Best Quebec Online Casinos in 2024

If you’re looking to get information about online gambling in Quebec, you’ve found the right place. On this page, we’ll dive deep into the gambling history and current regulations governing the beautiful province of Quebec. We'll also highlight dozens of top-rated Quebec online casinos for you to choose from. Stick around to learn more!

Gambling has had a long history in Quebec. As a matter of fact, Quebecers have been playing casino games and betting on sports since the 1890s. This province proudly hosted the first gambling venue in Canada in 1894. This venue (Quebec Club) was visited mainly by the upper class with deep pockets. Thankfully, the 20th century saw gambling become more accessible to the general public. This was after the government opened the first government-owned lottery in Quebec in 1910.

Fast-forward to the mid-20th century, gambling became even more accessible. The federal government changed the law to allow individual provinces to regulate gambling. Approximately 60% of Canadians gamble today, with Quebec hosting multiple land-based and online casinos.

The Legality of Gambling in Quebec

Quebec's gambling regulation goes back to 1892. At this time, Christian moralist groups influenced the House of Commons to enact the Canadian Criminal Code. These moralists used this Act to persecute anyone who "sinned" by participating in gambling. However, their influence started diminishing in the early 20th century. 

In the 1930s, Quebec politicians campaigned for the legalization of gambling. However, this was unsuccessful until 1969, when the federal government amended the Criminal Code. The new law allowed regional governments to regulate gambling. Of course, Quebec wasted no time in embracing these changes. In December 1969, the government established Loto-Quebec to oversee lottery games and casinos in the province. 

After 1969, it took several years of amendments to the law for the Quebec gambling sector to be where it is. For example, this province legalized sports betting in 1985, when it was legalized nationwide. The iGaming market in Quebec is also booming. However, the government has yet to take an open licensing approach similar to Ontario's. Despite that, online gambling was making around $80 billion yearly by 2021.

As it stands, Espace Jeux is the only legal online gambling platform in Quebec. This website offers numerous slots, table games, and lotteries. There is also a large number of gambling sites operating in this province. Keep in mind that these websites are licensed internationally, making them equally reliable options. Like in most provinces, signing up and playing on these online casinos isn't illegal.

Below is an overview of online and offline gambling in Quebec:

Gambling statusLegal
RegulatorLoto Quebec
Legal gambling age18+
Legal online gamblingYes (Espace Jeux)
Legal sports bettingYes (Espace Jeux)
Land-based gambling venues6
Regulated gamesSlots, live dealer, poker, table games, lottery

History of Gambling in Quebec

Below is a timeline of key events that transpired in Quebec's gambling sector:

  • 1892: Father Antoine Labelle (popularly called Cure Labelle) established a national lottery to fund the Société de colonization du diocèse de Montréal project.
  • 1930s: Non-protestant immigrants from China, Italy, France, and Spain establish illegal gambling venues. These houses would eventually transform into Montreal's Red Light District.
  • 1930s: Quebec politicians, including Camillien Houde, the Montreal mayor, unsuccessfully lobbied for legal gambling.
  • 1955: Gallup polls reveal that 69% of Canadians support legal gambling. This support increased to 79% in 1969%
  • 1969: The Criminal Code of Canada allows regional governments to regulate gambling.
  • 1969: On December 23, Quebec passed the Lotteries and Races Act, establishing Loto-Quebec.
  • 1970: Two immigrants share a $125,000 jackpot organized by Loto-Quebec. 
  • 1985: Quebec officially legalizes sports betting.
  • 1992: The government approves construction plans for the province's first two land-based venues.
  • 2010: Loto-Quebec launched Espace Jeux, the only regulated casino site in Quebec to date.
  • 2015: Quebec announces plans to block offshore gambling sites.
  • 2021: The Court of Appeal prevents the province from compelling ISPs to block unauthorized gambling sites. 

Free Playing in Quebec

One of the reasons why Quebecers prefer playing online is the extensive gaming options. Whether you're a hobbyist or a professional gambler, you can play free and real-money casino games. Both gameplays allow players to indulge in top-quality gaming and experience what the casino offers. 

The table below shows the main difference between real money and free play:

Real Money PlayFree Play
Bet and win real cashPlay for fun with unlimited virtual credits. 
Win a jackpot with a small bet. Play without risking real money. 
Hundreds of gaming options are available. Available in nearly all RNG games. 
Thrilling experience of winning and losing.Practice new strategies and learn the game rules for free. 
A real money casino account is a must. Play without registering anywhere. 

How We Rank The Best Casinos

Finding a reliable gambling site that offers everything you need might seem easy on paper. However, things could be challenging when you finally enter the online gambling world. You must know what to look for in a casino to avoid getting scammed. To help you find the best platforms, here are some of the features we look out for when comparing and ranking casinos:

  • Background: A casino must tick this box before we proceed to confirm other features. We run a comprehensive background check on the casino to verify its reliability and safety. Only casinos with a history of fair and transparent dealings make it to our shortlist.
  • Licensing and safety: We check if the casino is licensed in Canada or internationally before providing our ratings. Besides a valid license, the gambling site must prove that it's encrypted against online attacks. Your safety when gambling online is our utmost concern.
  • Payments: The best online casinos in Quebec provide payments via reliable banking methods. Our review includes casinos with safe and easy-to-access e-wallets, cryptocurrencies, bank cards, and vouchers. In addition, top real money casinos process swift and guaranteed payouts.
  • Game variety and quality: We know that game variety is massively important to you. Therefore, we only rate casinos with many games from reliable software developers. On top of that, we confirm if the games are certified for fairness and transparency.
  • Bonuses and promotions: We only consider online casinos in Quebec with bonus offers for new and loyal players. Our comparison covers the bonus size and the frequency of loyalty promotions. Most importantly, we read the bonus terms to ensure everything is fair and transparent.
  • Device compatibility: A casino must be able to provide cross-platform compatibility before we approve it for review. All the games should be accessible via mobile phones, tablets, and desktops. The same goes for services like banking and customer support.
  • Customer support: This is a critical feature that we don't overlook. Before recommending a casino, we contact the support team to determine their response times and professionalism. You can get support through email, live chat, phone, and social media at the best Quebec casinos.
  • Fair website policies: All casino sites have T&Cs that guide the rules of engagement. However, reading every clause on this page can be time-consuming when you're eager to start playing. The good news is that we always read the entire page to confirm if there are any unfair clauses. 

Sites to Avoid in Quebec

Sadly, some Quebec online casinos fail to meet our minimum safety requirements. We have a long list of features that a casino must tick before it joins our list. If an operator doesn't meet these requirements, we add it to our list of casinos to avoid. 

Below is a list of characteristics of an unreliable casino in Quebec:

  • There is no sign of licensing information anywhere.
  • Unprofessional and unresponsive casino support.
  • History of frustrating gamers before paying out winnings.
  • Misleading information about the bonuses and games.
  • History of suspending player accounts without prior notifications.
  • Sites owned by operators with questionable practices.
  • No responsible gambling tools and resources. 

Must-Have Features of Top Casinos

Identifying a good casino doesn't have to be complicated. First, any gambling site without proper licensing information is a no-go area. Espace Jeux is a reliable option in Quebec because the government licenses it. This means you can complain to Loto-Quebec about any complications on the website.

Casinos licensed in Ontario, Kahnawake, the UK, the US, Malta, and Curacao are excellent alternatives. 

But licensing alone doesn't tell the whole story. An excellent casino must have a positive reputation. You can get plenty of background information about a casino site by joining player forums like Trustpilot and Reddit. Also, read our honest and unbiased reviews to get first-hand information about the casino's services. Remember, these casinos don't pay us anything to write reviews. We’re only motivated to help you find a reliable casino to join.

Payments must also be reliable and processed on time. Online gambling involves staking and winning real money. Some rogue casino sites in Canada can take weeks before paying out winnings. Some of these casinos end up not paying out winnings altogether. So, only sign up on casinos with swift deposits and withdrawals. Again, you can count on our reviews to help you join a casino with quick and safe payments. 

Bonus Offers and Promotions

The best gambling sites in Quebec have a range of bonus offers for new and loyal members. However, these bonuses often have varying shapes, sizes, and requirements. Therefore, knowing how these offers work before claiming anything is vital.  

Remember, a bigger bonus isn't always the best. Instead, read the bonus fine print to claim rewards with realistic wagering requirements, validity periods, and game contributions. 

Here are some popular online casino bonuses in Quebec, Canada:

  • No deposit bonus: Simply register on the casino site to claim this bonus offer. You don't need to deposit money to claim this bonus. However, these bonuses can be rare, although top casinos in Quebec provide them regularly.
  • Welcome match bonus: This is the most prevalent deposit bonus for new iGaming players. After signing up and depositing money, most Quebec casinos will match your deposit with 100%. This could go on for your first several deposits.
  • Free spins: The free spins offer provides you with free game rounds on a specific slot machine. Typically, the casino will pre-select a slot, although some websites can let you use the spins on your favourite games. Note that wagering requirements are attached to free spin winnings.
  • Reload bonuses: A reload bonus can be a match bonus or free spins. However, as the name hints, these bonuses are given to loyal gamers who occasionally top up their account balance. For example, you can receive a match percentage on your deposit every Monday or Friday.
  • High roller bonus: If you're an avid gamer with a big budget, claim this special offer at Quebec casino sites. It's a big match bonus often given to new members. Some casinos can also have ongoing high-roller bonuses. These bonuses have friendlier terms and bigger sizes than rewards for casual gamers.
  • Cashback: Casinos can reward their returning gamers with cashback bonuses. It's a percentage of your actual money losses during a specified period. Remember that the refund is in bonus money. Therefore, you must meet the wagering requirements to convert the reward to a payout.
  • VIP programs: The best Quebec casinos enroll players in loyalty programs to claim exclusive bonuses and special treatments. For example, VIP players can receive special cashback and reload bonuses. Some casinos also reward loyalty with cash prizes and land-based casino tickets.

Mobile Gaming in Quebec

According to recent research, 77% of Quebecers have mobile phones. This statistic means mobile gaming is prevalent in the province. Top mobile casinos allow players to play anywhere at any time. These games are optimized to provide convenient experiences on your small mobile screen. You can enjoy convenient gambling on Android, iOS, and Windows Phone systems.

When ranking casinos, we ensure the mobile experience is smooth and uninterrupted. We try out all games, including live dealer titles, to confirm if there are any crashes or delays. Operators with dedicated casino apps receive high ratings on our reviews. These apps are optimized to provide the ultimate experience with a single screen tap. The services and layout designs are typically the same regardless of the mobile system.

Gambling Taxes

In Canada, you only pay taxes on properties and earnings from legitimate and established sources. Put simply, winnings from Quebec casinos are not subject to taxation. The Income Tax Act clearly says these are not sources of income. However, you must declare any interest earned from gambling winnings to be taxed. For example, you must pay taxes for any interest if you deposit a jackpot win into your savings account.

Responsible Gambling in Quebec

The main essence of regulating gambling in Quebec is to provide secure and responsible gambling. To ensure this, Loto-Quebec promotes responsible gambling through research and educational resources. For example, visit this link to learn about responsible gambling tools and measures by the regulator. You can also join the voluntary self-exclusion program at all Loto-Quebec licensed casinos. 

It's also reassuring that top gambling sites are committed to safe and responsible gambling practices. It's okay to contact the support team to request self-exclusion from the services, including promotional materials. These casinos also let you set custom deposit limits, loss limits, and session timeouts. Use these tools to gamble more responsibly. 

However, responsible gambling is a personal responsibility. Successful gamers use safe gambling practices to help them improve and manage their losses. Here are some tips for gambling responsibly at Quebec casinos:

  • Only play during your spare time and when sober.
  • Create a gambling bankroll and divide it into several units.
  • Walk away from losses and have a stop-loss limit.
  • Stop playing after adding a decent win to your bankroll.
  • Gamble for fun and treat the winnings as mere coincidence.

Land-Based Casinos in the Province

Playing at online casinos in Quebec is undoubtedly fun and convenient. However, visiting a land-based casino allows you to enjoy an authentic gambling ambiance and socialize with other players. It's also one of the best ways to learn about gambling secrets and strategies. Read on to discover some physical land-based casinos in Quebec. Loto-Quebec operates all these casinos, and you must be 18+ to play. 

Casino de Montreal

Location: 1 Ave du Casino, Montreal, QC H3C 4W7

Casino de Montreal or Montreal Casino was established in 1993. It's the biggest land-based venue in Canada, operating seven days a week. You can play more than 3,000 slot machines on the massive 526,000-square-foot floor. This venue also has 80+ gaming tables and several virtual games. Gamers can take a break and relax at one of the three restaurants.

Casino de Charlevoix

Location: 183 Rue Richelieu, La Malbaie, QC G5A 1X8

Launched in 1994, this casino is 150km northeast of Quebec City. It sits next to the iconic Manoir Richelieu Hotel, a popular tourist destination. At Casino de Charlevoix, you can play on one of the 800 slot machines and 20 tables. This venue also has a hotel, conference center, spa, and golf course. 

Casino du Lac-Leamy

Location: 1 Bd du Casino, Gatineau, QC J8Y 6W3

Casino du Lac-Leamy is a government-run casino that opened in March 1996. This venue is home to several bars, restaurants, and a 349-room Hilton Hotel. You can also enjoy yourself in the 1,100-seat theatre. The casino itself has 1,800+ slot machines and 65+ tables to play blackjack, baccarat, craps, and poker. 

Casino de Mont-Tremblant

Location: 300 Chem. des Pléiades, Mont-Tremblant, QC J8E 0A7

Mont Tremblant Casino is a popular venue with an incomparable entertainment experience. It houses games, shows, tournaments, and restaurants. The casino has 400+ slot machines and 16+ tables with professional croupiers. There are also several tables to play Texas Hold 'em, Poker Grand Prix, and Poker tournaments. 

Playground Poker Club

Location: 1500 QC-138 Unit C, Kahnawake, QC J0L 1B0

Playground Poker Club is a relatively new venue that opened in 2010. As the name hints, this casino focuses on providing professional poker experiences. The 128,000-square-foot playing area has 40+ Poker tables with tens of different variants. Playgroup Poker also occasionally hosts the World Series of Poker events.

FAQ

Yes, you can legally play in Quebec on Espace Jeux. This gambling site is operated by Loto-Quebec to provide legal sports betting and casino games. The federal law also allows Quebec residents to sign up and play on offshore casino operators. Follow our Ultimate selection guide to choose the best online casino to join. 

Online gambling is 100% safe in Quebec if you play in a legal casino. You can securely play on Quebec casinos licensed in Canada, the UK, the US, Malta, Curacao, and other countries. Besides licensing, ensure the casino is fully encrypted to protect your personal and financial information.

There are many top casino sites to join in Canada. However, the best option will depend on your personal preferences. For example, join a casino that offers fast and reliable payments via your preferred banking method. Browse our expert picks to discover the safest casinos in Quebec. 

Offshore casinos don't use local laws to accept players from Quebec. This means the minimum gambling age may vary, depending on the licensing body. Most top casinos that accept Quebec players have a minimum age limit of 18 years. 

No, there's no specific dress code for playing at physical venues in Quebec. Most casinos accept players in casual dresses. You can play in these venues if your dress code is decent. 

Top Quebec casinos provide fair and transparent gaming experiences. These casinos have games from reputable software developers like NetEnt, Microgaming, and Play'n GO. Bodies like eCOGRA and iTech Labs also audit Quebec casinos to ensure fair play. Moreover, you can enjoy live dealer games with life-like gaming experiences.

Gambling online in Quebec provides the convenience of enjoying yourself anywhere. Online gambling also has a broader range of gaming options, with some casinos providing 10,000+ games. Another thing, online gamblers don't spend money on drinks and other expenses like their land-based counterparts. 

Yes, most casino sites in Quebec provide customer support in English and French. Top real money casinos also offer support in other international languages like Spanish, Chinese, and Italian using auto-translate services.