Quebec’s election reopened the private iGaming debate. It did not create a private market or change the province’s current legal framework.

The Parti Québécois won 59 of the National Assembly’s 125 seats on October 5, leaving Paul St-Pierre Plamondon’s new government five seats short of a majority. The result gives private iGaming supporters a government that has expressed interest in moving beyond Quebec’s current online gambling monopoly.

During the campaign, St-Pierre Plamondon signalled support for a model similar to a proposal from the Quebec Liberal Party. That approach would recognize private online gambling platforms and give the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux, known as the RACJ, a larger role in licensing and oversight.

Canadian Gaming Business reported on the campaign debate. A Canadian Gaming Business report also described the proposed shift toward formal regulation of private platforms.

What has changed, and what has not

The election created a political opening. It did not create a licensing system.

As of October 9, 2026, Quebec has passed no bill establishing private online gambling licences. No final oversight model has been adopted. For players and operators, the result is a policy signal, not a market launch.

The minority result may be just as important as the policy promise. Any major gambling reform would need support from at least one opposition party. That could force the PQ to negotiate over fees, advertising limits, consumer protection and Loto-Québec’s future role.

The rules still in force

Loto-Québec says lotoquebec.com remains Quebec’s only legal online gaming website, including casino games and sports betting. The corporation reaffirmed that position on August 27, 2026.

Private operators do not receive a Quebec licence simply because the new government supports future reform. The RACJ already administers licences in several gaming-related areas. A private online model would still require a new mandate, legislation or regulations, along with detailed operating standards.

The decisions that will shape the market

  • Loto-Québec’s role: The government would need to decide whether the Crown corporation remains the sole operator, competes with licensed private companies or takes on a separate public-interest role.
  • RACJ authority: Quebec would have to define the regulator’s powers over licences, technical standards, advertising, complaints and penalties.
  • Unregulated sites: A new framework would need a plan for warning against, blocking or enforcing rules against platforms that refuse to register.
  • Player protection: The rules would need to cover age and identity checks, self-exclusion, responsible-gambling tools, privacy and dispute resolution.

Those choices will determine whether reform creates a controlled market or simply adds licensed brands around an existing unregulated sector.

CasinoBeats reported that a recent industry study estimated most Quebec online gambling activity currently occurs outside a regulated environment. That estimate came from a private-sector study, not an official provincial market account, so it should not be treated as a government measurement.

Why the minority government matters

The PQ can put private iGaming on the legislative agenda. It cannot guarantee passage.

The Liberals have already supported licensing private platforms. Other opposition parties may seek stronger safeguards or insist on a larger role for Loto-Québec. The balance of those demands will shape any bill.

The next concrete test will be the government’s legislative agenda and any proposed change to the RACJ’s mandate. Until those steps occur, Quebec remains under its existing system.

The debate is back in the spotlight. The rulebook for a private market has not yet been written.