Quebec election sets stage to end Loto-Québec's online gambling monopoly
Both the Parti Québécois and the Liberals have committed to creating a private, regulated iGaming market similar to Ontario's.
QUEBEC — The election of a Parti Québécois government in Quebec has set the stage to dismantle Loto-Québec's monopoly and transition to a private online gambling market.
"The election in Quebec brings a new political leadership with a different perspective on online gaming," said Ariane Gauthier, spokesperson for the Quebec Online Gaming Coalition, a lobby group representing major commercial operators.
The PQ, which won 59 seats on Oct. 5, and the Quebec Liberal Party, which will form the official opposition, both committed during the campaign to moving forward with a private iGaming model.
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"Paul St-Pierre Plamondon even congratulated the Liberal leader for announcing it first during the campaign," Gauthier said. "We think this is a reform gathering a large consensus that can be successfully put forward by the new Quebec government."
Both parties have proposed expanding the mandate of the provincial regulator, the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux, to license and oversee all online gambling platforms.
Building a new regulatory model
"Quebec has to decide what specific rules to put in place and which independent organization will act as the regulator for all operators in the province, including Loto-Québec," Gauthier said. "These are not small changes; they form the foundation of a fair and secure environment."
Amanda Brewer, senior vice president of policy and communications at the Canadian Gaming Association, noted that Loto-Québec is not currently regulated by the RACJ.
She said the province would need to establish a regulator and likely a 'conduct and manage' entity similar to iGaming Ontario or Alberta iGaming Corporation.
A private-sector study this summer projected Quebec's total addressable iGaming market for 2026 at $3.09 billion.
Current channelization rates show only 27% of play occurs within regulated channels, leaving 73% in the unregulated market and resulting in an estimated $2.3 billion in lost gross gaming revenue.
Loto-Québec has claimed that 81% of Quebec online players use its platform, but a 2023 study released by the QOGC found that 73% of surveyed players chose privately operated platforms for sports betting and casino games.
"The fact that the two leading parties in Quebec campaigned on creating an online gambling regulatory regime is encouraging," said Troy Ross, president of TRM Public Affairs, who represents private sector iGaming operators.
"Between the Parti Québécois and the Liberal Party of Quebec, they have more than enough seats to pass legislation and launch a model."
Ontario's private iGaming market, which launched in April 2022, generated $4.04 billion in non-adjusted gross gaming revenue in 2025.
Ross said the coalition has effectively built the case for regulation and looks forward to working with the new government on the details.
Isabelle Moreau is the editor of Novello Desserts and writes about family life and everyday living in Canada. The editor signs off on corrections and editorial standards.