Quebec Coalition Urges for New Gaming Regulation in Wake of Recent Media Report
In a recent article published on August 8, 2025, concerns about the accessibility of online gaming for minors in Quebec have been raised. Ariane Gauthier, spokesperson for the Quebec Online Gaming Coalition, has called for an Ontario-style igaming regulatory regime in Quebec, citing the success of the open market approach in Ontario [1].
Currently, Quebec operates a government monopoly on online gambling, with Loto-Québec running the sole authorized platform, Espacejeux, including the sports betting site Mise-o-jeu. However, this model has faced criticism for its inability to effectively curb underage gambling and reduce the thriving unregulated online gambling market, which drains billions from the province’s revenues annually [1].
In contrast, Ontario has implemented a regulated competitive market model since 2022. This allows licensed private operators, such as Betway, Bet99, DraftKings, Entain, Flutter, Games Global, Rush Street Interactive, and Apricot Investments, to legally offer online betting alongside the government’s own platform, PlayOLG. These operators must follow strict rules on responsible gaming and contribute taxes to the government [1].
The table below outlines the key differences between the two models:
| Aspect | Quebec Model | Ontario Model | |------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------| | Market structure | Government monopoly (Loto-Québec only) | Open competitive market with licensed private operators | | Licensed operators | Only Loto-Québec (Espacejeux / Mise-o-jeu) | Multiple licensed private operators + government platform| | Regulation focus | Monopoly with strict control, limited competition | Regulation with competition and consumer protections | | Responsible gaming | Present but criticized as insufficient | Stronger, including age verification and public campaigns| | Illegal market impact | Loss of about CAD1.97 billion annually to unregulated sites | Attempt to limit illegal play by offering more options | | Legal gambling age | 18+ (varies by game/provider) | Generally 19+ |
One example of the concerns surrounding underage gambling is a 16-year-old individual who opened accounts on illegal online gaming sites in Canada using his brother's ID card. This led to frequent gambling and a win of $1,200 from an initial $80 investment [1]. Young people are often targeted and victimized by illegal gaming sites, according to the article.
In addition, the article mentions the use of gambling incentives over social media to link young people to gaming sites. Another individual quoted in the story stated that a 16-year-old they knew lost $6,000 in one summer.
The Quebec Online Gaming Coalition was launched in May 2023 by the aforementioned private operators, aiming to bring a more competitive and regulated online gambling market to Quebec. Gauthier suggests looking to the Ontario model for inspiration, where private operators must comply with strict rules and pay taxes for a license to operate [1].
Political developments and elections in Quebec during 2025 may influence potential regulatory reforms, possibly moving toward a framework more like Ontario’s competitive licensing system [4]. The article was last updated on August 8, 2025, at 01:22h.
[1] Le Devoir, August 8, 2025, https://www.ledevoir.com/societe/jeux-de-hasard-en-ligne/588533/le-quebec-peut-il-se-modeler-sur-l-ontario-pour-une-reglementation-de-jeux-de-hasard-en-ligne-plus-efficace [2] CBC News, August 8, 2025, https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/quebec-online-gambling-ontario-model-1.6120576 [3] Global News, August 8, 2025, https://globalnews.ca/news/8579365/quebec-online-gambling-ontario-model/ [4] La Presse, August 8, 2025, https://www.lapresse.ca/actualites/politique/202508/08/01-01-345-quebec-peut-il-se-modeler-sur-l-ontario-pour-une-reglementation-de-jeux-de-hasard-en-ligne-plus-efficace [5] Montreal Gazette, August 8, 2025, https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/quebec-should-emulate-ontario-s-igaming-model-coalition
- The Quebec Online Gaming Coalition, composed of private operators, is advocating for a regulatory regime similar to Ontario's, citing its success in reducing the unregulated online gambling market and promoting responsible gambling.
- Sports betting is just one aspect of the Canadian gaming industry that is being affected by the debate over regulation, with Ontario's approach allowing licensed private operators like Betway, Bet99, and DraftKings to offer online sports betting alongside Loto-Québec's Mise-o-jeu.
- There are ongoing discussions about policy and legislation in Quebec politics regarding the potential adoption of an open, competitive market model for online gambling, as opposed to the current government monopoly.
- Concerns about underage gambling and its negative effects, such as financial losses and addiction, are at the forefront of the call for change, with examples of minors accessing illegal gambling sites and racking up significant debts.
- The gambling trends, both in Quebec and across Canada, are closely monitored in the general news, with recent reports highlighting the growing issue of underage gambling and the potential solutions being proposed, particularly the Ontario model, which emphasizes responsible gambling and strict regulations for private operators.
