A Missed Opportunity for the Quebec Online Casino Market
Throughout our conversations with Bergeron at Top10Casinos.ca, the message remained crystal clear. A regulated market will contribute towards the safety of players and much-needed tax dollars. However, the government in Quebec has yet to agree. Hopefully, the latest breakdown of the budget might serve as the next move by the coalition. Money talks, after all.
In a press release following the reveal of the 2024-25 budget, Bergeron said regulating the market for online casino operators would make it possible for the government in Quebec to gain additional royalties worth an estimated minimum of $230 million annually. An amount that could be gained in addition to revenues the Crown Corporation already provides.
Additional revenues invested in key sectors of the economy, such as education and health, will benefit all Quebecers. Apart from royalties, regulation will create various well-paid jobs and generate significant revenues in Quebec, as it does in Ontario, currently. The QOGC often calls on the Ontario argument with good reason. The coalition says there is no need for the potential iGaming framework to carbon copy that of Ontario, which remains a model that yields positive results.
During the first year, it contributed revenues worth $523 million towards municipal and provincial governments and almost $1.6 billion to the GDP of Ontario. Bergeron also feels bonding with the current status quo is not in the government's best interest. Especially not when the government asks Crown Corporations and Loto-Quebec to increase and optimize efficiency in finding savings. Additionally, Quebec is not in a position where it can deprive itself or afford to ignore substantial sources of new revenue.
Alberta Leapfrogs Quebec to Become Next Open Online Gambling Market
Until a month ago, it looked like Quebec would be the next province in Canada to allow for an open online gambling market. Alberta has since moved ahead of its eastern neighbour on the prospective iGaming region list. The Energy Province released its 2024-25 budget on February 29. As part of this budget, $1 million goes towards reviewing the current online gambling structure. Bergeron sees the progress of Alberta as a lesson to her government.
Instead of valuing experts calling for online gaming regulations over the past 10 years, Quebec continues to support the Loto-Quebec monopoly with the government-run Espacejeux casino website. This is to the detriment of the society and public services. In his budget, the Minister failed to utilize the opportunity to send a signal acting and implementing regulations, following the example of Alberta, to boost revenues and protect Quebecers according to Bergeron. Time will tell if the government eventually gives in to the pressure, regardless, the QOGC will continue, no matter what.
Espacejeux vs. International Online Casinos
Even though Quebec is home to a well-established, safe, and reliable government-owned online gambling site, residents continue to favour international operators to play for real money. The cause might be the difference in what foreign brands and EspaceJeux Casino offer in terms of promotions and bonuses, game selection, and payment methods, which could also be the primary reason behind the popularity of the best Canadian online casinos.
There is no shortage of regulated online casinos, and sites enabling Canadians to play in Canadian dollars offer toll-free phone support in multiple languages, including French. Our comparisons show several benefits available at the best online casinos in Canada compared to those run by the province.
- Bigger Selection of Games and Software Providers
- Access to Progressive Jackpot Games
- Wider Variety of Payment Methods
- Better Promotions and Bonuses
- More Achievable Terms and Conditions
The main difference between playing at international online casinos are the huge bonus packages, which include impressive welcome offers and regular promotions. Loyalty benefits are a big draw, especially the 6-tier loyalty reward program by the Casino Rewards Group. The biggest attraction to this prestigious loyalty program is access to faster withdrawals, higher deposit limits, dedicated account managers, birthday bonuses, exclusive getaways, and more. You can also choose from multiple brands under the same virtual roof for added flexibility and convenience.
