Loto-Québec has enjoyed a monopoly when it comes to online gambling, but a recent public poll reported that bettors would like to see a regulated commercial market.
The survey conducted by the Quebec Online Gaming Coalition (QOGC) reveals interesting insights into the preferences and habits of Quebec-based online gamblers.
The coalition, comprising prominent online gaming operators such as Betway, Bet99, DraftKings, Entain, Flutter Entertainment, Games Global and Rush Street Interactive, aims to collaborate with the Quebec government to establish a new regulatory framework for the province’s online gambling industry. Loto-Québec, a crown corporation, currently holds a monopoly over legal gambling in Quebec, apart from two small First Nations operations.
However, the survey conducted by Mainstreet Research on behalf of the QOGC challenges the perception of Loto-Québec’s monopoly. The findings indicate that nearly three out of four Quebec players opt for privately operated platforms that are unlicensed by Quebec and not legally regulated. These platforms are preferred for online casino games and sports betting, while Loto-Québec’s Espace Jeux platform is predominantly used for purchasing lottery tickets.
“These results show that Loto-Québec’s monopoly only exists on paper, and the Crown Corporation’s recent assessment of its market share does not reflect reality,” said Nathalie Bergeron, the spokesperson for the QOGC.
She added the survey reveals a clear demand among Quebecers for a private market option, prompting the coalition to advocate for a regulatory regime that protects the majority of Quebecers who engage in online gambling on privately operated platforms.
In response to the survey’s findings, the Quebec government’s position remains unchanged. Loto-Québec’s spokesperson, Renaud Dugas, asserts that any online gambling outside of Loto-Québec is illegal, emphasizing the clarity of Quebec’s rules.
That said, 56 percent of Quebec players expressed their support for the establishment of an independent regulatory body to oversee the online gambling industry in Quebec. This body would ensure consumer safety and responsible gaming, drawing inspiration from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario and iGaming Ontario.
Currently, Loto-Québec self-regulates its operations, but the survey suggests that Quebec players believe an independent regulatory body would strengthen oversight and enhance the overall customer experience.
The success of Ontario’s competitive online sports betting market has caught the attention of Quebec-based online gamblers. The survey conducted by the QOGC indicates that a significant number of Quebec players are in favor of a licensing and tax regime similar to Ontario. Quebec’s population, being the second largest in Canada, makes it an attractive market for bookmakers and online gaming operators.
Another crucial aspect highlighted by the survey is the expectation that funds raised through licensing and taxation should be allocated to support responsible gambling initiatives and social responsibility programs. The survey reveals that 61 percent of respondents believe that these funds should be utilized for such purposes, further emphasizing the importance of a regulated commercial market that prioritizes the well-being of gamblers.
