The Quebec Online Gaming Coalition (QOGC) has sparked a renewed debate on the future of online gaming in the province, questioning the sustainability of Loto-Québec’s monopoly model. With its spokesperson Ariane Gauthier at the helm, the coalition is advocating for an Ontario-style regulatory framework, arguing it could bolster revenue and better protect players.
Loto-Québec’s Numbers in Context
Loto-Québec, the government’s sole authorised online gambling platform, recently reported a net income of CA$771 million for the first six months of the 2024-2025 fiscal year. While this reflects a 4.7% year-over-year increase, Gauthier highlighted a longer-term concern. Adjusted for inflation, the CA$1.6 billion paid to the government in 2006 would equate to approximately CA$2.4 billion today—a stark contrast to recent figures.
“Loto-Québec is limited by its monopoly,” Gauthier argued. “The numbers are not keeping pace with the potential growth of the igaming market.”
The crown corporation has consistently operated under its legislative mandate, but critics claim this model is out of step with industry trends and consumer behaviour.
Survey Says: Players Favour Private Platforms
A 2023 survey by Mainstreet Research shed light on Quebecers’ gambling preferences. Key findings included:
- 73% of players in the province prefer private platforms over Loto-Québec.
- 67% support the introduction of a licensing and tax regime similar to Ontario’s model.
These statistics underscore the gap between the current system and player expectations. Gauthier emphasised that the QOGC is working to provide updated data next month, aiming to further illustrate the potential benefits of a regulated market.
The Case for an Ontario-Style Model
Ontario’s regulatory approach has been cited as a blueprint for modernising Quebec’s gaming framework. Under Ontario’s system, private operators are licensed and taxed, contributing to a more competitive market.
The QOGC, comprising major players like Betway, Bet99, DraftKings, and Flutter, believes a similar model in Quebec could generate an additional CA$200 million to CA$300 million annually. Gauthier stressed that the coalition’s objective isn’t to undermine the government but to work collaboratively toward a system that reflects the realities of the industry.
“We want to partner with the government,” she said. “This isn’t about opposing the current structure—it’s about creating a framework that benefits everyone, from players to public coffers.”
Political and Public Health Implications
Loto-Québec’s President and CEO, Jean-Francois Bergeron, has remained steadfast in his mandate to operate within the current legal framework. At a gaming summit last June, Bergeron stated, “It’s not our role to defend or debate models. We operate within the law, as mandated by the Quebec government.”
However, Gauthier’s background in political communications, including her role as a public policy advisor to Premier François Legault, offers her unique insight into government priorities. With the next provincial election set for October 2026, she is keen to engage all political parties in the discussion.
The Parti Québécois, currently polling ahead of Legault’s Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ), has yet to weigh in on the igaming issue. Gauthier believes that engaging public health experts and elected officials in a fact-based debate is critical to advancing the conversation.
“Online gaming is here to stay,” Gauthier noted. “The focus needs to be on building a system that reflects this reality while safeguarding players through independent regulation.”
Looking Ahead
The QOGC plans to intensify its efforts in the coming months, releasing updated studies and continuing to engage stakeholders. Meanwhile, Loto-Québec faces increasing pressure to justify its monopoly in a market where consumer preferences are shifting rapidly.
With hundreds of millions in potential revenue at stake, the conversation around Quebec’s gaming future is far from over. The question now is whether the government is ready to embrace change or continue defending the status quo.