Loto-Quebec to open sports betting on its website

It looks as if Quebec will take the lead in Canadian online sports betting following the recent approval of single bet sports wagering by the Canadian parliament.

Provincial operator Loto-Quebec announced Friday that Quebecers will be able to play Mise-o-jeu (sports pools) on its Espacejeux.com website with effect from March 26.

Press material from Loto-Quebec explains that the organisation is making its entrance into the online sector in an era where online purchasing is becoming increasingly popular. The Mise-o-jeu lottery, which is based on sports and statistics, was the obvious choice as the first of the Corporation’s online activities, the statement notes.

If not already registered, sports betting fans can open accounts on Espacejeux and will then be ready to place their bets starting March 26, just in time for the baseball season and the National Hockey League playoffs.

To place a Mise-o-jeu bet online, players must first become members of Espacejeux by registering, a process that takes a few minutes to complete. The company warns that it has implemented a set of verification and prevention measures on its site, including a check of players’ identity and age, and particularly ensuring that they are residents of Québec over 18 years of age.

Wins will be deposited directly in the bettor’s account, although prizes worth $50,000 or more must be claimed at Loto-Québec physical offices.

Mise-o-jeu players will have a range of options: betting online on Espacejeux from their computer, tablet or smartphone.

The company observes that typical sports bettors are male, familiar with online activities and in the 18 to 49 year age group.

Bettors will be able to view online their history of bets, wins, closed bets and on-going bets.