Private Operator Coalition Looks to Cut Back Loto-Québec Monopoly
Quebec Online Gaming Coalition (QOGC), an organization of private operators comprised of Betway, Bet99, DraftKings, Entain, Flutter, Games Global and Rush Street Interactive
Quebec polls this morning show a healthy lead (33%) for the Parti Quebecois party over the governing Coalition Avenir Quebec party (22%), with a long wait to the next provincial election (October 2026). This matters if you are following the progression of online gaming in Canada’s second most populous province.
Crown corporation Loto-Québec runs legalized igaming in the province. Premier Francois Legault indicated a year ago that they are happy with the Loto-Québec monopoly model.
That’s not stopping the Quebec Online Gaming Coalition (QOGC), an organization of private operators comprised of Betway, Bet99, DraftKings, Entain, Flutter, Games Global and Rush Street Interactive, partnering with Apricot Investments, committed to working with the Quebec government and local stakeholders to develop a new regulatory framework for the province.
With the Ontario regulated, competitive market fast approaching its third-year anniversary (in April), and a similar Ontario-style igaming market about to launch in Alberta (mid 2025?), plus the Quebec government dealing with a deep deficit and actively looking for new sources of revenue, the QOGC is getting more aggressive in pushing the province to change course, the lead spokesperson for the Coalition tells Casino.org.
Shaping Policy
Ariane Gauthier says while they haven’t had a direct meeting with PQ leadership, they are in touch with all political parties in the province, sending them facts and figures.
We want Quebecers and elected officials to know what is going on, to see the possibility and the opportunity for change,” she said. "So we are going to keep putting on pressure on the government, on Loto-Québec, advocating for change. For the longer game, we have been talking to all political parties, we are keeping the communication channels open there, to talk about their electoral platforms.
https://www.casino.org/news/private-operators-look-to-cut-back-quebec-monopoly/