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.
Linked materials
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.


thefakekush Vavada taking months to pay casino players and now launching a sportsbook? Yeah, no thanks. Imagine hitting a big bet and waiting half a year to get paid. Hard pass.


MrMinerson Finally, someone saying it like it is! Just because one person got lucky doesn’t mean the rest of us should throw money at this slot hoping for the same result.


mooniverse Another state gets flooded with Play’n GO slots. Too bad the RTP is hardly ever player-friendly, with some games barely hitting 80%. Hope they reconsider giving players more control over it.


TheHoodWhisperer It's alarming to see how many young people are getting exposed to gambling through streamers. With the rise of this influence, we need more stringent regulations to protect underage viewers and ensure they aren't encouraged to gamble.


TheHunther This is such a sad story. Gambling can start as a harmless pastime but can quickly turn into an addiction that destroys lives. We need better education and support to help those struggling with it.


YellowToad This is a great step forward! Young people shouldn’t have a criminal record for a mistake, but they should still face consequences. A fine system makes much more sense.


YELLOWWOOD This is amazing news! The NFL coming to Australia is a huge win for sports fans. The MCG will be a fantastic venue—can't wait to see which team the Rams will face!
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.