The iGaming industry in Canada has witnessed a meteoric rise in recent years. While Quebec has had its own iGaming platform since 2010, Ontario grabbed headlines for its legalization of online casinos and sports books in 2022. The ripple effects have meant that the second most populous province in Canada has taken a harder look at player preferences, adjusting options to take full advantage of this hub for online gambling.
Snapshot of Quebec’s iGaming Market
Quebec’s iGaming landscape is one of the largest and most competitive in Canada. At the forefront is Loto-Québec, the province’s state-run lottery corporation, which has maintained oversight of legal online gambling through its Espacejeux platform since 2010. Espacejeux offers a diverse portfolio, ranging from casino games to poker and sports betting.
However, private operators dominate a significant share of the market. A recent survey by the Québec Online Gaming Coalition (QOGC) revealed that nearly 73% of Quebec players prefer privately operated platforms for online casino games and sports betting, compared to just 26.6% using Espacejeux.
The COVID-19 Effect
Research from Concordia University and Université Laval found that the percentage of Quebecers gambling online tripled from 5% in 2018 to 15% by 2020-2021. This threefold increase was largely driven by the prolonged lockdowns that shuttered traditional gambling venues, nudging consumers toward the convenience and accessibility of digital platforms. As physical options dwindled, online gambling filled the void, fundamentally reshaping the province’s gaming habits.
Mining the Data
With more players turning to online gambling in Quebec and Espacejeux falling short in capturing their attention, understanding French Canadian preferences may be what makes or breaks online gambling platforms’ success in La Belle Province.
Preferred Payment Methods
For Quebec iGaming enthusiasts, convenience and security are paramount when it comes to online transactions. The most popular payment options include:
- E-wallets: Services like PayPal and Skrill are prized for their speed and ease of use.
- Bank Transfers: Options like Interac remain a favourite due to their reliability and familiarity.
- Cryptocurrency: Increasingly popular among tech-savvy players for its anonymity and rapid transaction speeds.
Meeting in the Middle: Mobile and Desktop
Mobile gaming has become a cornerstone of Quebec’s iGaming preferences, with players expecting seamless gameplay across devices. The portability and convenience of mobile apps make them the go-to choice for players who value quick, on-the-go betting experiences.
However, the desktop experience has not been entirely eclipsed. For more sophisticated activities—such as multi-table poker tournaments or strategic sports betting—players still gravitate toward the expansive real estate and processing power of desktop setups. The most successful platforms are those that can effortlessly straddle both worlds, offering shared wallets, synchronized play histories, and real-time notifications to cater to players’ needs across devices.
Personalization Pulls in Players
When tapping into Quebec’s iGaming market, platforms need to do more than just run flashy ads. Players care about culturally relevant details and marketing strategies tailored to their unique experiences. These include:
- Bilingual Content: French-language options are non-negotiable, especially considering that 4 out of 5 bilingual people live in Quebec. Players expect platforms to be thoughtful when it comes to their bilingual approach, understanding the nuances between Quebecois French and Parisian French, for example.
- Localized Promotions: Offers tied to Quebec’s passions—think hockey-themed bonuses and seasonal themes—can easily outperform generic options.
- Social Media and Streaming: Platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Twitch dominate as engagement hubs for iGaming enthusiasts, and Quebecers appreciate creative options linked to their favourite influencers.
Transparency in Betting Practices
Quebecers value transparency when it comes to iGaming, with trust playing a significant role in platform loyalty. Players expect operators to clearly display odds, terms of promotions, and return-to-player (RTP) rates for games. Platforms that provide real-time updates on bets, transparent payout processes, and easy-to-read game rules often win the audience of La Belle Province.
Additionally, integrating tools for responsible gambling—like self-imposed limits, cooling-off periods, and clear notifications—reinforces trust with players.
What’s Next for Quebec iGaming Players?
For platforms that can adapt to Quebec’s distinct market dynamics, the rewards are undeniable—meaning a win-win for players and iGaming companies alike. The key is to stay ahead of the curve. As other provinces explore opportunities for their provincial-led iGaming commissions, Quebec must take note of successes and should take advantage of setbacks to engage players.