Which Canadian Province Is Next to Legalize Online Gambling?

The gambling industry in Canada has become a hot topic of discussion. In truth, it is no real surprise that this has happened. Ontario has proven to have huge success following the legalization of online gambling in the province. At the same time, government officials must have seen what it has meant in terms of the bottom line and the revenue being generated.

Moreover, while it is unlikely to have had a direct impact on the Great White North, lawmakers may have been keeping a tab on the success that has been achieved just south of the border with their neighbors, the USA.

Back to Ontario, and with it being the most populous province in the Maple Leaf Country, it is far from a shock to learn that it has proven to be one of the most lucrative for industry across the continent. Saskatchewan has already taken steps to legalize and follow in the province’s footsteps, although they have decided to take a slightly different step by providing just one legal option. In contrast, Ontario is a free market for commercial operators to enter.

Have other provinces shown potential for online gambling?

Although sweepstake casinos, including those to discover on gamble-canada.com, have proven popular, there has been a growing demand and taste for real money casinos across Canada. Ontario has clearly shown the way, and with Saskatchewan joining them, it has started to raise questions about the potential other states could bring.

Among those to have shown potential recently are Quebec and British Columbia.

Quebec

Quebec is arguably one of the best for potential because of its population size. Home to cities like Montreal, it is the second-most populous province in Canada. Additionally, they have a history of gambling. They were among the first provinces to legalize single-game betting following the passing of the C-218 Bill in August 2021. Many thought this would have been the opening of the online gambling industry. Unfortunately, this does not appear to have been the case, thus yet.

The province has recently seen the development of the operator-led Quebec Online Gaming Coalition (QOGC), which could help bring in the legal framework needed to ensure a positive and regulated gaming industry is brought in. Reputable operators are part of the commission, which could help Quebec become one of the next provinces to legalize the activity.

British Columbia

British Columbia (BC) is another of the provinces in Canada that appears to have a positive affinity towards the gambling industry. They were also an early adopter regarding trying to legalize the activity, however they have been strangely quiet for some time in recent years. Many had assumed that they would not have been too far behind Ontario due to their rather progressive nature.

BC is the third-most populous province, with many of those living in the area thought to be between the 30-34 market. This is a market that online sportsbook operators will typically target, as people of this age will typically be in jobs where they have a little more disposable income, therefore being able to enjoy a gambling session.

However, movement toward a legalized gambling market in the province has been slow. In fact, it could be argued to have been non-existent. There have been no developments from the authorities in charge, and there does not appear to have been a push from an operator, either. The only development of note to have happened is in regard to the regulation regarding the state-run sportsbook.

Will we see these two provinces enter the online gambling industry?

Given the potential that both Quebec and British Columbia clearly have, and the apparent affinity towards gambling, it does seem a surprise that the online form of the activity has not been made legal. However, it is likely that this will change in the future, and it would be wise to assume that it can only be a matter of time.

With the Quebec Online Gaming Coalition (QOGC) commission being put in place, Quebec would seem like the most likely of the two to make the next step. Regardless, ongoing developments will certainly be worth keeping a close eye on.

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