Quebec urged to regulate online gaming

(PRESS RELEASE) -- Following guidance from researchers and public health experts, a coalition of large private online gaming companies is urging the Quebec government to establish its own rules to regulate the approximately 2,000 websites of varying quality offering casino, sports betting, and poker games to Quebec players. According to the Quebec Online Gaming Coalition’s brief to the Quebec Ministry of Finance pre-budget consultations, Quebec is putting vulnerable people at risk and depriving itself of more than $300 million in tax revenue each year by failing to establish a regulatory framework adapted to the reality of online gaming.

- Complete brief (in French): Online gaming is growing in popularity; Quebec must regulate it properly

By focusing its efforts solely on “physical” gaming offerings, such as Loto-Québec’s Salon de jeux, video lottery terminals (VLTs), and bingo nights, Quebec is missing a target that is now everywhere: online gaming.

“Why limit the regulation of online gaming to Loto-Québec sites alone, when the offering available on the Internet is much broader? Quebec could very well apply the same rules to private online gaming platforms, whether for advertising, age verification, or accountability, for example. This would channel the vast majority of online gaming into a stable and regulated environment, which is desirable for everyone,” says Ariane M. Gauthier, spokesperson for the Quebec Online Gaming Coalition.

Recommendations
Based on observations by public health experts and the experience of Ontario and Alberta, the Quebec Online Gaming Coalition made four recommendations to the Quebec government to finally bring order to online gaming:

1. Independent regulatory body: Entrust an independent regulatory body with the supervision of all online gaming operators, whether private or public (Loto-Québec).

2. Quebec standards: Develop Quebec-specific government standards to regulate both private and public online gaming, in collaboration with stakeholders.

3. Operating license system for private companies: Define the criteria for obtaining an operating license and sign a revenue-sharing agreement with the Quebec government.

4. Financial support for communities and prevention: Allocate a portion of the revenue generated by private online gaming to support communities and increase funding for prevention activities.

The Quebec Online Gaming Coalition reiterates its commitment to working with the Quebec government and stakeholders to develop a regulatory framework for online gaming. It is committed to addressing issues related to consumer safety, money laundering, responsible gaming, and advertising, while paying the Quebec government a portion of the revenue generated within its territory.