Summary:
The only regulated provider of sports wagering in the province is considering introducing event wagers at its casinos and gaming halls. More than a year later, the federal government legalized single- event betting. The ban was lifted in order to help the casinos recover from the 2020 closings.
It has recently shared that it is looking to improve its land-based gaming amenities in Quebec.The province’s only regulated provider of sports wagering has stated that it is considering offering event wagers at its casinos and gaming halls. More than a year later, the federal government legalized single- event betting.
The safe and regulated sports betting act was passed by the federal government in August of 2021. The Criminal Code was amended to allow single events such as the Super Bowl to be wagered on. The ban was lifted in order to help the casinos recover from the 2020 closings.
Retail sports bets are being explored
In Quebec, single-game betting is only available at the Crown corporation products. The Mise-o-jeu+ sportsbook of The Crown provides online betting on sports. The Crown agency is looking into the possibility of offering sports betting at its casinos and gaming halls, according to a spokesman.
Even after the legalization of single-game wagers, the new offering is limited as provincial casinos do not have Las Vegas-like sportsbooks. The introduction of Ontario’s own regulated market for online gaming and sports betting has made it easier for the province’s bettors to access online sports betting.
The inclusion of sports betting at casinos could be beneficial to the province. The Crown reported in its financial report for the first quarter of the 20th century that it had generated over $8 million in revenue. This was an increase from the same quarter a year ago. In addition to that, online sports betting increased by 33.3%.
In comparison to the same quarter a year ago, casinos and gambling halls delivered CA$263.4 million in revenue, or CA$186.4 million more. In comparison to the first quarter of the pre-unprecedented situation year, this was also CA$34.6%. The increase on a yearly basis can be explained by the fact that there was no interruption in land-based casino activities this year.
The strike is coming to an end
In August and September, professional staff at Loto-Québec came out on strike. The employer and the workers finally agreed on a new collective agreement in the second half of September. The 455 workers are represented by the Syndicat des professionnels du gouvernement du Québec.
According to the union, over 98% of unionized employees voted in favor of the new agreement, which will be in effect until December 31, 2027. The professional staff returned to their positions after agreeing to the new terms, and the Crown corporation was able to restart normal operations, such as launching the new and improved version of Lotto 6/49.
The October 13, 2022, cover of Zochodne’s book “Loto-Québec ” explores sports betting at casinos and gaming halls.