Quebec forms Group to prepare online gambling regulation

The province of Quebec is joining forces with top online casinos ahead of the much-anticipated introduction of regulated online gambling. The Quebec Online Gaming Coalition (QOGC) is an industry-led organisation that will work closely with local authorities and stakeholders and prepare a regulatory framework that will allow Quebec players to gamble in a safe and responsible environment.

The Group will also lay out guidelines regarding advertising, with the main objective being to boost revenues for licensed third-party operators. Local government aims to follow Ontario's footsteps where online gambling regulation generated more than C$1.4 billion in revenue in 2022.

Why was the Quebec Online Gaming Coalition formed

A survey that was published recently by Leger Marketing, was the main driver behind forming the alliance. The poll showed that:

66% of respondents are in favour of a licensing and tax system to regulate private online gaming operators.

71% of locals believe the Quebec government cannot block private online gaming operators.

Three out of four Quebec residents (75%) agree that social responsibility programs should be funded by tax revenues generated from a regulatory framework for private gaming sites.

64% agree that these extra revenues should finance various government priorities.

Now, the QOGC aims to be the independent body overseeing online gambling operations. But first, the provincial government must accept and sign on. For that to happen, its members have to give a detailed plan on how they plan on implementing control over the companies and protect players.

Giants are expected to enter Quebec soon

The online gaming operators that have formed the Group are powerhouses in the industry with a solid reputation. They include Apricot Investments, Betway, Bet99, DraftKings, Entain, Flutter, Games Global and RushStreet. For the time being, the only legal sportsbook in the state is run by Loto-Québec's Mise-o-Jeu, but this is expected to change shortly.

The task of regulating the local gambling market dates back to 2014. This is when the Online Gambling Task Force, chaired by Dr. Louise Nadeau, urged authorities to start creating a legal framework for private gambling sites. The report, which was based on global best practices, emphasized offering secure and responsible gaming, supervised by a state regulator.

Nevertheless, those plans were abandoned for undisclosed reasons, and the Quebec market remained unregulated. As a result, Ontario led the way in Canada regarding licensed casinos and sportsbooks.