Will Quebec Be Next to Regulate Online Betting?
Could Quebec Be the Next Province to Launch a Regulated Sports Betting Market?
Canada's sports betting landscape continues to evolve after Ontario's successful launch in 2022 and Alberta's upcoming market launch this July. We can't help but start to ask the question: "Which province could be next?" Right now, Quebec appears to be the early favourite.
Ontario Kicked Things Off
In April 2022, Ontario became the first province in Canada to launch a regulated sports betting and iGaming market through a framework that allowed private sportsbooks to acquire licenses and legally operate in the province. Bettors were no longer limited to a single province-run betting site as the lone regulated option.
As a result, major sportsbooks entered the market, bettors gained access to stronger consumer protections, and the province generated significant tax revenue
Since then, Ontario's model has become the blueprint that other provinces can follow.
Alberta Follow’s Ontario
In July 2026 Alberta will officially launch its own regulated betting market, a major next step for iGaming in Canada. Many of the same sportsbooks that lined up to join Ontario are also in position to be ready for Alberta on day one.
While Play Alberta will remain available as the provincial sportsbook, Alberta bettors will soon be able to choose from a growing list of licensed private operators as well.
The Alberta launch represents a major milestone for regulated betting in Canada and could serve as a test case for other provinces considering a similar move.
Why Quebec Makes Sense as the Next Province
Quebec often comes up as the most likely province to follow Ontario and Alberta. There are a handful of reasons why:
- Quebec has the 2nd largest population in Canada
- There’s already an established infrastructure with Loto-Quebec
- Many of sportsbooks that would enter the regulated market are already being used via their offshore licenced platforms
- A regulated market would create new tax revenue for the province
To put it simply, Quebec is too large a market for operators and regulators to ignore the potential, especially if the Alberta launch is a success.
What Would a Quebec Market Look Like?
A Quebec market would most likely follow a very similar layout to what Ontario and Alberta have created.
Betting sites would need to apply for licenses, meet responsible gambling requirements, follow advertising rules, and comply with provincial regulations. Bettors would gain access to many top sportsbooks and increase user protections compared to what they get through offshore markets.
The province would also have to decide how a competitive market would coexist with its current government-run platform.
Final Thoughts
Ontario proved that a competitive regulated betting market can succeed in Canada. Alberta is about to become the second province to adopt the model, and Quebec appears to be the strongest candidate to become the third.
Nothing is guaranteed, but if the Alberta launch is as successful as the Ontario one was, then it would be hard for other provinces not to adopt a similar model. We think Quebec would be the next.
