Quebec Election Opens Online Gambling Debate

Jonathan Rodriguez

Written by: Jonathan Rodriguez

Published: Mon Sep 14, 2026, 10:00 am ET

Read Time: 4 minutes

Quebec Election Opens Online Gambling Debate

industry

Quebec's upcoming provincial election has opened a new discussion around online gambling and prediction markets. The October 5 vote could reshape the province's gambling framework.

Quebec currently relies on Loto-Québec as its government-run online gambling provider. However, opposition parties are considering a different approach. The Quebec Liberal Party and Parti Québécois both support regulating private online gambling platforms.

That puts Quebec gambling policy among the issues that could gain importance after the election. It could also create new opportunities for Canada online sportsbooks seeking access to the province.

Liberals Propose New Online Gambling Rules

Liberal leader Charles Milliard proposed expanding the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux (RACJ)'s mandate. The regulator would license and oversee online gambling platforms operating in Quebec.

The proposal would impose strict advertising, addiction-prevention and minor-protection requirements. It would also establish an independent, industry-funded organization supporting people struggling with gambling addiction.

The plan would move Quebec closer to competitive models already operating in Ontario and Alberta. Both provinces allow private operators to participate in regulated online gambling markets.

However, the Liberal proposal forms part of a broader government modernization plan. The party says that plan could generate C$1.7 billion in recurring savings.

PQ Supports Potential Market Expansion

Parti Québécois leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon has also backed the Liberal proposal. His support gives the issue additional political momentum before the election.

Plamondon described the proposal as "brilliant" during discussions about online gambling. He also criticized Quebec's current environment, saying "online sports betting in Quebec is a Wild West."

He argued that foreign companies can advertise to Quebec consumers without facing equivalent provincial oversight. A regulated market could therefore strengthen consumer protections.

The PQ leader also pointed to potential financial benefits from greater regulation. Supporters have estimated that Quebec could generate around C$300 million annually through a competitive market.

However, that figure comes from industry estimates and should not be confused with the Liberal Party's separate C$300 million government-savings target.

Industry Sees Growing Political Consensus

The Quebec Online Gaming Coalition (QOGC) has welcomed support from both opposition parties. The coalition represents companies seeking greater access to Quebec's online gaming market.

In a statement, the QOGC welcomed the "commitment" from the Liberals and PQ to recognize and regulate private iGaming platforms.

Coalition spokesperson Ariane Gauthier said the positions showed growing political agreement.

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

She added that coalition members look forward to working with government authorities and stakeholders to turn those commitments into reality.

Prediction Markets Enter the Debate

The Liberal proposal also addresses the growing issue of prediction markets.

Milliard wants the RACJ and Autorité des marchés financiers to jointly address what the party considers a regulatory gap. The Liberal Party says prediction markets are "currently accessible in Quebec without any regulatory framework."

That issue has gained importance as platforms offer contracts tied to sports, politics and other events. Canadian regulators have also taken steps against unregulated sports-related event contracts.

Polymarket has blocked access in Quebec, adding another dimension to the provincial debate. A new government could face pressure to clarify whether prediction markets belong under gambling or financial regulation.

Election Could Shape Quebec's Gambling Future

The election result will determine whether these proposals move forward. The governing Coalition Avenir Québec does not support ending Loto-Québec's monopoly.

Recent polling also highlights the uncertainty surrounding the race. A September 8 Léger poll placed the PQ at 29%, followed by the CAQ at 23%. The Liberals stood at 22%.

Consequently, political support for private online gambling does not guarantee immediate regulatory change. Still, the election has moved the issue beyond industry lobbying and into mainstream political debate.

If the Liberals or PQ gain power, Quebec could reconsider its approach to online gambling and prediction markets. For Canada online sportsbooks, that could eventually create a major new regulated market opportunity.

Jonathan Rodriguez
Jonathan Rodriguez

Jonathan is an avid basketball fan, and is often looking forward to the next upcoming NBA season when not checking players' stats during games. He also likes to keep his ears on the ground for the latest rumblings in the online casino industry.

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