Election moves Quebec to private iGaming market
The Parti Québécois election victory opens new doors that could move Quebec toward a regulated private iGaming market. On October 5, the Parti Québécois (PQ) won Quebec’s provincial election with 59 seats, ahead of the Quebec Liberal Party with 40 and will form the official opposition. Both parties…
The Parti Québécois election victory opens new doors that could move Quebec toward a regulated private iGaming market. On October 5, the Parti Québécois (PQ) won Quebec’s provincial election with 59 seats, ahead of the Quebec Liberal Party with 40 and will form the official opposition. Both parties support new, competitive private iGaming model during the campaign. Currently, Loto-Québec is the only legal online gambling platform operating in the province. Ariane Gauthier, spokesperson for the Quebec Online Gaming Coalition (QOGC), said: We think this is reform that’s gathering a large consensus that could be successfully put forward by the new Quebec government. Independent regulation is still required The Quebec Liberal Party has suggested an extension of the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux (RACJ) responsibilities to include the licensing and supervision of online gambling operators with regulations regarding advertising, addiction control and consumer protection. The PQ party has noted that a similar approach will be taken. However, industry representatives believe that a regulatory framework should be developed first, clarifying how both private enterprises and Loto-Québec should be regulated. Gauthier said: 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. According to a report, Quebec’s potential iGaming market can reach CAD3.09 billion by 2026. Overall, the iGaming operations in Quebec are less than 30% controlled, while 70% are considered illegal. Troy Ross, president of TRM Public Affairs, said: 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. As reported by Loto-Québec, 81% of the online gambling activities of Quebec players take place on its platform.