Quebec has a long history with gambling. The province ran Canada’s first government lottery back in 1910, and today it’s home to some of the country’s biggest land-based casinos. Online gambling is a different story, though. While the provincial government operates just one licensed online casino, it’s far from the only option for Quebecers.
The good news? There’s no law stopping you from playing at offshore casinos. Dozens of reputable international sites welcome Quebec players, offering thousands of games, generous bonuses, and fast payouts. Many of these casinos hold licences from respected authorities like the Malta Gaming Authority or Kahnawake Gaming Commission.
This guide covers everything you need to know about playing online in Quebec. We’ll walk you through the best casinos, how to get started, what games are available, and how the law actually works. Whether you’re new to online gambling or just looking for a better place to play, you’re in the right spot.
Not all online casinos are created equal. We put each site through a proper review process before recommending it to Quebec players. Here’s what we look for:
Licensing and security
This is non-negotiable. We only recommend casinos that hold valid licences from respected regulators like the Malta Gaming Authority, Curaçao Gaming Control Board, or Kahnawake Gaming Commission. We also check for SSL encryption, fair play certifications, and partnerships with independent testing agencies like eCOGRA.
Game selection
A good casino should offer variety. We look for sites with hundreds (or thousands) of slots, plus a solid mix of table games, live dealer options, and specialty games. The software providers matter too – top developers like Evolution, Pragmatic Play, and NetEnt mean better graphics, smoother gameplay, and fairer odds.
Bonuses and promotions
Welcome bonuses grab attention, but the terms and conditions tell the real story. We dig into wagering requirements, time limits, game restrictions, and maximum cashout caps. We also look for ongoing promotions that reward loyal players, not just new sign-ups.
Payment methods
Quebecers need convenient banking options. We prioritise casinos that accept Interac, plus a range of credit cards, e-wallets, and cryptocurrency. Fees, limits, and processing times all factor into our ratings.
Payout speed
Nobody wants to wait weeks for their winnings. We test withdrawal times ourselves and favour casinos that process cashouts within 24-48 hours.
Mobile compatibility
Most players want to gamble on their phones sometimes. We check that casinos work smoothly on mobile browsers, with full access to games, bonuses, and banking.
Customer support
When something goes wrong, you need help fast. We look for 24/7 support via live chat, plus email and phone options. Bonus points for French-language support, which matters in Quebec.
Signing up at an online casino takes about five minutes. You’ll need to provide some basic personal information: your name, email address, date of birth, and home address. Most sites ask you to create a username and password, and some will send a verification code to your phone.
One thing to know upfront: you’ll need to verify your identity before making your first withdrawal. This is called KYC (Know Your Customer) and it’s standard practice at licensed casinos. You’ll typically upload a photo of your driver’s licence or passport, and sometimes a utility bill to confirm your address. It sounds like a hassle, but it protects both you and the casino from fraud.
Making a deposit:
Making a withdrawal:
Slots are the most popular games at online casinos, and it’s easy to see why. They’re simple to play, come in every theme imaginable, and offer the chance to win big from a small bet. Modern slots feature wilds, scatters, free spins, multipliers, and bonus rounds that keep things interesting.
If you’re chasing life-changing money, look for progressive jackpot slots. These games pool a portion of every bet into a growing jackpot that can reach into the millions. Regular slots typically offer better odds for your everyday sessions, though.
Popular titles you’ll find at most Quebec-friendly casinos include Gates of Olympus, Starlight Princess, Big Bass Bonanza, and Book of Dead. Return-to-player (RTP) percentages usually sit between 94-97%, meaning the house edge is relatively small compared to other casino games.
Roulette has been a casino staple for centuries, and the online version captures the same excitement. You bet on where the ball will land, and the options range from simple (red or black, odd or even) to specific (a single number at 35:1 odds).
Three main variants dominate online casinos:
French roulette is popular in Quebec for obvious reasons, and it’s genuinely the best version to play if you can find it.
Blackjack is the thinking player’s game. Your decisions actually matter, and with basic strategy, you can push the house edge below 0.5%. The goal is simple: get closer to 21 than the dealer without going over.
Online casinos offer dozens of blackjack variants. Classic blackjack sticks to standard rules. Spanish 21 removes the 10s from the deck but adds bonus payouts. Multi-hand versions let you play several hands at once. The core gameplay stays the same, but the rule variations affect your odds, so it’s worth checking the paytable before you play.
Live dealer games are the closest you’ll get to a real casino without leaving your couch. Professional dealers run the games in real time from studio floors, streamed in HD to your device. You can chat with the dealer and other players, watch the cards being dealt or the wheel spinning, and place bets through the digital interface.
Popular live games include:
Live casino games tend to have higher minimum bets than regular online games, but the experience is worth it if you miss the atmosphere of a real casino floor.
Online poker comes in two main forms: video poker and player-versus-player games.
Video poker is you against the machine. You’re dealt five cards, choose which to hold, and draw replacements. Payouts depend on the strength of your final hand. Games like Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild offer some of the best odds in the casino if you play optimal strategy.
Player-versus-player poker pits you against real opponents. Texas Hold’em dominates, but you’ll also find Omaha and other variants. Offshore sites give Quebec players access to larger player pools and bigger tournament prize pools than the provincial option.
Single-event sports betting became legal across Canada in 2021 when Parliament passed Bill C-218. Before that, you could only bet on parlays (multiple games combined).
Most online casinos with sportsbooks offer competitive odds on major leagues: NHL, NFL, NBA, MLB, soccer, tennis, golf, and more. You’ll find pre-match betting, live in-play betting, and a huge range of prop bets. If you’re a sports fan, combining a casino account with sports betting gives you more options under one roof.
Almost every online casino offers a welcome bonus to new players. The most common type is a deposit match – the casino matches your first deposit by a certain percentage, up to a maximum amount.
For example, a “100% up to $500” bonus means if you deposit $500, you get another $500 in bonus funds. Some casinos spread the bonus across your first 2-4 deposits, which lets you claim more over time but requires a bigger total commitment.
Free spins often come bundled with deposit bonuses or as standalone offers. They let you spin the reels on selected slots without using your own money. Winnings from free spins usually come with wagering requirements before you can withdraw.
Some casinos offer no-deposit free spins just for signing up. These are smaller (typically 10-50 spins) but let you test the casino without risking your own cash.
The best casinos don’t forget about you after the welcome bonus ends. Look for:
This is the most important thing to understand about bonuses. Wagering requirements tell you how many times you need to bet the bonus amount before you can withdraw any winnings.
A 30x wagering requirement on a $100 bonus means you need to place $3,000 in bets before cashing out. That doesn’t mean you’ll lose $3,000 – your wins and losses cycle through as you play – but it takes time and there’s no guarantee you’ll come out ahead.
Lower wagering requirements are better. Anything under 35x is reasonable. Above 50x and you’re unlikely to clear the bonus unless you get lucky. Always read the terms and conditions before claiming any offer.
Interac is the go-to payment method for Canadian players. It’s fast, secure, and familiar – you’re essentially using the same system as your online banking. Most deposits are instant, and withdrawals typically land within 24 hours.
Interac e-Transfer is available at almost every offshore casino that accepts Canadians. There are no fees on the casino’s end, though your bank might charge a small amount.
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted for deposits. They’re convenient because you don’t need to set up any additional accounts. However, some Canadian banks block gambling transactions, so your card might be declined even at legitimate casinos.
Withdrawals to cards take longer than other methods – usually 1-3 business days after the casino processes your request.
E-wallets like Skrill and Neteller act as a middleman between your bank and the casino. You load funds into your e-wallet, then use that to deposit. This adds a layer of privacy and can speed up withdrawals.
The main drawback: some casinos exclude e-wallet deposits from welcome bonuses. Check the terms before you deposit.
Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and other cryptocurrencies are increasingly popular at online casinos. The advantages are clear:
If you already hold crypto, it’s one of the smoothest ways to fund your casino account.
Here’s what to expect for withdrawal processing:
| Method | Typical timeframe |
|---|---|
| E-wallets | 0-24 hours |
| Cryptocurrency | 0-24 hours |
| Interac | 1-24 hours |
| Credit/debit cards | 1-3 business days |
| Bank transfer | 3-5 business days |
Remember, your first withdrawal always takes longer because of identity verification. Get your documents submitted early to avoid delays when you want to cash out.
Most offshore casinos don’t have dedicated apps in Canadian app stores. Apple and Google have strict policies around gambling apps, and navigating different provincial regulations makes it complicated for operators.
The good news: you don’t need an app. Modern online casinos are built with mobile-first design. Just open your phone’s browser, go to the casino’s website, and everything works. The games, bonuses, banking options, and support are all there.
Mobile play has some genuine advantages:
The experience is slightly better on tablets thanks to the larger screen, but smartphones handle everything fine. Just make sure you’re on a stable WiFi or data connection before starting a session.
Gambling in Quebec is regulated by two bodies: Loto-Québec (established in 1969) and the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux (RACJ). Loto-Québec handles lotteries, casinos, and online gambling, while the RACJ focuses on licensing and enforcement.
The main legislation is the Act Respecting Lotteries, Publicity, Contests, and Amusement Machines. Under this framework, Quebec maintains a government monopoly on gambling. There’s currently just one provincially-licensed online casino, operated by Loto-Québec.
Here’s the key point: there is no law preventing Quebecers from playing at offshore online casinos.
The provincial government has tried to change this. In 2016, Quebec passed Bill 74, which ordered internet service providers to block unlicensed gambling sites. The Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association challenged the law, and the Supreme Court of Canada struck it down as unconstitutional.
Why? Telecommunications fall under federal jurisdiction. Provinces can’t force ISPs to block websites. The ruling also prevents other provinces from trying the same approach.
The result is a clear grey area. Operating an unlicensed casino from within Canada is illegal. But playing at an offshore site licensed elsewhere? Perfectly fine. No Quebecer has ever been prosecuted for gambling at an international online casino.
Here’s something unique to Quebec. The Kahnawake Mohawk Territory, located just outside Montreal, operates its own gaming commission. As a First Nations territory, it has sovereignty over its own affairs – including the right to issue gambling licences.
The Kahnawake Gaming Commission has been licensing online casinos since 1999. Many sites that serve Canadian players hold Kahnawake licences. It’s a legitimate regulatory body with real oversight, and its location in Quebec adds an interesting wrinkle to the legal landscape.
Quebec’s legal gambling age is 18. This applies to both online and land-based casinos. Only two other provinces share this lower limit: Alberta and Manitoba. Everywhere else in Canada, it’s 19.
All reputable online casinos verify your age before you can withdraw. If you’re under 18, your account will be closed and your funds may be confiscated.
Good news for players: recreational gambling winnings are not taxable in Canada. You don’t need to report your casino winnings to the CRA, and you won’t owe any provincial tax either.
The only exception is if you’re a professional gambler – someone who earns their living primarily from gambling. In that case, your winnings count as business income and need to be reported. For the vast majority of players, this doesn’t apply.
One small note: if you deposit your winnings into a savings account and earn interest, that interest is taxable. The winnings themselves remain tax-free.
Ontario changed the game in April 2022. The province launched a regulated private iGaming market, allowing international operators to apply for licences through iGaming Ontario. More than 40 operators now run legal online casinos and sportsbooks in the province.
The Quebec Online Gaming Coalition (QOGC) wants to bring the same model to Quebec. This group includes major players like DraftKings, Betway, and Flutter Entertainment. They argue that regulation would generate tax revenue, improve consumer protection, and bring the grey market into the open.
Major sports leagues – the NBA, MLS, and CFL – have publicly supported the coalition’s push for regulation.
Don’t hold your breath. Quebec has shown no urgency to change the current system. Loto-Québec defends its monopoly and has even threatened offshore operators for allegedly targeting Quebec players.
Any move toward Ontario-style regulation is years away, if it happens at all. Political priorities, revenue concerns, and bureaucratic inertia all work against quick change.
In the meantime, Quebecers can enjoy the many high-quality offshore casinos available right now. The sites recommended on this page are licensed by respected international authorities, use industry-standard security, and offer fair games. The legal situation is clear: you’re free to play without any risk of penalty.
Gambling should be fun. When it stops being fun – or starts causing problems – it’s time to step back. Here are some warning signs to watch for:
Every reputable online casino offers responsible gambling tools:
If you or someone you know needs help, these Quebec resources are available:
National resources include the Responsible Gambling Council and GamTalk, an online peer support community.
Yes. Quebec has one government-operated online casino, but there are no laws preventing residents from playing at licensed offshore sites.
18 years old. Quebec is one of only three Canadian provinces with this lower limit – Alberta and Manitoba are the others.
No. Recreational gambling winnings are tax-free in Canada. Only professional gamblers who earn their living from gambling need to report winnings as income.
Most sites accept Interac, Visa, Mastercard, e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller, and cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Yes. While dedicated apps are rare, all top online casinos offer fully optimised mobile browser experiences with the same games and features as the desktop version.
Reputable offshore casinos licensed by authorities like the Malta Gaming Authority, UK Gambling Commission, or Kahnawake Gaming Commission are safe and secure. Always verify a casino’s licence before signing up, and stick to recommended sites with established track records.