If Leger’s most recent Quebec election poll released today is any indication, the province might be moving closer towards a regulated iGaming market, similar to what is currently in place in Ontario and Alberta.
On Sept. 9, the Quebec Liberal Party unveiled a plan outlining its intentions to modernize Quebec’s civil service, which includes expanding the authority of the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux, the provincial regulator for alcohol, horse racing, and gaming-related activities.
If the Liberals win on Oct. 5, they plan to authorize the regulator to license and supervise all online gambling platforms operating in the province, while implementing regulations on advertising, addiction prevention, and the protection of minors.
Liberals Support iGaming Reform
The Liberals will establish an independent organization dedicated to prevention and support for individuals struggling with gambling addiction, funded by the industry instead of taxpayers.
Furthermore, the Liberals will assign the Autorité des marchés financiers and the Régie the shared responsibility to address the “regulatory gap surrounding prediction markets” currently accessible in Quebec without a regulatory framework.
The Parti Québécois stated in an interview with Radio-Canada that they would follow suit if elected.
PQ Leads in Poll
Based on the Leger poll results, the race is shifting in favor of the Parti Québécois, leading with 29% of decided voters, followed by the Liberals at 23%, and the ruling Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) at 21%.
The CAQ remains committed to keeping the market closed to private competitors, maintaining the monopoly of the Loto-Québec crown corporation in the province.
Le Parti conservateur du Québec saw a rise to 17% in the Leger poll.
Prediction Markets under Review
The Leger poll and statements from both the Liberals and the PQ were welcomed by the Quebec Online Gaming Coalition, advocating for an Ontario-style online gaming model.
The Coalition, consisting of major operators like DraftKings, Flutter, Entain, Betway, Bet99, Rush Street, and Apricot, expressed their support for the modernization of the regulatory framework for online gaming in Quebec.
“The Quebec Online Gaming Coalition is pleased that the election campaign is providing an opportunity to discuss the modernization of the regulatory framework for online gaming,” said Ariane Gauthier, spokesperson for the Quebec Online Gaming Coalition. “The positions taken by the various political parties demonstrate that a broad consensus is emerging in Quebec in favor of establishing clear rules that must apply equally to both Loto-Québec and private companies offering online gaming.”
Industry Embraces Political Change
Industry data reveals that iGaming market channelization rates across Canada for 2026 show a total available market in Quebec of CA$3.09 billion, with 27% channelled and 73% unregulated, resulting in $2.3 billion in lost gross gaming revenue to the unregulated market.
“The members of the Quebec Online Gaming Coalition look forward to collaborating with government entities and stakeholders to translate these commitments into action,” said Gauthier.