Legalizing Sports Betting in Quebec Could Unlock New Opportunities for Canadian Markets

There's a building momentum among sports betting companies, with several sportsbooks spearheading an initiative to open Quebec to private operators. This coalition, formed by major players like DraftKings and Bet99, is advocating for a licensed and regulated approach to online gaming.

Betway and Bet99, known for their presence in Ontario's gray market, advocate for a system that prioritizes player safety, controlled advertising, and responsible gaming, while ensuring revenue generation for the government.

Currently, Loto-Quebec exclusively governs sports betting within the province. However, proponents hope to guide Quebec toward establishing its own regulatory framework, drawing insights from Ontario's success in this arena.

Amid U.S. states urging federal assistance against illicit operators, the spotlight on expanding Canada's second-largest province's betting landscape grows. Quebec, with its 8.7 million residents comparable to Virginia, presents a promising frontier for iGaming.

Inspiring the foundation of the coalition, a recent survey reveals that a majority in Quebec support the licensing and taxation of private online gambling, believing the provincial government incapable of halting unlicensed activity.

Loto-Quebec remains the single licensed operator in the province, contrasting with Ontario's expansive iGaming market. Although Quebec is early in its journey, Ontario's framework has matured into a lucrative model, boasting $1.4 billion in gross revenue and handling $35 billion in total bets within a year.

NorthStar Gaming Holdings Inc., one of the private entities in Canada, is witnessing considerable success in Ontario's burgeoning market.

The path to legalizing single-game betting in Canada was long, with legislative changes only happening in 2021. Earlier, the idea of Quebec's licensing authority for private sectors was proposed back in 2014.

Despite the nationwide legalization of single-game betting, Ontario remains unique in welcoming private operators, leaving room for pressure and proposed frameworks to potentially bring Quebec up to pace.

Yet, the unregulated gray market continues to thrive across Canadian territories besides Ontario.

Last Updated: July 28, 2023