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Manitoba premier says province will reconsider gambling expansion

For the first time since 2018, the Manitoba government is considering the expansion of gambling in the province. Wab Kinew, the first provincial premier in Canadian history from a First Nation background, is keen to use gambling as part of a broader strategy for economic reconciliation with Indigenous communities.

During a press conference, Kinew expressed openness to establishing more First-Nations-run casinos in the province. However, the premier maintains a cautious stance on the prospect of opening such a facility in Winnipeg.

Kinew highlighted the absence of a concrete plan for new casinos but emphasized the government’s willingness to engage in discussions. “Whether it’s Treaty One [Development Corporation] or a Westman First Nation, if we’re talking about that part of the province, they would have to come forward and say, ‘Here’s a plan,’ and then we’d take it from there,” the premier said.

Manitoba’s gambling expansion has been halted since 2018 when the Progressive Conservative (PC) government, then in power, suspended new gaming facilities. In 2016, former premier Brian Pallister produced a report concluding that gambling was oversupplied in the city of Winnipeg and across the entire province of Manitoba. The PC government used this as justification for denying a First Nations-operated casino in The Pas, Aseneskak Casino, approval to move its operations to Winnipeg.

Pallister followed this with an announcement in his 2018 throne speech, saying that the province would prohibit further expansion of gambling until a review has been completed.

“I don’t think there are many Manitobans who believe we should hang our revenue dependency on the need for people playing VLTs or gambling,” Pallister said on the decision. “We need to have a strategy as to where we’re going, and I think it’s important to do that analysis.”

Kinew’s New Democratic Party (NDP) was opposed to the decision at the time and has used its recent return to government to change course. “We took the decision that we can lift this pause while still ensuring that we’re being socially responsible with Liquor and Lotteries,” Kinew said during the press conference.

On Tuesday, the newly-elected Manitoba Government replaced board members of the Crown corporation, Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries (MBLL), in what appears to be a statement of intent to progress gambling.

The lifting of the pause on gambling and the appointment of a new board for the MBLL is envisaged to support both economic reconciliation and local economic development while upholding Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries’ commitment to community service. This approach is detailed in a mandate letter issued to Jeff Traeger, former president of the local United Food and Commercial Union, the new board chair of the Crown corporation.

“[The MLL should] work collaboratively with stakeholders to lift the pause on gaming expansion in a targeted fashion to include supporting economic reconciliation and local economic development while maintaining (the Crown corporation’s) commitment to supporting the communities they serve,” wrote Glen Simard, Minister of Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism, responsible for MBLL.

While not outrightly opposing the expansion of gambling in the province, Progressive Conservative MLA Obby Khan has called for more details on the proposed expansion, noting the need for a comprehensive understanding before the Opposition can formulate a stance.

Key takeaways from the CGA Player Wellbeing Symposium

It’s been a week since stakeholders from across the Canadian gaming industry convened to plan a new industry-wide approach to player protection. CGA board member Mark Harper wrote up some of the key takeaways from the event.

Formerly General Manager at Covers.com for six years, Harper led a world-class team of digital media professionals, passionate about delivering best-in-class sports betting content to 2 million monthly users. Harper has over 25 years of experience in the digital media industry, with a proven track record of driving business growth, M&A, operational efficiency and product strategy.
More recently he has contributed to the development and advocacy for the Canadian gaming industry as a board member of the Canadian Gaming Association, working specifically with their Responsible Gaming Working Group.

The overriding takeaway from the recent Player Health and Wellbeing Symposium in Toronto presented by the Canadian Gaming Association was the low levels of trust and lack of information and awareness that consumers have for online sports betting and gaming industry. Naturally, this leaves a lot of work to be done by industry stakeholders to help with familiarity with the sector, since new regulations came into place in Ontario in April 2022.

The symposium was a big draw for a broad mix of gaming sector participants from research and education sectors, government regulators, online/technology players, land-based operators, and other gaming and sports betting sector stakeholders.

George Sweny, VP of Regulatory Affairs for Flutter and Chair of the CGA’s Responsible Gaming Working Group, laid out the CGA’s own RG project: a responsible gaming committee that focuses on a specific set of initiatives to help stakeholders stay at the forefront of player protection as the regulated gaming and betting sectors continue to evolve in Ontario. This committee is a clear indicator of the CGA’s drive to educate its members and other stakeholders, to advocate for the consumer, and to underpin collaboration for a more sustainable gaming sector across Canada.

There were also clear expectations from symposium attendees that the regulated gaming markets will continue to move into more Canadian provinces into 2024 and beyond, with Alberta expected to regulate next. The future success and sustainability of the Canadian gaming sector will be heavily linked to both the transparency and standardisation of gaming regulations across the provinces in the future.

Adding more fuel to the player protection debate, Tracy Parker, VP Policy Standards and the Responsible Gaming Council (RGC) led a collaborative workshop that helped symposium attendees offer feedback and insights around key topics. The workshop identified some clear priorities, namely that responsible gaming was a shared obligation amongst all stakeholders. There was a recognition that while gambling and betting can be a fun pastime, it can cause harm and that the industry had a duty of care to warn consumers of the risks involved, and to provide a range of supports and assistance to players who are experiencing harm.

The workshop attendees also discussed the gamification of gambling and sports betting through websites and apps. Attendees were concerned this type of online, gamified environment often attracts children and other consumers in a vulnerable state. The promotion and access to gambling and sports betting needed careful and considered research.

While the workshop also considered a comprehensive and continuous system for monitoring player behaviour to identify signs of potential gambling harm to be important, it was likely an unfeasible approach by all stakeholders. The gaming and sports betting operators were likely best placed to offer a timely invention and support for those players considered to be at risk.

Karin Schnarr, newly appointed CEO of the Alcohol & Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), talked passionately about her role in helping the gaming industry with a new ‘Standards in Advertising’ initiative (set for release in February 2024) which will better guide all stakeholders in the gaming and sports betting space. The consensus amongst symposium attendees is that the release of the new advertising standards guidelines will help eradicate ongoing ambiguities for legal, marketing, and compliance executives in the sector.

The AGCO’s mandate will focus on a series of processes and tactics that will shift the onus of responsibility away from the consumer over to the operators with the drive to help players with initiatives such as spend limit setting, pausing accounts, and self-exclusion programs. In urging a higher degree of understanding of player risk profiles, the AGCO suggested that the monitoring of player behaviours should be at the forefront of all RG strategies for operators and affiliates.

The central theme from the AGCO at the player protection symposium encouraged all stakeholders to plan for and design a set of RG strategies to prevent player harm from gambling and sports betting.

Ipsos Canada VP Research Sean Simpson shared some interesting findings from a November 2023 poll of 1,000 Ontario-based consumers. Of those polled, 38% were not aware that regulations for gaming and sports betting were in place in April 2022 when legislation dropped. There was also a lack of understanding around the regulation of advertising for gaming, with 64% either not knowing who regulated advertising, or believing that advertisers/media regulated advertising themselves.

When asked which sectors consumers trusted most, online sports betting and gaming ranked the lowest out of all with those polled, with the OLG and charitable bingo scoring highest for trust and awareness.

Strikingly, there was also confusion from those polled around unregulated, or black-market websites, with 34% suggesting they knew how to determine the difference between regulated and unregulated black-market sites. However, when asked in a follow-up question to state how they knew the difference, over half had no rationale for their reasoning.

The Ipsos results demonstrate some real concerns related to the unregulated black-market operators and the lack of awareness from a large percentage of Ontario-based consumers. The obvious issue here will be the lack of regard for player protections or responsible gaming policies for their players, amongst the unregulated/black-market operators.

Day 2 of the CGA symposium, saw a selection of operators and AGCO/IGO stakeholders state their concern for operators that continue to draw Canadian players into unregulated websites. AGCO COO Dave Phillips pointed out that Ontario’s reach to effectively police those unregulated operators targeting Ontario players is somewhat restricted when compared to European markets. However, moving into 2024, the AGCO is taking measures to identify and nullify those operators.

In closing out the symposium, it was reiterated that responsible gaming and player protection are shared responsibilities and a common theme across all industry stakeholders in the gaming and sports betting Canadian markets. The CGA’s mandate was to carry this initiative forward amongst its own members and other industry players using education, advocacy, and collaboration.

Canadian Gaming Summit readies for return to Toronto Convention Center

The Canadian Gaming Summit, Canada’s premier gaming and betting event, is slated to return to the Metro Toronto Convention Center from June 18-20th, 2024. The event will act as a central hub for industry leaders seeking to enhance their understanding and strengthen their footprint in the dynamic Canadian market.

In continued collaboration with the Canadian Gaming Association (CGA), the event will bring together 3,000 delegates from prominent affiliates, suppliers, sports teams, Crown Corporations, First Nation representatives, lotteries, bingo operators, and providers, as well as representatives from over 600 operators.

“As the most comprehensive industry event in the region, we’re thrilled to once again offer delegates an unmatched platform to bolster their business operations in the region. What makes the Canadian Gaming Summit so special is that, It’s not just about delivering exceptional educational content; it’s also about diving into the latest innovations, engaging with prominent regional brands, and seizing countless networking chances,” said SBC CEO and Founder Rasmus Sojmark.

“Our first year organizing the Canadian Gaming Summit was a huge success, underscoring the abundance of opportunities and excitement surrounding this flourishing market. Given the dynamic landscape of the Canadian market, there is still so much room for exploration, making this event essential for anyone seeking operations in Canada.”

The exhibition floor will lay-host-to over 75 global and regional brands, showcasing the latest cutting-edge technology, latest game releases and innovative service providers. Exhibiting brands include:

Altenar
Arrow Games
BetConstruct
Continent 8
Everi
Gigadat
Kinectify
Optimove
Paramount Commerce
Payper
Paysafe
Smartsoft Gaming
Soft2Bet

Away from the exhibition floor, the Canadian Gaming Summit will also feature a two-day conference agenda featuring more than 150 expert speakers specializing in the Canadian market.

Notable speakers featured on the conference agenda include:

Paul Burns (CEO, Canadian Gaming Association)
Troy Ross (President, TRM Public Affairs)
Chuck Keeling (Executive Vice President, Stakeholder Relations, Great Canadian Gaming Corporation)
Dave Rivers (SVP Marketing, PointsBet)
Scott Vanderwel (CEO, PointsBet Canada)
Roxana Zaharia (Head of Canada, Rhino Entertainment)
Steve Lautischer (EVP, AGLC)
Dr. Mike Naraine (Associate Professor, Brock University)

Proceeding the event’s main conference will be a dedicated Player Protection Symposium on June 18. The focused pre-day conference will provide delegates with a keen interest in player safety an optimal opportunity to discuss innovative player protection, compliance, and leadership strategies across six expert-led panels. Attendees who wish to attend the limited-capacity C-level conference, are required to purchase a full event pass ticket.

Enhancing the event experience will be a variety of exclusive networking events, held at Lavelle and the RS Sports Bar. These events will provide delegates with the ideal opportunity to establish long-lasting connections with industry stakeholders and foster relationships with current and potential leads, in a relaxed and fun environment.

Purchase your ticket here and gain access to the exhibition, the conference and the networking parties at the Super Early Bird rate of CA$695, a CA$300 saving on the standard price of the Full Access Pass. 

If you are an operator or affiliate you can apply for a free full event pass by completing an application form. (Operator form, affiliate form) 

Contact [email protected] for details on exhibition and sponsorship opportunities.

Québec Online Gaming Coalition adds GeoComply as a partner

The Québec Online Gaming Coalition (QOGC), an industry-led group comprising major online gaming operators, has recently announced the addition of GeoComply as a partner. The Coalition, comprising gambling operators Betway, Bet99, DraftKings, Flutter, Entain, Rush Street, and Apricot, advocates for the modernization of Québec’s existing gaming framework and an end to Loto-Québec’s monopoly on gambling in the province.

QOGC proposes the establishment of a licensing and taxation system, along with the creation of an independent regulatory body to supervise the gaming sector in the region. The Coalition’s efforts are geared towards promoting a responsible and secure gaming environment, focusing on consumer protection.

The group has been active in the last few weeks, releasing a survey from Mainstreet Research that claimed that only 26.6% of players use Loto-Québec’s platform for online casino gaming. This, the group claimed, was proof that a reform of Loto-Québec’s monopoly was desperately needed but Loto-Québec has questioned the results of the research.

GeoComply is recognized for its expertise in anti-fraud and geolocation solutions. The company is already engaged with multiple online gaming platforms in Ontario and aims to bolster the Coalition’s activities in Québec. The company plans to provide comprehensive data regarding the online gaming habits of Quebecers. This data ensures the privacy of individual players and does not disclose any specific operator data.

GeoComply specializes in cybersecurity, providing solutions that identify location fraud and authenticate a user’s digital identity. With a decade of experience, the company’s geolocation solutions have been implemented across over 400 million devices, analyzing more than a billion transactions monthly.

“We are thrilled to have GeoComply join our efforts to push for a new regulatory and licensing framework in Québec. GeoComply’s data will help paint a clear picture of Quebecers’ playing habits and provide additional guidance to our mission,” said QOGC spokesperson Nathalie Bergeron.

“Their cutting-edge technology can help ensure safer online interactions for operators and users at all stages of the player journey while achieving the highest standards in compliance. We look forward to [working] with them as the Coalition continues its engagement in Québec,” she added.

“GeoComply proudly joins the efforts of the coalition to advocate for a modernized online gaming market that maximizes consumer protection, strengthens integrity and delivers meaningful revenues to Quebec. Ontario’s success has proven that in an open yet regulated market, everyone wins,” said GeoComply SVP of Compliance Lindsay Slader.

New sustainable procurement policy promotes catalysts for change in the gambling industry

As social purpose companies have come together to make progress on their shared goal of creating a better world, social purpose has come to mean something more than just one way of doing business. Social purpose has started to refer to the advancement of doing business differently – its own movement.

The British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) is building upon this movement through its new social purpose and sustainable procurement policy. As a gambling company, BCLC sees huge potential to extend its social purpose through its partners in the supply chain and vendor relationships.

“For us, ‘generating win-wins for the greater good’ isn’t just about creating more positive social impacts through our product and experiences, but through collaboration with other businesses so they can also be catalysts for change,” said Jordan O’Genski, Interim Director of Social Purpose and Community & Stakeholder Engagement. “It’s about expanding and amplifying our impact.”

Jenny Miles, BCLC’s Manager of Social and Sustainable Procurement, agrees.

“We can have such a positive impact beyond ourselves,” she said. “For example, one of our key suppliers became really excited about the social purpose journey for themselves after they learned more about it from us.”

Miles elaborated on this stance in the below video interview:

In line with its new policy, BCLC now structures its requests for proposal (RFPs) to include specific questions about environmental, social and governance (ESG) targets, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) or circularity, for example, indicating BCLC’s commitment to these values and seeking the same from the suppliers it works with. Further to that, BCLC places a greater weight on these questions in the evaluation to underline their significance.

“A lot of times, companies might list two or three questions about social responsibility in an RFP and then give them a weight of two or three percent, so the effect is that they don’t really influence the outcome,” said Miles. “Meanwhile, in a recent RFP for a prime consultant on a major capital project at BCLC, we’ve allocated 25 percent to social purpose questions. It sends a signal to the marketplace that this is extremely important – and you can see how social purpose will inform the project itself.”

BCLC has also recently initiated a supplier diversity program to further enhance its procurement processes. By proactively seeking dialogue and engagement with underrepresented groups through diverse supplier councils and “matchmaking sessions,” BCLC is starting to break down barriers and build more inclusive sourcing practices.

Further to this, Miles described how “avoiding unintended consequences” has been a crucial lesson over her time in the role. “The standard, traditional RFP process is already cumbersome. We want to make sure we’re not producing more barriers for suppliers with limited resources and less access. We have to avoid including questions that might contradict each other, which might leave certain groups out because they don’t have the capacity to provide all the information.”

For those wondering where to begin with their procurement activities, Miles simply said: “Get started. It can feel overwhelming but take comfort in knowing that it’s not going to be perfect. You can’t do everything all at once, but every incremental change has a positive impact.”

BCLC launches campaign against lotto ticket stocking stuffers

The British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) has issued advice to adults to reconsider including lottery-related products in the holiday gifts for children through its #GiftSmart campaign. This initiative is part of a broader effort to address concerns around youth gambling.

In a press release, BCLC cites statistical research that indicates that approximately 10-14% of adolescents are susceptible to developing gambling-related problems. Additionally, 4-6% of youths aged between 12 and 17 years are currently affected by problematic gambling behaviours. Notably, global studies reveal that individuals who encounter gambling issues often begin engaging in such activities around the age of 10.

“Early participation or exposure to gambling in childhood can increase the risk of developing a gambling problem later in life. Adults may be unaware of these associated risks, so, as part of our commitment to healthy play, it’s a priority for us to share the message that lottery products should never be gifted to kids,” said BCLC Director of Player Health Ryan McCarthy.

“It’s never too early to start the conversation. While kids and gambling don’t mix, many teenagers are already doing it by betting on things like a card game or by purchasing a virtual loot box,” he added.

McCarthy has provided several guidelines for parents. These include customizing discussions based on the child’s interests. For instance, parents can explain the random nature and risks of loot boxes for children interested in video games.

He also suggests educating children about the less obvious signs of gambling problems, such as concealing debts or missing school. Emphasizing the importance of role modelling, he advises parents to set a positive example, as children often learn from observing their parents’ behaviours.

In collaboration with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and McGill University’s International Centre for Youth Gambling, BCLC is sharing its #GiftSmart campaign across the North American gambling world.

This initiative includes reminders at over 3,400 lottery retail locations across British Columbia and through various social media platforms. Additional resources and information for families, including tools and ideas to assist parents, are available on the GameSense website, which supports the #GiftSmart movement.

Ontario auditor still has concerns about online gambling

Ontario’s Auditor General has issued a follow-up report on the implementation of recommendations from 2021 regarding Ontario gambling in its latest annual report. The report suggested that progress has been slow, highlighting the complexities inherent in this new gaming landscape.

The office, an independent agency that audits and investigates ON provincial government agencies, conducted a 2021 report prior to the launch of regulated gambling in the province, noting concerns about compliance and the structure of the Ontario gambling market. It made five recommendations to Ontario lawmakers for the gaming regulators, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), and iGaming Ontario (iGO).

The report suggests that “none of the five actions recommended in 2021 have been fully implemented.” This includes issues regarding the fairness and integrity of internet gaming, as well as concerns about compliance with the Criminal Code and potential conflicts of interest within iGaming Ontario’s (iGO) governance structure.

iGO’s role in managing and conducting internet gaming, in collaboration with private operators, is a cornerstone of the Ontario gambling model. This collaboration, however, has led to revenue-sharing arrangements that have raised questions about the model’s overall governance and legal standing.

The Auditor General’s report specifically noted the legal challenge initiated by the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke in November 2022, which questioned “the legality and constitutional authority of Ontario’s Internet gaming framework.”

The report also addressed the issue of compliance with the Criminal Code, a recommendation that has lost relevance since the market launched in April 2022. The delegation of decision-making power to private operators and the possible conflict of interest in AGCO’s regulatory role versus iGaming Ontario’s profit goals have been areas of concern for the office.

Despite these challenges, the financial impact of Ontario’s iGaming model has been notable. The report acknowledged the significant revenue generated since its launch, projecting substantial contributions to the province’s tax haul. However, it also highlighted concerns about the effectiveness and fairness of oversight in the iGaming industry.

One key recommendation was transferring iGOs governance and operating responsibilities to the Ministry of Finance. However, the Ministry plans to continue the current structure. The report states, “The Ministry asserts that conflict-of-interest policies and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) address these concerns.”

The report observed a gap regarding game fairness and integrity, pointing out that “iGaming Ontario does not proactively monitor operators for compliance with gaming standards.” This has led to suggestions for iGO to take a more active role in ensuring the integrity of games.

The AGCO has issued numerous fines to operators in the past months related to responsible gambling but iGO has not been involved in those actions.

Overall, while the financial success of Ontario gambling is evident, the report called for more rigorous oversight and implementation of recommendations to address legal, governance, and fairness concerns in this evolving sector.

Canadian Gaming Busine reached out to AGCO and iGO for comment but have not received a response at time of writing.

NorthStar Gaming CEO talks brand’s Canadian success

In a call with analysts and investors Chairman and CEO of NorthStar Gaming Michael Moskowitz shared insights into the company’s operations and outlook for 2024. The company operates the NorthStarBets brand in Ontario, where it holds a license from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).

Moskowitz introduced the brand, saying that, “the market is huge. Ontario, the largest province, was regulated in April 2022. We launched in Ontario in May 2022 and launched our brand in November to the rest of Canada.”

“Our product is built in partnership with the best of gaming and tech providers in the industry. It really gives us a unique business proposition and has fundamentally changed the way we deliver content,” he added.

A key partnership Moskowitz mentioned was with UK-based, prominent software provider Playtech.

“One of those investment partners is Playtech. They were with us early on, and they’ve invested heavily in our business, love what we’re doing, and love the growth and expansion we’ve seen in the Canadian market.”

Moskowitz provided insights into the company’s operational strategy.

“What you will see is very attractive payback rates for acquired players. This is part and parcel of the unique differentiation of our product.”

He further elaborated on the size of the Canadian market, highlighting its $8.5 billion worth and the dominance of iGaming over sports betting.

“[Our tech stack] is really the baseline of our product. Playtech is the meta-services and iGaming platform,” adding that the NorthStar product also integrates content into platforms from Kambi, a major player in sports betting. “We’ve integrated all the best games into our product, from IGT, Microgaming, and SGI, to provide a greater experience,” he explained.

He also underscored the importance of fraud protection and payment safety systems in their NorthStarBets mobile and desktop application.

Moskowitz noted the company’s strategic differentiation, emphasizing their focus on local markets and customized content.

“In terms of differentiation, there are two points to consider. One is our unique insights, which provide a customized content creation engine that feeds through our product’s journey. It’s focused on local markets and is 100% Canadian.”

He was realistic about market expectations, acknowledging the dominance of large multinational competitors and citing their market share of around 80%, but also expressing confidence in NorthStar Gaming’s potential to capture a significant portion of the remainder of the market.

“We are also extremely realistic about our market expectations…We expect to be a disproportionate percentage of the 20% of the market.”

Moskowitz confirmed that the company was looking at providing its own branded table games, saying, “We are now testing our branded table, and the initial response has been very promising. If that continues, we’ll continue to invest in branded tables.”

Finally, the CEO highlighted the success seen in player engagement and turnover due to their sports insights

“We are seeing higher average deposits and higher casino turnover, and GGR attributed to content from players who utilize our insights content.”

Loto-Québec hits back at QOGC online gaming survey

Québec’s sole legal gaming provider, Loto-Québec, issued a rebuke after the Quebec Online Gaming Coalition (QOGC), a group advocating for the legalization of regulated gaming in the province, released a survey on the iGaming habits of Quebecers.

The survey, conducted by Mainstreet Research, was used by the QOGC to support its argument for a regulated iGaming sector in Quebec. It revealed that nearly three-quarters (73%) of local players prefer private iGaming platforms for online casino games or sports wagering. The survey gathered responses from 1,010 residents who engage in digital gambling.

Formed earlier this year by private gambling companies, QOGC aims to persuade La Belle Province to adopt a licensed iGaming sector for third-party operators, drawing inspiration from Ontario’s model. The coalition includes notable operators like Betway, DraftKings, Flutter, Entain, and Rush Street Interactive.

Loto-Québec was critical of the survey. Renaud Dugas, a spokesperson for the Crown agency, pointed out that the Coalition members, who claim to support responsible gambling and a regulated iGaming framework, are currently offering online casino games illegally to local players.

He expressed concerns about their true intentions.

“Some members of the coalition formed to promote responsible gaming and a new regulatory framework in Québec are violating Canada’s Criminal Code by illegally offering games to Québec residents, which raises serious doubts and questions about their actual intentions,” Dugas said in an email to Gaming News Canada.

“In Québec, the rules could not be clearer: if it’s not Loto-Québec, it’s not legal. Loto-Québec is the only organization that can offer a 100% legal online casino and sports betting website in the province,” he added.

Conversely, QOGC Spokesperson Nathalie Bergeron argued that the monopoly held by the Crown is nominal and does not accurately reflect the current state of the sector. She emphasized the need for Quebec to consider its residents’ online preferences and behaviours and establish a comprehensive regulatory regime for those using private platforms.

“We have a monopoly in Quebec right now. The monopoly isn’t working anymore. [This is] a strong signal it’s time to modernize the system and cater to gamers’ needs,” Bergeron told Gaming News Canada.

Major sports leagues, including the Canadian Football League, Major League Soccer, and the NBA, have also voiced support for a private gaming sector in Quebec. These organizations believe such a move would safeguard the integrity of competitions while fostering responsible gaming practices.

Québec Online Gaming Coalition study reveals Québec gambling habits

A recent survey conducted by Mainstreet Research, commissioned by the Québec Online Gaming Coalition (QOGC), revealed that the online gaming habits of Québecers significantly lean towards privately operated platforms rather than the government-run Loto-Québec’s Espace Jeux. 

The QOGC was formed in May 2023 and comprises leading online gaming operators like DraftKings, FanDuel’s parent company, Flutter Entertainment, Entain, and Rush Street Interactive. 

It aims to prompt the Québec government to modernize the current online gambling system, from exclusively allowing gambling through a lottery-run platform to permitting commercial operators to launch. 

The survey, which engaged over 1,000 participants, shows public support for modernization. The findings indicate that 73% of surveyed players gamble using privately operated casino sites. According to the QOGC, this preference contrasts the perceived monopoly of Loto-Québec in the online gaming sector. 

While Québecers use Loto-Québec’s iGaming platform, only 26.6% engage with it for online casino games and sports betting. A majority of those using the platform, 72%, do so only for buying lottery tickets. QOGC considers this a sign that Loto-Québec’s state-enforced monopoly must come to an end, with the Coalition preferring the model of licensing enacted by Ontario in April 2022. 

“These results show that Loto-Québec’s monopoly only exists on paper, and the Crown Corporation’s recent assessment of its market share does not reflect reality,” said Nathalie Bergeron, the Coalition’s spokesperson, in a press release on the report.

“The Québec government must consider the habits and preferences of Québecers who play online games and establish a proper regulatory regime to protect the majority of Québecers who play on privately operated platforms for online casino games and sports betting and not on the Crown Corporation’s platform,” said Bergeron.

The survey also highlighted Québecers’ perspective on regulating online gaming. There is a notable inclination towards regulating private online gaming operators, with 67% of participants favouring the establishment of a licensing and tax regime. 

Moreover, the idea of creating an independent regulatory body to oversee the entire gaming offer in Québec, including Loto-Québec, received support from 56% of the participants. This body is envisaged to ensure greater oversight amid growing concerns about consumer safety and responsible gaming. 

After its founding, QOGC held meetings with the Québec Finance Ministry, as revealed by Bergeron to Poker Industry Pro, “We are happy to have generated conversations on a topic that was not really being discussed previously and that various stakeholders are now paying attention to and want to participate in a public debate about regulating the online gaming market.”