In a country where gambling is almost part of the cultural DNA, there is still quite a lot of variance across the provinces in how people can access online casinos and sportsbooks. With around two-thirds of the population claiming to take part in real-money gambling, there is no doubt that it is popular.
Maybe Canadians love a little bit of uncertainty, that thrill while you wait to see where the tumbling reels land, or the much longer wait for the outcome of a match. Or perhaps iGaming is just a great form of relaxation. Whatever the reason, online gaming is a big hit and an essential element of the entertainment economy. The industry plays a pivotal role, contributing to tourism, government revenue, and job creation – the gambling sector reportedly supports over 182,000 jobs, including graphic designers, IT specialists, and casino staff in traditional and virtual casinos.
We wanted to know more about the online gaming landscape, including casino trends, regulation and player behaviour in Quebec. So, we invited online casino expert Lara Wilson from Casino.ca to come and share her insights. Lara is an iGaming professional with 20 years of experience in communications, marketing, and content. She has worked with brands like Paradise Poker, Sportingbet PLC, Cake Poker Network, and LeoVegas. She is now one of the leading experts on Casino.ca, specializing in casino reviews and player-focused content.
Hi Lara, welcome to Montreal Guardian. As we know, gambling is big business in Canada. How important is it to Quebec’s economy?
Lara Wilson: Well, thanks for inviting me to come and talk to you! The gambling business not only generates millions in tax dollars through the province-operated EspaceJeux but also creates thousands of direct and indirect jobs across casino operations, hospitality, digital gaming platforms and tech and marketing roles. The industry is a core component of the entertainment industry. Online gambling is the fastest-growing digital sector and contributes around $488 million to the sector.
How can players stay safe when playing online?
Lara Wilson: I think the really important thing for players to remember, whether they are playing on EspaceJeux or other sites licensed from reputable jurisdictions, is that iGaming is supposed to be fun. I do not think people should approach it assuming they are going to win money – while that might be a great payoff, the most important thing is that it is entertaining. It should be regarded as another form of paid for entertainment like music, theatre or the arts.
Therefore, we always advise players to set a budget before they start and to research the kinds of games they like to play. Also, to check out what bonuses are available. When a player is sure they have found what they are looking for, it is time to enjoy the experience.
For me, responsible play starts with setting deposit limits. They help me stick to a clear budget and act as a built-in alert if I’m spending more than planned. At Casino.ca, we strongly recommend using these tools from the start – they’re simple to activate and make a real difference in keeping gambling fun and sustainable.
We have carefully curated lists of sites we believe offer the best player experiences, and we have compiled essential resources for responsible gambling in Quebec, including helplines and professional assistance.
What are the most exciting innovations?
Lara Wilson: The industry is a super exciting place to work right now because so many innovative ideas are becoming a reality. The online slots never fail to entertain and evolve with different themes, exciting jackpots and all kinds of unusual features. Progressive jackpots have the potential to pay out huge sums – their high volatility makes for a rollercoaster ride.
The most extraordinary experience right now is at a live casino table, which you can access without leaving your front door. These immersive games come complete with a live dealer, gaming chips and other players. We once imagined that this kind of experience would only be possible using VR, but that is not necessary. All you need is a decent mobile phone and a stable internet connection.
Do you have a favourite live dealer game?
Lara Wilson: While I love them all, the latest game-show type games are just something else. They are fun just to watch! Evolution Gaming’s Crazy Time Live is a Wheel-of-Fortune-style game that offers a variety of multipliers, four bonus games, and a highly entertaining live casino experience.
Do you have any advice for players who have never played live dealer games?
Lara Wilson: Yes, don’t just jump straight in – you need to know what you are doing. You can watch live streams to get a feel for the play. Then we suggest that players read our top tips and check our trackers, which show real-time stats and results.
Following the success of Ontario’s commercial market, Alberta is now following suit. Do you think Quebec’s lawmakers might be tempted to do the same?
Lara Wilson: The current administration does seem to be pretty wedded to the current model despite the best efforts of the pro-gambling lobby. The Quebec Online Gaming Coalition contends that the province loses out on almost $300 million in tax income each year. It is not only the gambling companies that are keen for change, either. A 2025 survey showed that 66% of locals are in favour of a wider market, and only around 25% of players use Loto-Quebec’s website exclusively.
The QOGC has recommended establishing an independent regulator who would be responsible for compliance, licensing, advertising rules and responsible gambling oversight. Obviously, it could be structured in a similar way to Ontario’s market, but tailored to Quebec’s priorities and French-language requirements.
What has the response been?
Lara Wilson: So far, there has not been a meaningful response, and the government frames the current situation as “working”. However, it has not refuted the $300 million tax loss figure, but the current administration does not seem ready to engage politically or publicly. It is very much focused on land-based gaming revenue, which is at odds with where the market is going in reality.
Might the Alberta market change the focus?
Lara Wilson: It could well do – particularly if Quebec’s revenue deficit gets any bigger. It is hard to ignore the impact of iGaming. What we have seen time and time again is that regulating private operators improves responsible gambling. While there are plenty of great platforms that residents of Quebec can access, it can be potluck! Here at Casino.ca, we only ever recommend properly licensed sites, so readers can find plenty of excellent options there.
Thank you Lara.