Vous aimez les sports bet? If yes, and you’re in Quebec, this guide contains all the details you need to know about legal and safe sports betting in Québec. Our expert team has researched and compiled all key facts about sports betting laws in Québec, including current regulations, online betting, and domestic and offshore sportsbooks. We’ve also provided tips and recommendations for finding the best sportsbooks in Canada, especially Québec. Continue reading to get all the details.
Yes, sports betting is legal in Québec. Canadians residing in the province have multiple reliable platforms for legal sports betting. The most exciting part is that it's now possible to place single and multi-game wagers. That wasn’t always the case, as single sports betting wasn’t legal in Québec until 2021.
Specifically, single-game betting was permitted on August 27, 2021, when the Canadian federal government passed Bill C-218. Before Bill C-218, sports bettors had to wager on two or more events. In betting terminology, this is referred to as a parlay bet. A parlay requires each wager to be successful to win the entire bet. Compared to a single bet, parlay comes with increased risk. With Bill C-218, bettors in Québec can improve their odds and potentially record more successful wagers with single bets. It’s no surprise Québec lawmakers welcomed the bill.
However, the Kahnawake community has been fighting the bill since it was introduced. The Kahnawake Gaming Commission, the Montréal-based gaming regulator, has licensed multiple online casinos with Kahnawake certificates since its founding in 1996.
According to the commission, the bill could impact gambling fairness in Canada. Nevertheless, Québec agreed to accept Bill C-218 irrespective of the Commission’s perspective. So, bettors in Québec can legally engage in single-game and parlay betting on licensed and regulated sportsbooks.
To bet on sports in Québec, bettors must be at least 18 years old. This is notably lower than the 19 years age minimum on top sports betting applications in Canada. However, the law only permits betting on sports using licensed and approved platforms.
In Québec, sports bettors can legally place bets using a province-run platform. Additionally, they can choose from a wide range of offshore online sportsbooks. Following Québec’s online gaming laws, a sportsbook is legal if it’s not owned or operated in Canada. The reason is the Canadian government doesn't regulate overseas operations.
Thanks to the recent law permitting single-game betting, Québec bettors have multiple betting options to choose from, including:
Single events
Moneylines
Point Spread
Pools
Props
Futures
Parlays
In-play betting and more
When it comes to domestic sports betting in Québec, there are still several reliable options bettors can choose from. However, two local sportsbooks stand out: Espacejeux and Mise-O-Jeu. Both platforms are operated by Loto-Québec, the body in charge of lottery and gaming in the province.
Thanks to Bill C-218, these domestic sportsbooks now offer single-event betting. Single-game wagering makes sports betting less riskier and can potentially increase winning chances.
It’s worth mentioning that some bettors prefer to place wagers in person. In that regard, Québec has limited options. Although it’s the second largest province in Canada, Québec has only five land-based casinos:
Casino de Montréal
Salon de jeux de Québec
Casino du Lac-Leamy
Casino de Mont-Tremblant
Casino de Charlevoix
Bettors in Québec can visit the above casinos and explore sports betting options. Each is owned and managed by the Québec government, meaning they’re licensed, legal and safe.
Besides domestic sports betting platforms, there are also offshore sportsbooks with legal approval to operate in Québec. These platforms are operated internationally, beyond the jurisdiction of the Canadian government. Since these platforms aren’t based in Canada, they’re entirely legal in Quebec.
Based on our experience in the sports betting industry, some offshore online sportsbooks are more reliable than others. Below are some of the top options we recommend as reputable and trustworthy:
Our online sports betting experts have reviewed these sportsbooks and found that they meet quality standards. Additionally, they’re safe and legal for Quebecers.
As with all online gaming sites, it’s crucial to verify that an offshore sportsbook is licensed and regulated before you start playing. This will ensure that your personal and financial information is safe and protected. Additionally, pay attention to factors such as the sports range and betting markets. That way, you can choose a platform that meets your betting preferences.
If you’re still unsure how to find the best online casinos and sportsbooks, you can rely on us at BettingGuide.com to help you. Our team of experts will walk you through every aspect of online gambling and help you find the most secure sites for your gaming adventure.
To help you get started with trustworthy international betting sites, check out our guide to the top 10 sportsbooks in Canada. We've reviewed and ranked the best and most reliable offshore sportsbooks available to Canadians, including Quebecers.
Thomas is responsible for all content on BettingGuide Canada. With his extensive knowledge of the gambling industry and college degree in law, he knows what you should look out for when choosing the best casino or sportsbook.