Quebec (Canada): gambling regulation and licensing

Quebec runs gambling as a provincial monopoly. Section 207(1)(a) of the Criminal Code lets only a province conduct and manage a lottery scheme, and the Act respecting the Société des loteries du Québec gives that function to Loto-Québec, a mandatary of the State whose shares are allotted to the Minister of Finance. Loto-Québec runs the lotteries, four casinos, gaming halls, the video lottery network and lotoquebec.com, which offers online casino, poker, Mise-o-jeu+ sports betting and lottery to Quebec residents aged 18 or over who are physically in the province, each with a mandatory weekly deposit limit. No private operator can obtain an online licence. The Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux licenses charitable bingos and draws, video lottery sites, manufacturers and electronic draw suppliers, vets State casino staff and suppliers, and checks that video lottery machines return at least 83%. There is no gaming tax. On revenue of $3.089 billion in 2025-26, Loto-Québec paid a $1.523 billion dividend to Quebec, $112.5 million of QST and $77.0 million to the federal government; 19.2% of its revenue came from online play. Quebec's 2016 law requiring internet service providers to block unauthorised gambling sites never came into force: the Superior Court declared the blocking provision invalid in 2018, the Court of Appeal agreed in 2021 and the Supreme Court of Canada refused leave in 2022. The Kahnawà:ke Gaming Commission separately licenses online operators hosted in the Mohawk Territory of Kahnawà:ke under its own regulations. Loto-Québec is an appellant in the Supreme Court appeal on Ontario's international player pooling, heard on 7 October 2026, two days after the provincial general election.

Regulator

Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux (RACJ)

Regulator type

Sub-national body

Headline tax

Not yet verified

Licence required

Yes

Minimum age

18+

Tax base

There is no gaming tax on operators; the province takes Loto-Québec's profit. The Minister of Finance fixes its dividends (Loto-Québec Act s.23): $1.523 billion for the year to 31 March 2026, on revenue of $3.089 billion and net income of $1.526 billion.

Licence required

Yes

Application window

Not yet verified

Local establishment required

Not yet verified

Local server required

Not yet verified

Bank guarantee or bond

The Régie may require a security deposit or liability insurance as a condition of a licence where the rules provide for it (Act respecting lotteries and amusement machines ss.47 and 48).

Notable licensees

Loto-Québec (lotoquebec.com, Mise-o-jeu+, casinos, gaming halls and video lottery)

Certification requirements

Loto-Québec must have casino games and electronic equipment certified by a laboratory on a list approved by the Régie before use, and the Régie checks each year that machines in service return what is advertised (Act respecting lotteries and amusement machines s.52.15); the minimum return is 83%, and all games complied in 2024-25. Electronic draw systems need certification or an expert report from an independent laboratory with at least two years of experience.

Barriers to entry

There is no licence for a private online or casino operator: only Loto-Québec conducts and administers lottery schemes for the province. Private firms take part as Régie-cleared suppliers and employees of State casinos, as licensed video lottery manufacturers, repairers and bar sites, as electronic draw suppliers to charities, or as suppliers to Loto-Québec.

Headline GGR tax

Not yet verified

Effective date

Not yet verified

VAT treatment

Loto-Québec remits GST under the federal Games of Chance (GST/HST) Regulations and QST under the Quebec sales tax regulation, and cannot recover tax on inputs used for gaming: $112.5 million of QST and $56.3 million of GST in 2025-26.

Tax base

There is no gaming tax on operators; the province takes Loto-Québec's profit. The Minister of Finance fixes its dividends (Loto-Québec Act s.23): $1.523 billion for the year to 31 March 2026, on revenue of $3.089 billion and net income of $1.526 billion.

Minimum age

18+

National self-exclusion

Loto-Québec self-exclusion programme for lotoquebec.com, casinos and gaming halls; self-exclusion from the casinos also blocks the online account (voluntary)

KYC timing

Before any real-money play: the account must be completed and, for Argent Web deposits, identity validated.

AML regime

Loto-Québec runs a FINTRAC compliance programme under the federal Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act, which treats the entity that conducts and manages casino gaming, including internet lottery schemes, as the reporting entity. Since 2023 the Loto-Québec Act (s.17.0.2) lets it verify identity and the source of sums handed over in State casinos above a threshold published on its website. It reports 24 anti-money laundering initiatives under its 2023-2026 plan.

AML supervisor

FINTRAC; the Régie vets State casino staff and suppliers under provincial law

Deposit limits

Every lotoquebec.com player must set a weekly deposit limit, between $25 and $9,999; a decrease applies at once and an increase after 24 hours. Deposits of Argent Web, non-cashable game credits, are capped at $500 a week per account.

Loss limits

Optional daily, weekly or monthly loss limits on lotoquebec.com.

Session limits

Optional time limits and breaks of 1 to 89 days on lotoquebec.com, with an hourly pop-up in several games showing time played and wins or losses. Video lottery players must set a session length of up to 60 minutes before each session.

Central monitoring system

Every video lottery machine must be linked to the central control computer operated by Loto-Québec (Act respecting lotteries and amusement machines s.52.2).

Data localisation

Electronic draw systems supplied to charities must use a server located in Canada.

KYC requirements

Opening a lotoquebec.com account requires full name, date of birth, postal address and identity documents; age is verified at account opening and a confirmation is posted to the registered home address. Players must be 18 or over, resident in Quebec, physically in the province (checked by geolocation) and not self-excluded or barred from the casinos. In casinos and gaming halls, anyone appearing to be 25 or under may be asked for photo identification.

Stake limits

Sports betting kiosks: maximum $100 a bet. Video lottery terminals: maximum $100 inserted, a five-second delay between games and an automatic payout ticket at $1,000. Promotions on lotoquebec.com may award at most $500 as money to bet; any larger prize can be cashed.

Mandatory player messaging

The Jeu: aide et référence helpline number is displayed permanently on lotoquebec.com and on video lottery terminals; return rates, prize structures and odds are available at all times. A notice that under-18s may not play must be posted beside video lottery terminals.

Reporting obligations

Loto-Québec files its financial statements and annual management report with the Minister of Finance by 30 June each year for tabling, and quarterly statements (Loto-Québec Act ss.21 and 25); its accounts are audited jointly by the Auditor General and an external auditor (s.24). Régie licence holders keep books and file reports as the Régie requires (Act respecting lotteries and amusement machines ss.64 to 67).

Game content restrictions

Games on lotoquebec.com must return at least 83% a year (By-law S-13.1 r.5 s.8); demonstration games have the same return rates as real-money games.

Advertising permitted

Yes

Celebrity and influencer rules

Loto-Québec advertising may not use known personalities or spokespeople who appeal mainly to minors (OPE-35 s.5.4.2).

Penalties for breach

Complaints about Loto-Québec advertising are reviewed by its vice-president for responsible gaming (OPE-35 s.9); breaches of Régie rules are offences under s.121 of the Act respecting lotteries and amusement machines.

Credit card ban

Not yet verified

Crypto stance

Not yet verified

Withdrawal timeframe rules

A player must link a personal bank account before any withdrawal from lotoquebec.com; withdrawals below $100,000 are paid automatically into that account, and a minimum delay of 24 hours applies. Mise-o-jeu+ prizes of $100,000 or more and lottery prizes of $25,000 or more are claimed in person and paid by cheque.

Currency restrictions

Deposits on lotoquebec.com are accepted in Canadian dollars only; the methods available depend on the player's bank and are set by Loto-Québec, and prepaid cards and corporate or US credit cards are not accepted unless stated otherwise. Customer deposits may be used only for online gaming transactions. In casinos no credit is given, and video lottery bars may not lend, give credit or place an automated teller machine near the terminals; no credit or exchange of goods is allowed for video lottery play.

ISP blocking

No

DNS blocking

Not yet verified

Payment blocking

Not yet verified

App store takedowns

Not yet verified

Administrative penalties

The Régie may refuse, suspend or revoke licences in the public interest or for breach (Act respecting lotteries and amusement machines s.50), and its tribunal may suspend or revoke licences and impose or confirm administrative monetary penalties.

Criminal penalties

Offences under the Act respecting lotteries and amusement machines carry fines of $50 to $7,000 for an individual and $75 to $70,000 for a legal person; for unlicensed video lottery machines $500 to $50,000, rising to $100,000 for repeat offences (s.121). Conducting an unauthorised lottery scheme is an offence under Criminal Code s.207(3), punishable by up to two years in prison.

Operator liability

Anyone other than the province or a licensed charity who conducts a lottery scheme breaches Criminal Code s.207. Quebec's attempt to require internet service providers to block unauthorised gambling sites (Consumer Protection Act s.260.35) was declared constitutionally invalid, and Loto-Québec reports that unauthorised operators remain active, particularly around major sporting events. No Quebec proceedings against an offshore online operator were found.

Player liability

Participating in an unauthorised lottery scheme is a summary conviction offence under Criminal Code s.207(3)(b); no prosecution of a Quebec player was identified.

Figures on this record are drawn from official regulator data.

Online GGR

Not yet verified

Reporting year

2025

Online share of gambling

19.2%

Licensed operators

1

1. 1978

   Act respecting the Société des loteries du Québec (S.Q. 1978, c. 38) constitutes Loto-Québec

2. Dec 1992

   Cabinet approves the first two State casinos, entrusted to Loto-Québec

3. 1993

   Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux instituted (1993, c. 39)

4. 8 Jul 1999

   Kahnawà:ke Gaming Commission enacts its Regulations concerning Interactive Gaming

5. Dec 2010

   Loto-Québec launches Espacejeux.com, its online gambling site

6. 18 May 2016

   Budget Act adds site-blocking provisions to the Consumer Protection Act; they are never brought into force

7. 18 Jul 2018

   Superior Court declares the blocking provision, s.260.35, constitutionally invalid (2018 QCCS 3159)

8. 5 May 2021

   Court of Appeal dismisses Quebec's appeal (2021 QCCA 730)

9. 29 Jun 2021

   Bill C-218 receives Royal Assent, allowing single-event sports betting in provincial schemes

10. 24 Mar 2022

    Supreme Court of Canada dismisses leave to appeal on the blocking provision

11. 27 Oct 2023

    Publicity contest regime abolished; the lotteries Act takes its current title

12. 11 Apr 2024

    Amendments to the lottery scheme regulation and rules in force

13. 12 Nov 2025

    Court of Appeal for Ontario upholds international play in the iGaming Ontario reference (2025 ONCA 770)

14. 31 Mar 2026

    Loto-Québec closes 2025-26 with revenue of $3.089 billion, 19.2% of it online, and a $1.523 billion dividend

15. 2 Apr 2026

    Supreme Court of Canada grants Loto-Québec's motion to be added as an appellant in the international play appeal

16. 22 Apr 2026

    Bill S-211 on sports betting advertising passes second reading in the House of Commons

17. 5 Oct 2026

    Quebec general election

18. 7 Oct 2026

    Supreme Court of Canada hears the international play appeal

The Supreme Court of Canada hears the appeal in which Loto-Québec is an appellant on 7 October 2026 (file 42141); its answer will say whether provincial online schemes may pool players outside Canada. Quebec holds its general election on 5 October 2026. Federal Bill S-211 on sports betting advertising is at committee in the House of Commons. Loto-Québec's 2023-2026 strategic plan has ended; it aims to open its Rimouski gaming hall by the end of 2026, and construction of a Saguenay gaming hall is due to finish in 2027.

Can a private operator get a licence to offer online gambling in Quebec?

No. Only Loto-Québec conducts and administers lottery schemes for the province, and lotoquebec.com is the only authorised online offer. Private firms take part as Régie-cleared suppliers to State casinos, as video lottery manufacturers or repairers, or as suppliers to Loto-Québec.

Who regulates gambling in Quebec?

The Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux licenses charitable bingos and draws, video lottery sites, manufacturers and electronic draw suppliers, vets State casino staff and suppliers and checks machine return rates. Loto-Québec answers to the Minister of Finance.

What is the minimum gambling age?

18, online and in Loto-Québec casinos, gaming halls and video lottery bars. Online players must also live in Quebec and be physically in the province.

How is gambling revenue taxed?

There is no gaming tax. Loto-Québec paid a $1.523 billion dividend to Quebec for 2025-26, plus $112.5 million of QST, and $77.0 million to the federal government in GST and compensation.

Can Quebec block unauthorised gambling sites?

Not under current law. The 2016 provision requiring internet service providers to block unauthorised sites was never brought into force and was declared constitutionally invalid; the Supreme Court of Canada refused leave to appeal in 2022.

What limits apply on lotoquebec.com?

Every player must set a weekly deposit limit between $25 and $9,999. Loss and time limits, breaks of 1 to 89 days and self-exclusion are optional, and self-exclusion from the casinos also blocks the online account.

• Ontario (Canada)
• Canada
• British Columbia (Canada)
• Manitoba (Canada)
• New Brunswick (Canada)

1. Act respecting the Société des loteries du Québec, CQLR c. S-13.1 (up to date as of 24 October 2025)

   LégisQuébec, Publications du Québec (Gouvernement du Québec)

   legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca returned a CloudFront 403 to a plain fetch and a 502 to a rendered fetch on 2026-09-23; the official consolidated text was read from the Internet Archive capture given in archiveUrl.

   Archived copy

   Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026
2. Act respecting lotteries and amusement machines (Loi sur les loteries et les appareils d'amusement), CQLR c. L-6 (up to date as of 11 December 2025)

   LégisQuébec, Publications du Québec (Gouvernement du Québec) (translated)

   legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca returned a CloudFront 403 to a plain fetch and a 502 to a rendered fetch on 2026-09-23; the official consolidated text was read from the Internet Archive capture given in archiveUrl.

   Archived copy

   Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026
3. Act respecting the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux (Loi sur la Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux), CQLR c. R-6.1 (up to date as of 11 December 2025)

   LégisQuébec, Publications du Québec (Gouvernement du Québec) (translated)

   legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca returned a CloudFront 403 to a plain fetch and a 502 to a rendered fetch on 2026-09-23; the official consolidated text was read from the Internet Archive capture given in archiveUrl.

   Archived copy

   Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026
4. By-law respecting interactive television games (Règlement sur les jeux sur télématique), CQLR c. S-13.1, r. 5 (up to date as of 24 October 2025)

   LégisQuébec, Publications du Québec (Gouvernement du Québec)

   legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca returned a CloudFront 403 to a plain fetch and a 502 to a rendered fetch on 2026-09-23; the official consolidated text was read from the Internet Archive capture given in archiveUrl.

   Archived copy

   Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026
5. Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux: home page and list of gaming licences (Jeux: licences de jeux)

   Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux (Gouvernement du Québec)

   Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026
6. Registres publics des titulaires de licences liés au secteur des jeux (registers published on Données Québec)

   Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux (Gouvernement du Québec)

   Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026
7. La Régie: Mission (last updated 23 April 2026)

   Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux (Gouvernement du Québec)

   States that the Régie reports to the ministre de la Sécurité intérieure; the Régie's 2024-2025 annual report and the consolidated Act (s.115) name the ministre de la Sécurité publique. The more recent page is followed.

   Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026
8. Connaître le rôle de la Régie quant aux casinos d'État (last updated 11 November 2025)

   Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux (Gouvernement du Québec)

   Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026
9. Licence d'exploitant de site d'appareils de loterie vidéo (last updated 11 November 2025)

   Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux (Gouvernement du Québec)

   Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026
10. Frais et droits payables se rattachant au secteur des jeux (last updated 31 March 2026)

    Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux (Gouvernement du Québec)

    Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026
11. Licence de fournisseur de systèmes électroniques

    Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux (Gouvernement du Québec)

    Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026
12. Licence de systèmes de loterie de classe A

    Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux (Gouvernement du Québec)

    Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026
13. Changements législatifs concernant le secteur des jeux (last updated 11 November 2025)

    Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux (Gouvernement du Québec)

    Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026
14. Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux, Rapport annuel de gestion 2024-2025 (year to 31 March 2025)

    Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux (Gouvernement du Québec)

    Tier 2Accessed 23 Sept 2026
15. Loto-Québec, Rapport annuel 2025-2026, including audited consolidated financial statements for the year to 31 March 2026

    Loto-Québec (Société des loteries du Québec)

    Tier 2Accessed 23 Sept 2026
16. Conditions d'utilisation spécifiques: jeu en ligne (terms for lotoquebec.com and the Loto-Québec apps)

    Loto-Québec (Société des loteries du Québec)

    Tier 2Accessed 23 Sept 2026
17. Code d'éthique en matière de publicité, operational policy OPE-35 (approved by the board on 17 December 2014)

    Loto-Québec (Société des loteries du Québec)

    Tier 2Accessed 23 Sept 2026Published 17 Dec 2014
18. Les actions en commercialisation responsable de Loto-Québec pour favoriser le jeu à moindre risque

    Loto-Québec (Société des loteries du Québec)

    Tier 2Accessed 23 Sept 2026
19. Kahnawà:ke Gaming Commission: About Interactive Gaming

    Kahnawà:ke Gaming Commission

    Tier 2Accessed 23 Sept 2026
20. Élections Québec: home page (provincial general election, polling day 5 October 2026)

    Élections Québec

    Tier 2Accessed 23 Sept 2026
21. Criminal Code (R.S.C. 1985, c. C-46), section 207 (permitted lotteries; offence; definition of lottery scheme), current to 3 September 2026

    Justice Laws Website, Government of Canada

    Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026
22. Bill C-218, Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act (S.C. 2021, c. 20), Royal Assent text

    Parliament of Canada

    Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026Published 29 Jun 2021
23. S-211 (45-1), National Framework on Sports Betting Advertising Act: status of the bill

    Parliament of Canada (LEGISinfo)

    Tier 2Accessed 23 Sept 2026
24. Case 39774: Attorney General of Québec v. Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (docket and case summary; leave to appeal dismissed 24 March 2022)

    Supreme Court of Canada

    Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026
25. Case 42141: Atlantic Lottery Corporation, et al. v. Attorney General of Ontario (docket, parties, case summary; appeal hearing scheduled 7 October 2026)

    Supreme Court of Canada

    Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026
26. Casinos: obligations under the PCMLTFA (definition of casino includes internet lottery schemes; provincial delegation of responsibility)

    Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC)

    Tier 1Accessed 23 Sept 2026