When it comes to online casino regulations and rules, playing casino games online can be a bit of a grey area. The Criminal Code of Canada serves as the primary authority for this North American nation, however it does not specifically hone in on the dos and don’ts of gambling.
Instead, provinces are largely left to their own devices when it comes to deciding where they stand on gambling. For example, Alberta currently offers online casino gaming through its own Play Alberta gaming site, which is the province’s first and only regulated site, and other provinces have followed suit.
But where do gambling fans stand in Quebec? To keep things under control, the Quebec Alcohol, Racing and Gaming Commission was established to make the big decisions. But this wasn’t without its problems.
Read on to find out more about the history of online casino regulation in Quebec.
Lottery
The lottery was the first type of gambling legalized in Quebec. In 1969, the Loto-Quebec Lottery Commission was established, resulting in an increase in the popularity of this game of chance.
Loto-Quebec moved to an online platform in 2012, allowing players to fill their tickets from the comfort of their own homes. When you play online, you have the option of playing draw and instant games, which are suitable for any playing style.
Table Games
Following the introduction of the first two permanent land-based casinos in the Vancouver area in 1986, Quebec jumped on the hype shortly after. Table games such as Poker, Blackjack, and Roulette are popular at these brick-and-mortar locations.
Depending on where you play, you can also discover a variety of slot machines. Quebec also has standard-alone Poker rooms and Bingo halls in addition to casinos.
Going Online
Even though the Lottery is now available online, there was a time when the rest of the casino classics were only available in person. Thanks to the Quebec Alcohol, Racing and Gaming Commission, a website called Espacejeux became the host of all legalised online gaming and the province’s only online casino, building on the success of Loto-Quebec in 2012.
Espacejeux allowed players to play Lottery, table top, skill-based, and Bingo games from the comfort of their own homes, as it still does today. Almost any casino game that has already been made legal in the province, including sports betting, can be found online.
Playing Offshore
Despite the tumultuous journey that Quebec’s gambling regulations have gone, things are a lot easier when it comes to playing offshore. The Quebec government has no legal authority to pursue international online gaming operators, which means that if your internet connection allows you to play at an offshore online casino, you are free to do so.
Quebec attempted to regulate offshore gaming at one point, passing a bill that prohibiting outside online gaming operators. As a result, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have been told to block any online casinos located outside of the country. The restriction was quickly lifted by the Supreme Court of Canada, and outside gaming channels were once again available.
If you want to play offshore, you’ll need to be more cautious about your online security. Many Canadian players will not take the time to look for a new gaming host, which can lead to their downfall. Make sure to play at reputable and regulated sites, and ensure that there’s a payment method available that supports Canadian banking.
