Quebec Election Opens Door to iGaming Market Reform

Jonathan Rodriguez

Written by: Jonathan Rodriguez

Published: Thu Oct 08, 2026, 10:00 am ET

Read Time: 3 minutes

Quebec Election Opens Door to iGaming Market Reform

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Quebec's recent election could create new momentum for a major overhaul of the province's online gambling market. The Parti Québécois (PQ) won 59 of 127 seats on October 5, forming a minority government. The Quebec Liberal Party secured 40 seats and became the official opposition.

Quebec Election Result Creates Opening for iGaming Reform

The result gives the PQ a clear opportunity to pursue iGaming reform. Both major parties supported moving Quebec toward a competitive online gambling framework during the campaign. That alignment could help the province reconsider its current Loto-Québec model.

The election also marked a sharp political break from the previous government. Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ), which defended Loto-Québec's online gambling monopoly, was completely wiped out at the polls. Its defeat removes a major source of political resistance to private-sector iGaming reform.

Loto-Québec currently operates Quebec's only authorized online sports betting and internet casino platform.

However, the PQ and Liberals support introducing a framework that could allow private operators to compete. That approach would bring Quebec closer to models already operating in Ontario and Alberta.

PQ Signals Support for Private Operators

PQ leader and Premier-elect Paul St-Pierre Plamondon also backed the Liberal proposal during the campaign. Liberal leader Charles Milliard had proposed licensing and regulating private gambling platforms. Plamondon said he would adopt Milliard's iGaming proposal if elected.

Plamondon also criticized the province's current approach to online sports betting.

"Mr. Milliard says, and he's right, I did the research: online sports betting in Quebec is a Wild West. (…) American companies arrive, then advertise, are not regulated."

His comments highlighted concerns about unregulated operators reaching Quebec consumers. They also reinforced the PQ's argument for establishing stronger oversight of the market.

As a result, the election could significantly affect Quebec gambling. Industry representatives estimate that around 75% of the province's iGaming activity currently occurs through unregulated sites. 

The Quebec Online Gaming Coalition estimates that regulation could generate more than CAD $300 million in annual tax revenue.

RACJ Could Play Key Regulatory Role

A regulated market could offer several potential benefits. Private operators could enter Quebec under licensing requirements, while regulators could establish advertising and consumer protection standards. 

The model could also provide bettors with more regulated choices for sports wagering and casino gaming.

However, Quebec still faces important regulatory questions before private operators can launch. One proposed path involves expanding the mandate of the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux (RACJ). Another option would create a dedicated subsidiary regulator to oversee online gambling.

Policymakers must also determine how a new framework would work alongside Loto-Québec. The province would need rules covering licensing, responsible gambling, advertising, geolocation, and consumer protection.

Minority Government Leaves Room for Coalition

The PQ's 59 seats leave it five short of the 64 needed for a majority. Therefore, the government will need support from other parties to advance major legislation.

The Liberals hold 40 seats and already support private-sector iGaming reform. However, the Conservative Party of Quebec (PCQ) also emerged as a significant force after winning 19 seats.

PCQ leader Éric Duhaime could therefore become an important figure in future legislative negotiations. The party's 19 seats give the PQ another potential voting bloc if the government cannot secure enough Liberal support.

That dynamic could provide the PQ with greater flexibility as it develops its iGaming plans. At the same time, the government will need to build enough support around the details of any proposed regulatory framework.

The election therefore represents a potential turning point for Quebec's online gambling industry. The PQ and Liberals now share broad support for a competitive model. Meanwhile, the CAQ's defeat removes the party that previously defended the existing monopoly.

Quebec still needs to establish its regulatory structure before private operators can enter the market. Nevertheless, the political conditions for iGaming reform now appear more favorable than before.

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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