Operator News

Canada – Loto-Québec sees revenues rise by 2.1 per cent in 2016

By Phil - 26 June 2017

Canadian gambling group Loto-Québec saw its revenues reach $3.636bn in 2016, up by $75.3m or 2.1 per cent compared to the previous fiscal year.

Loto-Québec paid a dividend of $1.206bn, exceeding the target announced by the government by $58.2m.
With sales of $1.828bn, the lottery sector reported an increase of $30.3m, up1.7 per cent compared to the previous year, despite the unusual fact that Lotto 6/49 and Lotto Max offered fewer major prizes during the period.

2016-2017 was marked by a record number of prizes paid that were worth over $1m with 104 prizes remitted, creating 122 millionaires.

With regard to event betting, sales rose by $10.8m, up 16.5 per cent, due in large part to higher odds.

Casinos reported sales of $838.8m, up $32.6m or four per cent. The company attributed this to its varied entertainment offerings in establishments, more customers at gaming tables and the vigorous tourism trade all explain the excellent results. Customer visits increased by some 267,000 visits, up three per cent.

Gaming establishment products, which include video lottery terminals in bars and brasseries, the two gaming halls, bingo and Kinzo, accounted for $993.5m of revenues, up by $13.2m, or 1.3 per cent

Promotional activities in gaming halls boosted sales by 13.1 per cent and patronage by 12.9 per cent.

Total revenues in the online gaming sector came to $85.9m, up $19.7m, or 29.7 per cent
Finally, in June 2016, Loto-Québec was awarded Level 4 Responsible Gaming Framework certification, the highest international recognition for responsible gaming measures, for the third time by the World Lottery Association. This hallmark of excellence, which the Corporation has maintained since 2009, requires continuous improvement with regard to responsible gaming practices and programs.

“We have successfully continued our renewal strategy over the past year, which is based on three strategic directions focused on entertainment, efficiency and responsible commercialization. We are pleased to present such positive results for fiscal year 2016-2017, explained Lynne Roiter, President and CEO, Loto Québec.