Quebec Online Casinos

Quebec Casinos

Quebec Online Gambling History and Laws

The Criminal Code of Canada prohibited most gambling forms until 1969 when an amendment allowed federal and provincial authorities to organize lotteries and introduce slot machines. That same year, the government founded Loto-Quebec, a corporation responsible for overseeing the lottery and gaming in the province.

In 1985, another amendment to the Code gave provinces complete control over casino-style games, like slot machines and video-based gambling devices. Fast forward to 1992, the Loto-Quebec subsidiary, Société des Casinos du Québec, was founded and tasked with establishing and regulating land-based casinos. Today, four land-based gambling venues operate in the province.

During the 2000s, Canadian provinces began exploring the new online gambling scene. In 2010, Quebec launched espacejeux.com, the second licenced and regulated online casino on the continent. In addition to the government-run gambling site, the residents had access to offshore casinos, as no laws prohibited their operations in Canada.

However, it all came crashing down when Quebec attempted to set up a gambling monopoly by passing Bill 74. The provincial government required internet providers to enforce an IP block against offshore casinos that accept Canadian players. After multiple failed attempts, the law was ruled unconstitutional in 2018.

As a result, the Quebec government opened the gates to offshore online casinos, revitalizing the industry and giving its residents more gambling opportunities.

How We Review and Rate Quebec Online Casinos

Since we aim to bring you the best gambling options, we carefully review every contender to determine whether it meets our high standards. Over time, our team has created a fool-proof system that weeds out inferior casinos, leaving only the cream of the crop. Below is a list of criteria we look into while reviewing a Quebec online casino.

Gambling licence

The best Quebec online casinos must hold a valid gambling licence from well-known regulators. Fully licenced gambling sites abide by a set of rules and operate transparently, thus creating a safe gambling environment. On top of that, most sites undergo independent testing to ensure game fairness and rule out any tampering with the results.

Country Restrictions

Most international online casinos have lists of restricted countries, which sometimes include Canada. Therefore, we always check whether Canadian players from all provinces, especially Quebec, can sign up and play at an online casino.

Player Feedback

One of the first things we look at is what players say about an online casino, regardless of how popular it may be. Through customer reviews, we get a clear picture of how an online casino runs its business and whether it takes care of its players.

Payment Methods

Payment options are a crucial factor when choosing the right casino. That is why our research always includes examining the casino’s banking section and seeing whether the operator supports diverse payment options, such as credit/debit cards, digital wallets, and bank transfers. We also make sure that Canada-friendly methods (Interac, ecoPayz, Instadebit, iDebit, etc.) are at your disposal.

Games and Software Providers

A comprehensive and well-developed game portfolio is the backbone of every successful online casino. When reviewing the game lobby, we check whether it supports diverse game types like slots, table games, and live dealer titles. We also ensure all games come from well-known software developers with impeccable reputations and years of experience in the field.

Safety

Staying safe should always be your top priority when gambling online. Since you’ll be using real money to play games and personal information to set up an account, you must ensure the casino takes your safety seriously. Luckily, our selection of Quebec online gambling platforms offers top-level protection through advanced encryption protocols and firewalls.

Welcome Bonuses and Ongoing Promotions

Sign-up bonuses and ongoing promotions are essential for a casino’s success. That is why you can expect the websites you encounter on this page to host a neat promotional lineup featuring deposit match deals, free spins, cashback, reloads, and referrals. However, don’t forget to read the fine print before grabbing a bonus, as each has specific terms, like wagering requirements, minimum bet, and maximum payout.

Quebec Online Casino Games

In our book, quality always trumps quantity. We look for online casinos with titles from famous software developers like NetEnt, Microgaming, Play’n GO, Pragmatic Play, and Evolution. These names produce top games in all categories, thus catering to players of all tastes and preferences. Let’s look at each one:

• Classic and video slots — Even the most advanced online casinos still feature online slots inspired by retro one-armed bandits, perfect for those looking for simple gameplay. However, they are often overshadowed by action-packed video slots. These games carry life-like graphics, unique features, rewarding bonus rounds, and fast-paced play, thus creating an engaging atmosphere. So, regardless of your preferences, you should be able to find plenty of options.
• Progressive jackpots — Online slots with progressive jackpots are among gambling sites’ most popular game types. Besides offering immersive gameplay, they also carry mind-blowing jackpots that increase as players place their bets. The more players participate in the game, the bigger the jackpot gets. However, these are usually high-volatility slots — as a result, the chances of hitting the main prize are quite slim.
• Poker — This casino staple remains one of the top choices for those who prefer skill-based games. That’s why we’ve ensured all Quebec online casino operators included poker titles like Texas Hold’em, Caribbean Stud, and Three-Card Poker in their game libraries.
• Baccarat — This popular game of chance is widely present on the Quebec iGaming scene. Baccarat is an excellent option for both casual players and high rollers, as it doesn’t require a lot of skill and has wide betting limits.
• Blackjack — This widespread game is a common choice among Quebec casino players. It comes in various forms, catering to players of all levels and budgets. You’ll find titles like Single Deck Blackjack, Blackjack Perfect Pairs, or Multi-Hand Blackjack at Quebec online casinos.
• Roulette — It’s difficult to imagine a game lobby without roulette. This luck-based casino classic attracts players with its fast and engaging gameplay. The most popular titles are European Roulette, Mini Roulette, and 3D Roulette.
• Live casino — Anyone looking for real casino action will enjoy live dealer titles. These games are led by professional dealers and brought to your screen via a live stream. Most online casinos in Quebec feature a category with live versions of the most popular games, including blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker.

Types of Bonuses Available on Quebec Gambling Sites

A generous welcome bonus is an effective trick to get players to sign up. However, offering only one bonus won’t cut it. A reputable casino should feature a comprehensive promotional lineup with different bonuses to appeal to both new and existing players. Below is a list of the most common promotions found on Quebec gambling sites:

• Welcome bonus — A deposit match offer is the most common sign-up bonus, where the casino matches your deposit up to a certain amount. These bonuses are excellent for kicking off your gambling experience and exploring everything the platform offers. Some casinos add free spins to the mix, thus creating a hefty welcome package.
• No deposit offer — Albeit the most sought-after, the no deposit bonus isn’t as common nowadays, and understandably so — after all, no casino likes to give away money for free. Some operators might offer such a deal, but its value rarely exceeds $20.
• Free spins — Slot fans usually join online casinos with free spin offers. As mentioned, these can be part of a bonus package or a standalone deal that applies to all or specific slot titles.
• Reload bonus — This promotion functions the same as the deposit match deal. The only difference is that this one is for existing players looking to add to their bankrolls.
• Cashback bonus — Cashback offers to help you recover from a losing streak by giving you a percentage of what you lost back. All you need to do is opt in for the bonus, and the casino will refund a certain amount, typically up to 20%.

Deposit and Payout Methods

Many players are concerned about the safety of their money at online casinos, and rightfully so. However, the platforms you see here accept only reputable payment methods, thus ensuring high protection levels.

Besides the usual choices like credit and debit cards and bank transfers, these online casinos feature an array of Canada-centred banking options, including Interac, iDebit, Instadebit, ecoPayz, Paysafecard, and others. They process your deposits safely and quickly without charging any transaction fees.

On the other hand, withdrawals take longer, typically up to five business days. It’s also worth knowing that a casino might require you to verify your identity before it approves your cashout request. In that case, you’ll need to provide a copy of your ID, passport, driver’s licence, and any additional information a casino might ask for.

Pros and Cons of Online Gambling in Quebec

Although the province’s iGaming scene seems to be flourishing, it has some limitations. The following table displays the pros and cons of playing at online casinos in Quebec:

Land-Based vs Online Casinos in Quebec

Residents of Quebec have access to both land-based and online casinos. However, some elements set them apart (besides the obvious difference in terms of location).

If you’re new to gambling, you might need help choosing the right option. The following table summarizes the main criteria and shows which casinos excel in each category.

Getting Help for Problem Gambling in Quebec

Gambling can be a lot of fun as long as you stay on top of your gambling habits. However, if you feel like things are getting out of hand, you can reach out to independent organizations, such as:

• Gambling: Help and Referral
• Gambling Therapy
• Gamtalk
• CAMH (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health)

All online casinos in Quebec cooperate with these organizations to create a safer gambling environment for everyone.

Quebec Mobile Gambling

Thanks to the ever-evolving technology, Quebec players have access to premium-quality mobile gambling. Online casinos operating in the area usually offer their players a mobile-friendly website or designated apps for iOS and Android devices.

Both options have their strengths and weaknesses — for instance, mobile casinos that run in the browser don’t require installation, but they may be a little more complicated to navigate. In contrast, a mobile app will take up some storage space; however, it will provide a more customized layout. Regardless of your choice, you can expect an engaging gambling experience.

Land-Based Casinos in Quebec

The province had a lively land-based gambling scene long before online casinos entered the picture. In fact, QC residents can enjoy a premium gambling experience in four full-fledged brick-and-mortar casinos, in addition to several poker rooms and game salons.

Below, we’ll introduce the six most prominent gaming facilities in Quebec:

Final Thoughts

Currently, the Quebec online gambling market is booming. Besides the government-run online casino, the province has opened its gates to offshore operators jam-packed with top-of-the-line gambling opportunities. As a result, you have plenty of high-quality options to choose from.

Stick to our guide if you need help picking the right Quebec casino. We’ve done all the heavy lifting — it’s up to you now to venture into online gambling and reap all the benefits.