Online Gambling Triples in Montreal as Unregulated Sites Dominate Market

The gambling landscape in Montreal has undergone a fundamental transformation in recent years. While visiting local casinos or purchasing lottery tickets at kiosks once dominated, the internet has taken control. A recent study by Montreal's Regional Public Health Department, in collaboration with Concordia University, now reveals the full extent of this development. The figures speak a clear language and simultaneously highlight the problems that arise when state regulation lags behind market growth.

Particularly striking is the shift in demographics and preferences. While overall gambling participation across all channels has declined, the online casino, sports betting, and poker sectors have virtually skyrocketed. This dynamic is primarily driven by a younger male demographic that is increasingly turning away from traditional formats in favor of digital platforms that are often faster, more colorful, and unfortunately, riskier.

Numbers and facts

The statistical details of the study are impressive. In 2025, 13.3% of adults in Montreal participated in online gambling. Compared to 2018, when this figure was a modest 4.4%, this represents a tripling of participation. At the same time, general gambling participation fell from 54.5% to just 39%. This means a decrease of 15.5 percentage points in traditional formats, while the online segment grew by 8.9 percentage points. Of particular concern is the distribution of platforms used. 38% of online gamblers reported playing exclusively on sites operating outside Quebec's regulated system. Another 16% use both legal and unregulated providers. Thus, a total of 54% of respondents access platforms without a local license.

"The findings provide further evidence of the challenges involved in overseeing digital gambling activity, particularly where consumers can access platforms beyond the reach of Quebec's existing regulatory system." - Stephen Welch, Head of Advertising at iGaming News

Background

The research is based on data from approximately 8,500 adults in Montreal surveyed during 2025 and 2026. A central point of the investigation was the acceptance of advertising. Here, the public showed a surprisingly clear stance: 73% of respondents are in favor of a complete ban on online gambling advertising. This underscores growing skepticism toward the aggressive marketing of casino products. Men aged between 18 and 34 were identified as the primary users of online casinos, sports betting, and poker. However, the Concordia University researchers emphasize that while the study measures the frequency of participation, it does not provide exact data on actual spending or the precise duration of play.

Why it matters for German players

For German players, the situation in Montreal offers an interesting parallel. In Germany, regulation through the State Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021) is also aimed at curbing the black market. While 54% of players in Montreal use unregulated sites, the Joint Gambling Authority of the States (GGL) tries to prevent this through the whitelist and the LUGAS system. German players at licensed providers benefit from strict protection measures such as the cross-provider deposit limit of 1,000 euros per month and the stake limit of 1 euro per spin on virtual slots. Those who choose a casino with a German license are legally protected, while users of offshore sites (often from Curacao or Asia) have no recourse in case of payout issues or disputes. The Montreal study shows that a lack of strict enforcement leads directly to a migration to the black market.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

For operators with a GGL license, such international studies are a confirmation of their market position. The high approval for advertising bans in Montreal (73%) suggests that regulatory pressure on marketing could also increase in Europe. GGL-licensed casinos must already adhere to extremely narrow marketing corridors. The realization that, despite a legal state offering (like Loto-Québec), more than half of players migrate to offshore sites is a warning: regulation must remain attractive enough so that players do not flee to the unprotected black market. For German providers, this means that player protection and market viability must be kept in a constant balance to maintain a high channelization rate.