Canada
Exceptional Results for Loto-Québec
End of the third quarter of fiscal 2022–2023
Loto-Québec posted total revenues of $2.225 billion and a consolidated net income of $1.204 billion at the end of the third quarter of 2022/2023.
It is its best performance since the Tobacco Control Act came into force, significantly impacting traffic at gaming establishments. These represent increases of $521.9 million (+30.7%) and $295.8 million (+32.6%), respectively, over the same period last year. Increases over the three first quarters of the pre-pandemic fiscal year (2019/2020) amount to 5.8% for revenues and 11.3% for net income.
Sound management efforts continued across all sectors, which resulted in an excellent ratio of total expenses to revenues of 28.2%, compared to 30.9% over the same period in fiscal 2019/2020.
“Our teams’ sustained efforts led us to these exceptional results and to our best performance in 17 years. All indications are that we will be able to pay a higher dividend than expected to the government and that benefits all Quebecers. I’m very proud of our work,” the President and CEO of Loto-Québec, Jean-François Bergeron, says.
“Thank you to our teams for incessantly improving our on-site and online entertainment offer, providing our customers with a quality experience and magical moments. The excitement our renewed programming and offer created is palpable at our casinos and gaming halls. Many acts of generosity highlighted this quarter, including our participation in the government of Québec’s Entraide campaign. We also supported other causes with our Détaillants de Cœur initiative and remained committed to the fight against food insecurity by organizing, among other things, activities benefiting the Moisson organizations.”
Results by sector for the period between April 1 and December 26, 2022:
Lottery
Lottery revenues amounted to $742.2million, which is a $2.6M (+0.4%) increase over the same period in 2021/2022. Lotto Max performed well. It paid more grand prizes of $50 million or more and more Maxmillions than during the same period in 2021/2022. Online lottery sales revenues represent 13.0% of the sector’s total revenues, compared to 3.7% for the same period in 2019/2020.
Casinos and gaming halls
Casino and gaming hall revenues stand at $829.3 million for a $313.9M (+60.9%) increase over the same period in 2021/2022 and a $69.0 million (+9.1%) increase over the same period in 2019/2020. The increase over last year can be explained in part by gaming location closures in 2021, whereas operations have returned to normal since the current fiscal year began. Online casino sales revenues represent 24.3% of the sector’s total revenues, compared to 9.1% for the same period of the pre-pandemic fiscal year.
Gaming establishments
Gaming establishment revenues amounted to $686.5 million, which is a $214.5M (+45.4%) increase over the same period in 2021/2022. Revenues from video lottery terminals remain similar to their pre-pandemic levels. The increase can be explained by the same factor as for casinos and gaming halls: establishment closures in 2021.
Quarterly highlights and CSR contributions for the period between September 27 and December 26, 2022:
Loto-Québec paid $397.1 million to lottery, network bingo and Kinzo winners over the quarter, totalling $1.103 billion since April 1. There were 32 new millionaires during the quarter, for a total of 69 since the beginning of the fiscal year.
Another phase of the 100% Legal campaign was rolled out. This time, its message focused on the local aspect: 100% of the amounts played on LotoQuebec.com remain in Québec and benefit the entire population.
New sportsbooks were set up, to the delight of sports fans. The first one was at the Casino du Lac-Leamy in November and the second at the Salon de Jeux de Trois-Rivières in January, shortly after the end of the quarter.
The 40 Célébration attendees were able to enjoy the gala in person this year at the Théâtre du Casino du Lac-Leamy. Sébastien Benoit, Gregory Charles and Véronic DiCaire hosted the event, which wowed not only attendees, but also all 1,290,000 viewers.
The corporation signed a new agreement with Gestev to handle programming at the Théâtre du Casino du Lac-Leamy. Just as it has been doing at the Cabaret du Casino de Montréal for the last year, this major event producer now offers a varied line-up of performances to the public of the National Capital Region as well.
The third edition of the campaign inviting players to manage their gaming took place in October, focusing on the importance of setting limits. It aimed at encouraging players on LotoQuebec.com to voluntarily set time and loss limits.
Loto-Québec supports several causes and non-profit organizations. Such initiatives, now under the Giving Back is a Win-Win program, made it possible for causes dear to Quebecers to receive over $1 million this fall.
Three of our establishments renewed their BOMA BEST certification this quarter, which recognizes excellence in energy and environmental management and performance in commercial real estate. The Casino du Lac-Leamy received the top certification level: Platinum.
Loto-Québec is committed to highlighting the creative and innovative spirit in the field of gaming and entertainment and, more broadly, of innovation by supporting the next generation. The corporation attended the MEGAMIGS festival and HUB Montréal, in addition to awarding several grants.
Canada
ComeOn Group adds sportsbook to its offering in Ontario
ComeOn Group announced a significant milestone in its sportsbook expansion journey with the addition of sportsbook to their offering in Ontario following the successful acquisition of the required permits. This addition represents a strategic advancement in the Groups sportsbook growth trajectory where they are set to double its sportsbook business in the coming years.
ComeOn Group is one of 51 active operators in Ontario. The Ontario market has experienced robust growth since its launch, reaching C$6.7 billion in revenue in 2023.* By 2029, the market is forecasted to grow by a total of 29%, with 2024 expected to close with a 20% increase.
ComeOn keeps investing in its sportsbook business acceleration that is powered by its proprietary sportsbook platform and in-house risk management and trading team. As a multi product vertical operator, ComeOn is striving to give its customer base a safe and exciting entertainment destination and this approach is now expanded to their Ontario audience.
Juergen Reutter, Chief Executive Officer at ComeOn Group, said: “We are very excited about the opportunities this new milestone opens up for us. As a casino-led operator it represents a key part of our sportsbook strategy to double our business in the coming years. Like in any of our other markets, we are striving for a differentiated sportsbook entertainment experience that is powered by our in-house technology. Our goal is to deliver top-tier entertainment to our players while fostering safe and innovative gaming experiences.”
*Source – H2GC H2 Ontario Data 25.10.2024 (excl. Lottery)
Canada
INTRALOT Announces New Project with the British Columbia Lottery Corporation for Online Lottery Platform
INTRALOT S.A. has announced the undertaking of a new project between the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC), the sole lottery operator for the Government of British Columbia in Canada, and INTRALOT Inc., its US subsidiary, for the provision of an online lottery platform. The project also includes the digitalization of the existing land-based network.
The solution will be based on the Player X platform, part of the Lotos X ecosystem, and adds to the company’s overall partnership with BCLC, which has been extended until 2028.
INTRALOT is a leading player in a changing world of gaming. With significant experience in looking forward and anticipating emerging trends, the company provides future-proof solutions to regulated lottery and gaming operators around the world.
Canada
IAGR announces Toronto as host city for 2025 conference
Hot on the heels of its most attended conference in history, the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) is excited to announce that its 2025 conference will take place in Toronto, Canada, from October 20 to 23, 2025.
The event will be held in partnership with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) at the Westin Harbour Castle, offering stunning waterfront views and a premier, downtown Toronto location.
‘Fresh off the success of our Rome conference, we’re thrilled to continue the momentum with next year’s event in Toronto,’ said Ben Haden, IAGR President.
‘The IAGR 2025 conference promises to be another unparalleled opportunity for our global community to come together, collaborate and shape the future of gaming regulation. We’re looking forward to working with AGCO to bring it all together.’
AGCO CEO and Registrar Dr. Karin Schnarr, added, ‘We’re excited to welcome IAGR and its members to Toronto. This partnership provides a great opportunity to share Ontario’s innovative regulatory practices and foster meaningful discussions that drive positive change in the industry.’
Stay tuned for registration details early next year.
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