Online Gambling In Quebec

Quebec has a long history of casinos and gambling, starting in 1969 with lottery and in 1992 with government approval for new land-based casinos in the province. Quebec is the largest province of Canada and it is a standout due to the fact that the language spoken there is French. In Quebec, casinos are run by Loto-Quebec subsidiary known as Société des casinos du Québec. Currently there are 4 land-based casinos run by the government owned company and there is also a newer, online casino also offering its services. Legal gambling age in Quebec is 18. Except for the government owned casinos, online casinos based elsewhere also offer their services in Quebec. Responsible authority in this province is Quebec Alcohol, Racing, and Gaming Commission. Below find everything about Quebec online casino offer and gambling laws in the province.

As mentioned, the 1990 Act regarding the Société des casinos du Québec is a baseline of gambling laws in Quebec, defining the joint stock company which will be responsible to run casinos in the province. The mother company is Loto-Quebec, and it is responsible for offering and controlling market for casino games, lottery and keno/kinzo.

Four land-based casinos in Quebec are:

• Casino de Charlevoix,
• Casino de Montréal,
• Casino du Lac-Leamy, and
• Casino de Mont-Tremblant.

Online Casino Quebec

Espacejeux is the online offering for casino games run by the Quebec government company. By definition it should be a monopoly, but as we will see, legal reality does not reflect this. It uses Playtech software to offer slots, roulette, baccarat, poker and other casino games. The offer is rather limited compared to what players in Europe and more recently in some states in US are used to. This obviously has to do with the company utilizing one software provider.

Even with limited options, study on the gambling market has shown that about 70% of grown-ups in Quebec spend money on some of type of gambling on yearly basis. Most buy lottery tickets (about 65%) while other 10% play slot machines, poker (5%) and video lottery terminals (VLTs 5%). On average annually Quebecers spend about $500 for gambling.

Espacejeux vs Online Casinos

Online Gambling Laws in Quebec

When it became obvious that offshore online casinos started to offer better games and conditions for players, the provincial government tried to step in and ensure the monopoly they run is the only game in town. The effort resulted in Bill 74 which was passed in May 2016 with the goal of IP blocking online gambling operators which are not approved in Quebec. The CWTA – The Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Associationbrought the Bill 74 to Supreme Court as it disagreed with it and the Court agreed with them. Bill 74 was struck down and now players in Quebec can enjoy the best games and offers in online casinos. Ontario is trying to implement similar law, however if precedent is to be followed, it will most likely fail.

Best Online Casinos in Quebec

Looking at the information about advantages above, we list the best online casinos for Quebec.

5.0 rating

120% match up to C$750
+ 240 Bonus spins

• Multi-feature welcome package
• Large game library 9,000+ games
• Ongoing promos + cashback system

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4.7 rating

300% up to C$2,000
+ 150 Bonus spins

• 2,000+ casino games
• Canadian-friendly payments
• Fast payout options

Play Now

4.5 rating

250% up to C$4,500
+ 350 Bonus spins

• Casino + sportsbook 
• Canadian payment options
• VIP and loyalty extras

Play Now

5.0 rating

100% up to C$750
+ 200 Bonus spins

• Casino + sportsbook
• 9,000+ casino games
• 200 free spins welcome offer

Play Now

4.9 rating

100% up to C$750
+ 200 Bonus spins

• Casino + sportsbook
• 200 FS welcome offer
• MMA-style mini game

Play Now

Downsides of Gambling in Quebec

In many cases it is thought that offshore casinos might create societal issues such as gambling addiction, however the same is true for the local monopoly. For the local regulators it is always a fine balancing act between increasing the oversight and control vs. maximizing the income for the government. Other issues also arise. Most recently, Loto-Quebec boss admitted the monopoly has issues in containing money laundering without restricting rights of players to visit and play at their venues. Compared to this, online casinos regulated in EU have a long history of battle with money laundering and offer mature legislation up to highest international standards. This is why MGA regulated casinos are also a good fit for players from Quebec looking for operators with high level of oversight, in additions to advantages listed above.

Sports Betting Quebec

As in many other Canadian provinces, Proline based sports betting is also available in Quebec through the Mise-O-Jeu. The offer in matches is available online and in various brick and mortar locations across Quebec. The country-wide ban on single game bets is in place here as well, diminishing the attractiveness of the sportsbook.

Gambling in Quebec FAQ

• Is online casino legal in Quebec?

  Online casino games are legal in Quebec. While the provincial government monopoly offers relatively safe place to gamble, players in Quebec can sign up with many offshore online casinos regulated by the MGA in the EU or Curacao.

• Do I have to pay taxes on winnings if I gamble from Quebec?

  You do not have to pay taxes on your gambling winnings in Quebec nor report gambling income to the Canada Revenue Agency.

• Which authority regulates gambling in Quebec?

  Provinces are responsible to regulate such activity on their territory. In Quebec, the Quebec Alcohol, Racing and Gaming Commission is the regulator for gambling.

• How old do I have to be to play casino games in Quebec?

  Legal gambling age in Quebec is 18.

• Problematic gambling in Quebec – where can I get help?

  If you have problem managing your gambling activities in a way that they are effecting your everyday life and finances, contact AideJeu in Quebec on the website or via phone numbers 514 527-0140 and 1 800 461-0140.