CFL Commissioner Advocates for Online Sports Betting Market in Quebec
Randy Ambrosie, the Commissioner of the Canadian Football League (CFL), is calling on Quebec lawmakers to consider the establishment of a competitive online sports betting market in the province. Ambrosie believes that a framework similar to Ontario's would create a "level playing field" and help safeguard Quebec's unique culture. Currently, the only regulated online sports betting in the province is provided by Loto-Québec.
Ambrosie, along with other major sports leagues such as Major League Soccer and the National Basketball Association, recently renewed their appeal to Quebec to introduce its own private market for online sports betting. The proposal is to develop an iGaming framework similar to Ontario, where numerous private operators and suppliers are currently active.
In a recent statement, Ambrosie emphasized the CFL's deep appreciation for Quebec's unique history and culture. He highlighted the significant role sports, including the CFL's Montreal Alouettes, plays in the province. This is why the CFL is aligning with other leagues in urging the province to explore the advantages of a regulated iGaming sector.
Ambrosie emphasized that a new market would operate transparently, protect the integrity of competition, promote responsible gambling, and create a "level playing field" across the North American market. It would also present an opportunity for the province to safeguard and enhance its culture while benefiting the local population.
Earlier this year, the Quebec Online Gaming Coalition was formed, comprising leading online betting brands like Bet99, DraftKings, Flutter (parent company of FanDuel), Entain (part-owner of BetMGM), Betway, and BetRivers-owner Rush Street Interactive. These operators have successfully operated in established legal markets and are encouraging Quebec to adopt a similar approach.
Quebec, being the second-largest province by population in Canada, would become a significant market for private operators if it were to introduce a regulated iGaming sector. However, it remains uncertain whether the province's lawmakers will be swayed by these recent efforts.
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In contrast, the province of Ontario has already begun to reap the rewards of its online gaming and sports betting market. Launched in April 2022, the province reported CA$35.6 billion in handled wagers and CA$1.4 billion in revenue in the first 12 months. These figures position Ontario among the top five markets in North America. Data shows that active player accounts spend approximately CA$70 per month. Attorney General Doug Downey has praised the success of the iGaming market, which has replaced the previous unregulated sector, making Ontario a leader in the industry.
Our Conclusion
The prospect of an online casino in Quebec, much like Ontario's unsuccessful launch, seems inevitable. The growing demand for online gaming and sports betting is difficult to ignore, and it's only a matter of time before Quebec embraces this industry, however, offering the players just around 70% of RTP. The experiences of other provinces, such as Ontario, have shown the immense revenue potential and benefits of a regulated online gambling market. While there may be concerns about lower RTP (Return to Player) rates or players being limited to crypto casinos, it's essential for regulatory authorities to prioritize player protection and fair play as they navigate this evolving landscape. Ultimately, the decision lies with Quebec's lawmakers, but the trend towards regulated online gaming continues to gain momentum across Canada.
helentaylor1r Guys, are you sure these RTP percentages are even real?
MariaTheTenacious It's great to see responsible gambling taking center stage at such a major event. The industry's growth shouldn't come at the expense of player safety. Looking forward to seeing what new strategies and technologies will be discussed to protect players, especially those at high-stakes levels.
thompsonKevin It's great to see initiatives like this being implemented. Educating players and staff about the dangers of match-fixing is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the league. Kudos to IBIA and PFA Canada for taking this important step!
SandraTheXtraordinary I’m glad to see the court uphold iGaming Ontario's model. It’s crucial to have a regulated environment that ensures player safety and contributes to the economy. Hopefully, this ruling will put an end to the uncertainty and allow the market to keep growing responsibly.
AnthonyTheMad This is such a tough situation. I get that rules are rules, but a lifetime ban seems really harsh if there’s no evidence his betting affected the game outcomes. The league should focus on rehabilitating players rather than issuing lifetime bans. I hope the arbitrator considers all aspects before making a final decision.
BrianTheBully All these reviews...
AllenLaura1 I'm excited to see the integration of betting into theScore app! As a regular user, having everything in one place will make the experience much more convenient. I hope they roll this out to other regions soon.
MichaelTheLoyal Doug Hood makes an excellent point about the need for collaboration. Sports integrity is everyone's responsibility, from regulators to leagues and teams. It's crucial that all parties work together to safeguard the fairness and credibility of sports, especially with the increasing complexities introduced by modern technology.
johnjohnson0w What's the point of RTP when it's all scams everywhere? In Puma Casino, money just flies away like into a black hole.
Jennifermoore It's more like a superbly directed circus! Same thing every time: streamers hit jackpots, and us ordinary mortals can only drool.
Parkerroberts Wow, so many new slots! I'll have to try playing each one of them.
It's exciting to think that Quebec might get its own online casino soon. I agree that we need fair odds and fair play, not just fancy websites. Let's hope they consider player satisfaction when they make their decisions.
I'm all for online casinos coming to Quebec, but let's hope they do it right. Ontario's model seems promising, but we don't want players left with slim chances of winning. Fair play should be the priority.
Ontario's success in online gaming is impressive, and Quebec shouldn't miss out on this opportunity. As for lower RTP slots, it's a concern. No one wants to play games where the odds are stacked against them. Quebec should prioritize player fairness.
Having experienced the online gaming scene in Ontario, it's clear that Quebec should consider embracing this industry. The convenience of online betting and gaming is hard to beat. However, I hope Quebec ensures fair play and decent RTP rates to keep players engaged and protected.