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Gaming Industry Titans Unite to Lobby for Legal Reforms in Quebec

Last update: May, 2024

A powerful alliance called the Quebec Online Gaming Coalition (QOGC) has formed, driven by industry leaders like Flutter Entertainment and DraftKings. This coalition aims to lobby for regulatory changes akin to the successful Ontario model. Canadian online casino Flutter's announcement clarifies that the QOGC’s main goal is collaboration with government and local figures to establish a new regulatory structure for Quebec's online gaming sector. Currently, Loto-Québec’s Mise-o-jeu holds the monopoly as the sole legally sanctioned betting portal in this region.

Securing a change in Quebec’s regulatory stance could revolutionize the industry in Canada, provided the government aligns with the Coalition’s vision. Quebec, being second in population after Ontario, with its nearly 8.7 million residents, presents a lucrative opportunity for both domestic and global operators.

Additionally, Flutter emphasized that the QOGC seeks to mitigate escalating concerns about safety, promotional ethics, responsible gaming, and tax responsibilities. A new operator licensing scheme could address these issues, enhancing trust in the sector.

Alongside these efforts, the Coalition advocates for the establishment of an impartial regulatory authority. This body would enforce consistent standards to promote safety in gaming and protect at-risk demographics, including minors.

Dedicated to creating a safe gambling environment, the QOGC is set to invest in advanced gaming practice studies through the ‘Fonds de recherche du Québec – Société et Culture.’

With inspiration from Ontario’s successful collaboration with iGaming Ontario and related governmental bodies, the Coalition looks to license and tax private entities entering Quebec just as Ontario did.

Collaborating with Apricot Investments, the online operators aiming to spearhead this change include Betway.

A driving factor for forming the Coalition was a survey by Leger Marketing, which revealed that two-thirds of respondents endorse private operator licensing and taxation. Moreover, a large majority feels that Quebec’s government should not obstruct private betting enterprises.