According to the federal Criminal Code of Canada, gambling is prohibited. But Section 207 clears up the point of that stringent prohibition – it says that governments of the provinces are free to manage gambling activities within their boundaries. Also, since the end of 2021, the restriction that treated the holding of races and the act of betting on those races as separate events was lifted in federal law. And for now, provinces have more power to legislate in the field of gambling. Canadian laws stated that all the winnings from gambling are not taxable. The incidence of taxation is shifted on the gambling operators’ shoulders. It makes Canada one of the most fascinating countries for gamblers.
Gambling latitude in Quebec
Talking about gambling, Quebec is one of the most discretionary states in Canada. This province has been accepting betting services on its territory for more than 50 years. Different forms of gambling, including the hit of the decade – iGaming, are legal in Quebec. Plus, unlike most Canadian provinces where the minimum age for gambling is nineteen, in Quebec, along with Alberta and Winnipeg, you can play from the age of eighteen. At the same time, the Government of the Quebec province takes care of people interested in gambling and, on its official website, related to government information and services, gamers can get advice for preventing problems related to consumption and gambling. Furthermore, players can find there a separate paragraph dedicated to the role of luck in gambling.
The Provincial Government followed the famous proverb – “If you can’t beat them, join them.” For now, all gambling facilities and activities are regulated by the board named Québec Régie des Alcools des Courses et des Jeux and Loto-Québec corporation.
All casinos and gambling halls in Québec are regulated by the local agency Loto-Québec and the RACJ board. Traditional land-based live casinos in Québec are operated by the Loto-Québecthe – Societe des casinos du Québec. The province is famous for its big casinos, but also it is well known for its casino resorts, the finest in the world.
The other passion of Canadian gamblers is gambling halls. These gambling facilities differ from the casinos – there are no dealers and usual table games, only slot machines and electronic versions of table games. Also, it is possible to find a video lottery terminal at Quebec bars just because they are available under license. Such terminals offer only keno, video poker, and slot-style games.
Concerning poker, there is a strict rule about poker home games. They are allowed only if the host has no profit from the game and all related actions. Quebec offers a lot of poker rooms in the live casinos, which are under the operation of Lotto-Québec and RACJ. But there are also some poker rooms managed by the Mohawks of Kahnawake First Nation.
There is only one offline option in Quebec for those who prefer betting. Horse racing fans can visit Hippodrome 3R, a Québec track with betting facilities in Trois-Rivières.
In terms of lotteries, the first one in Quebec was launched in 1970. The modern provincial lottery has nightly draws and provides multiple chances to win a jackpot, like scratch cards, keno options, and other additional games. The biggest prize in its history was $70 million.
Talking about bingo halls, they are easy to find all over Quebec. They can be operated independently because of the charitable gambling laws – each bingo hall must share its profit with nonprofit organizations.
Online gambling in Quebec
Canada became one of the groundbreakers, and in 1996 online gambling was recognized and legalized countrywide in various amounts. But only in 2010 Québec Régie des Alcools des Courses et des Jeux launched the Espacejeux – website with bingo, lotteries, poker and online casino games. It used to be the only locally operated online gambling site for a long time. Gamblers who prefer betting on horse racing can use an HPIBET website. Sports fans can bet at the Mise-o-jeu website. Apart from the above mentioned, people of Quebec can join exterior iGaming websites to their taste if that’s ready to accept them. But unfortunately, Quebec authorities are planning to block online gambling platforms that are not licensed by Loto-Quebec and RACJ.
Legal Casinos to Play in Quebec
According to the official website of Société des casinos du Québec, there are four gorgeous legal casinos in the province.
Casino de Montréal
Not just a casino, but an architectural icon of the city is easy to find in the former France and Québec pavilions built for Expo 67. A great selection of games, bars and restaurants, along with a dance floor where cabaret performances, parties with DJs, and band concerts take place are waiting for the visitors.
Casino de Charlevoix
The beautiful and majestic Casino de Charlevoix, with the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu Hotel in tow, is waiting for the visitors on the banks of the majestic St. Lawrence River. Casino de Charlevoix is a great place where nature and culture are at once, which offers restaurants, bars, swimming pools, a wide range of games, a spa, free shows, and a world-class golf course.
Casino du Lac-Leamy
The Casino du Lac‑Leamy is located in the vicinity of Ottawa. A great variety of shows and games, bars, and restaurants are waiting for the customers. For the people of after-dark culture, there is also a theatre and a nightclub at that facility. Also, there are indoor and outdoor pools, whirlpools, a conference center, and even a spa & fitness center at the five-star Hilton Lac-Leamy Hotel, which is placed next to the casino.
Casino de Mont-Tremblant
This casino gets cozy at the foot of Mont-Tremblant’s ski resort near the Versant Soleil. Seafood, grill, bar, a bunch of different games and a dance floor in the middle of nature are awaiting the fun-seekers.
Gambling in Quebec
During the period of the COVID-19 pandemic, some economic sectors in Canada were covered by special closure orders. That happened due to the health crisis and the subsequent implementation of measures and instructions. Gambling houses and casinos were included in the list of venues with suspended activities, along with discotheques, bars, and restaurant dining rooms. Here’s hoping that all restrictions will be lifted soon, and the gambling business will flourish again. All the casinos listed above, except Casino de Mont-Tremblant, are planning the reopening on February 28, while Casino de Mont-Tremblant set a date for the reopening on March 3. Luckily, for now, all the gamblers of Quebec can enjoy only online gaming facilities and train their skills at home.