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.
The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation has selected Caesars Entertainment as the Service Provider in the Windsor Casino procurement process. This is the final procurement process in the OLG’s land-based gaming modernization initiative.
Tom Reeg, CEO of Caesars Entertainment, said: “We are thrilled to be selected as the service provider for the Windsor Casino by the OLG. Caesars has a long history of managing Windsor and looks forward to continuing to deliver exceptional guest service and experiences at the property.”
Caesars and its predecessor companies have partnered with the OLG to operate Caesars Windsor (fka. Casino Windsor) since the opening of the temporary facility in 1994. Caesars will assume responsibility for gaming and non-gaming operations of the Windsor casino on behalf of the OLG under a 20-year operating agreement, which is expected to begin in 2026.
OLG requires an 18-month restriction on any organizational changes consistent with other gaming bundle modernizations in Ontario. Unionized employees will continue to be governed by the terms of their collective agreement.
Canada
AGCO issues penalties of $151,000 against Great Canadian Entertainment for alleged age verification failures
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has issued $151,000 in penalties to Great Canadian Entertainment for allegedly failing to prevent minors from accessing gambling on multiple occasions at three Toronto-area casinos.
As part of its investigation, the AGCO reviewed four separate incidents in which minors allegedly gained access to the casino floors and in which some of these minors participated in gambling activities – two cases at Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto, and one at each of Casino Ajax and Pickering Casino Resort.
The AGCO is committed to ensuring casinos meet Ontario’s high standards of harm reduction and responsible gambling. The AGCO’s Standards require operators to ensure only eligible individuals are permitted into a gambling site and strictly prohibit access to anyone under 19 years of age (except in the course of employment). The Standards also mandate that casino employees have the necessary competence, skills, experience and training to effectively carry out their duties, including age verification.
This enforcement action underscores the AGCO’s dedication to protecting youth and other vulnerable individuals.
A casino operator served with an Order of Monetary Penalty by the AGCO Registrar has the right to appeal the Registrar’s decision to the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT), an adjudicative tribunal that is part of Tribunals Ontario and independent of the AGCO.
“Ontario casino operators have an obligation to ensure minors are not able to access casino floors or activities such as slot machines or table games. The AGCO will continue to monitor and hold all casino operators accountable for fulfilling this important role.” – Dr. Karin Schnarr, Chief Executive Officer and Registrar, AGCO.
ToonieBet, Soft2Bet’s flagship online casino and sportsbook for Ontario, has officially launched its sportsbook on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. The platform is tailored specifically for local players, offering a dynamic betting experience with a broad range of sports events and competitive odds. The platform also features personalised promotions and loyalty rewards designed to match the preferences of Ontario’s diverse betting community.
The sportsbook uses official data feeds, ensuring players have access to the most accurate and up-to-date information on top local and international sports events. Additionally, the platform offers live broadcasting with real-time match analytics, allowing users to make informed betting decisions as events unfold. Integrated with MEGA and advanced player account management features, the operator is committed to delivering a seamless and responsible gaming environment that enhances the overall player experience while supporting local sports initiatives.
As part of this launch, the platform has also introduced a Sportsbook section on its official website, expanding its portfolio and bringing more choice to its growing customer base. With access to over 85,000 live events each month and more than 70,000 pre-match events across a wide range of sports, players now have even more ways to bet on what they love. Soft2Bet’s Canadian brand invites all players to explore its standout online casino and the full spectrum of sports betting, all delivered through a fast, secure, and fully localised platform.
Since its debut at the end of 2024, ToonieBet has offered a fast, fair, and secure online casino and sportsbook experience, fully localised for Ontario’s vibrant gaming market. The Apple App and Google Play additions further enhance accessibility, bringing ToonieBet’s premium entertainment to players on the go.
Additionally, this milestone complements the operator’s recent partnership with the NHL’s Ottawa Senators, which made ToonieBet the Official Online Casino Partner of the team. The partnership includes in-arena branding, digital promotions, and fan engagement initiatives like social contests, allowing ToonieBet to connect with Ontario sports fans in exciting ways and offering chances to win team merchandise and tickets.
Yoel Zuckerberg, Soft2Bet’s Chief Product Officer, said: “As Soft2Bet continues our rapid growth, we are excited to provide Ontario players with access to ToonieBet’s sportsbook which is now available on the Apple App and Google Play Store, offering seamless access to a customised experience tailored for the province’s passionate gaming community.”
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