Quebec Election Could Unlock Commercial iGaming Market

A new Léger poll published this morning suggests Quebec may be moving closer to ending Loto-Québec’s monopoly and creating a regulated commercial iGaming market modeled after Ontario and Alberta.

On Sept. 9, the Quebec Liberal Party released a government modernization plan that includes expanding the mandate of the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux (RACJ)—the provincial regulator for alcohol, horse racing, and gaming.

If elected on Oct. 5, the Liberals said they will empower the regulator to license and oversee all online gambling platforms in the province, while enforcing strict rules around advertising, addiction prevention, and consumer protection.

Liberals Back iGaming Reform

The Liberals promised to create an independent organization dedicated to prevention and support for individuals struggling with gambling addiction, funded directly by the industry rather than taxpayers.

Additionally, the party pledged to give the Autorité des marchés financiers and the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux a joint mandate to “fill the regulatory gap surrounding prediction markets,” which currently operate in Quebec without a formal framework.

A representative for the Parti Québécois told Radio-Canada that the party would adopt a similar regulatory approach if elected.

PQ Takes Poll Lead

According to a new Léger survey, the provincial race is shifting behind the Parti Québécois, which leads with 29% among decided voters. The Liberals follow at 23%, while the governing Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) has dropped to third place at 21%.

The CAQ remains committed to maintaining Loto-Québec’s monopoly, refusing to open the market to private commercial operators. Meanwhile, the Parti conservateur du Québec rose to 17% in the poll.

Prediction Markets Face Scrutiny

The Léger survey and policy announcements were welcomed by the Quebec Online Gaming Coalition, which has long advocated for an Ontario-style competitive iGaming model. The coalition represents major commercial operators, including DraftKings, Flutter, Entain, Betway, Bet99, Rush Street, and Apricot.

“The Quebec Online Gaming Coalition is pleased that the election campaign is providing an opportunity to discuss the modernization of the regulatory framework for online gaming,” said Ariane Gauthier, spokesperson for the Quebec Online Gaming Coalition.

“The positions taken by the various political parties demonstrate that a broad consensus is emerging in Quebec in favor of establishing clear rules that must apply equally to both Loto-Québec and private companies offering online gaming,” Gauthier added.

Industry Welcomes Political Shift

According to industry estimates, Quebec’s total addressable iGaming market for 2026 is CA$3.09 billion. Current channelization rates show that 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.

“The members of the Quebec Online Gaming Coalition look forward to working together with government authorities and stakeholders to turn these commitments into reality,” concluded Gauthier.