Amendments to the Act respecting lotteries, publicity contests and amusement machines came into effect on June 2, 2021.
Enterprises that hold international contests no longer have to complete paperwork or pay the regulatory fees previously required by the Régie. The relaxation, considered in the interest of fairness, will promote the inclusion of the population of Québec in international publicity contests.
The relaxation may apply to both enterprises whose headquarter is located outside Québec (or Canada) and Québec enterprises, to the extent that prizes are offered to a group of contestants including contestants from outside of Canada and contestants from Québec.
The Régie points out that a contest cannot be considered international if, in particular,
- its participation form may be obtained only in Québec (e.g. during an event taking place in Québec)
- the main part of the commercial interests of the enterprise organizing the contest is in Québec, even if the contest is promoted outside Québec
