Québec sports bettors express a preference for an online betting model akin to that of Ontario. Which would pave the way for the biggest online sportsbooks to enter the Québec market.
The Québec Online Gaming Coalition (QOGC), an industry-driven organization uniting prominent online gaming operators, unveiled insights today from a Mainstreet Research survey examining the online gaming habits of over 1000 Quebecers.
The findings highlight a significant trend, with an overwhelming 73% of players in Québec opting for privately-operated platforms when engaging in online casino games and sports betting. Privately-operated platforms are betting sites and apps such as DraftKings Sportsbook, bet365 and Bet99.
Québec Online Sports Betting Poll Findings
- A substantial 72% of Québec players utilizing Loto-Québec’s Espace Jeux platform exclusively do so for purchasing lottery tickets.
- When excluding those who solely use Espace Jeux for lottery tickets, a mere 26.6% of players frequent the site for online casino games and sports betting.
In essence, the majority of Quebec’s gaming enthusiasts (73%) gravitate towards privately-operated platforms for their online casino and sports betting experiences, as illuminated by this recent survey probing into the gaming landscape of Quebecers.
Independent Regulation Popular Request Among Québec Bettors
Mainstreet Research’s survey indicates strong support (67%) among Québec players for regulating private online gaming through licensing and taxation.
“The Québec government must consider the habits and preferences of Quebecers who play online games and establish a proper regulatory regime to protect the majority of Quebecers who play on privately operated platforms for online casino games and sports betting and not on the Crown Corporation’s platform,” Bergeron said.
This mirrors Coalition data from May, reflecting a consistent desire for an updated regulatory framework. Additionally, 56% of players agree with establishing an independent regulatory body for oversight, addressing concerns about safety and responsible gaming.
This aligns with global standards and recommendations, including Montreal Public Health’s recent endorsement and the 2014 Online Gambling Task Force report chaired by Dr. Louise Nadeau. Experts stress Québec’s need to modernize its gaming system, emphasizing the inadequacy of self-regulation by the Crown Corporation.
What is the Québec Online Gaming Coalition?
The Québec Online Gaming Coalition (QOGC), established on May 24, 2023, is an industry-led organization uniting major online gaming operators like Betway, Bet99, DraftKings, Flutter, Entain, RushStreet, and Apricot.
It advocates for a new regulatory licensing regime in Québec to enhance oversight and promote responsible gaming. Supported by major North American sports leagues, the coalition, including Flutter Entertainment, seeks to create a framework ensuring both operator interests and a secure gaming environment for players.
For more on the latest developments across Canada, follow our Canada sports betting page.
