sites. However, the market remains open to offshore betting sites, with 27% of players currently channelled into the regulated market. This is in stark contrast to Ontario, where 84% of players have been channeled into the regulated market.
The QOGC is committed to working with the Quebec government and local stakeholders to develop a new regulatory framework for online gaming in the province. The coalition aims to show how everyone can benefit from the change, including protecting the culture and growing the economy, which are important to Quebecers.
The upcoming elections in Quebec could influence the regulatory landscape, potentially opening more opportunities for private-sector operators. There is ongoing discussion in Canada about stricter regulations on sports betting advertising, which could impact Quebec's online gaming environment. The QOGC is also pushing for private operators to gain regulated access to Quebec, which could lead to a more diverse and competitive market.
The issue of Quebec's resistance to change has been discussed, with Quebec being noted as one of the most stubborn when it comes to changing ways. Despite this, the QOGC sees an appetite for change within the current government, but it's not yet certain that they will initiate the changes.
Recent polls show that the Coalition Avenir Quebec party, led by Premier Legault, is projected to receive 18% of the popular vote, with the Parti Quebecois under Paul St-Pierre Plamondon at 32% (majority government projection), and the Liberals under Pablo Rodriguez at 24%.
The QOGC is not advocating for the private model per se, but rather emphasises the potential taxable revenue that Quebec is leaving on the table by not fully regulating the online gaming market. According to data presented by Troy Ross, President of TRM Public Affairs, the gross gaming revenue lost to the unregulated market in Quebec is CAD $1.97 billion, making Quebec the jurisdiction with the highest lost revenue, followed by Alberta and B.C. ($1.3 billion), Ontario ($757 million), and Atlantic Canada ($600 million).
At the Canadian Gaming Summit, Gauthier came to learn more about the issues that are going to change hearts and minds in Quebec, such as the benefit of improving player safety in a private, regulated, competitive market model. The summit also highlighted the need for harmonization of regulation across all jurisdictions, with Alberta moving towards an Ontario-style model in early 2026.
In conclusion, the Quebec Online Gaming Coalition is working diligently to bring about change in Quebec's online gaming market. While the road ahead may be long, the coalition remains steadfast in its mission to create a more competitive, regulated, and safe online gaming environment for Quebecers.
[1] Bill C-218 [4] Mise-o-jeu
- The Quebec Online Gaming Coalition is pushing for the Quebec government to consider a more diverse and competitive online gaming market, citing the success of Canada's provinces like Ontario and the potential taxable revenue that Quebec could generate through a regulated market, as highlighted at the Canadian Gaming Summit.
- As part of its mission, the Quebec Online Gaming Coalition aims to advocate for change at the Canadian Gaming Summit, focusing on the benefits of a safer online gaming environment through a private, regulated, and competitive market model, which is a key component of the Canadian Gaming Summit discussions on improving player safety and harmonizing regulations across jurisdictions.
