Loto-Québec continues to gain ground across gaming and traditional lotteries.
The Canadian Crown Corporation has unveiled its operating results from the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year, corresponding to 1 April-29 June 2026, with total revenue of CA$782.6m (£406m).
Revenue rose 2.1% from $766.5m the year prior. Consolidated net income (profit) rose 3.6% from £384.4m to $398.1m, while more than $460m was awarded in prizes during the three month period.
“At the start of this financial year, we are continuing our momentum and once again recording growing results,” said Jean-François Bergeron, Chief Executive Officer and President of Loto-Québec.
“They are the result of the sustained work of all our teams, who are developing our offering responsibly. The casino sector is experiencing increased traffic, which is reflected in the results recorded.
“This performance demonstrates the relevance of our offering. We continue our efforts to provide an entertainment experience that is responsible, attractive, and diverse.”
The publication of Loto-Québec’s latest set of results comes amid lobbying around the potential launch of an open online betting and gaming market in Quebec, similar to the ones set up in Ontario in 2023 and Alberta this summer.
A variety of prominent betting firms, including Flutter Entertainment and DraftKings, have made the case for Quebec to become Canada’s third open market.
With elections scheduled on 5 October, Charles Milliard, leader of the Quebec Liberal Party, has added gambling regulation to the party’s political agenda.
Loto-Québec is not onboard, however, and has protested calls for Quebec to open up.
The firm has cited societal concerns, but is also likely wary of competition as its gaming business continues to grow – casino and gaming hall revenue rose 4.4% to $337.6m.
Lottery revenue, meanwhile, rose 2.1% to $241.1m in Q1, but gaming establishment revenue was down a marginal 1.8% to $208.4m.
Overall, Loto-Québec remains in a solid financial position, but is also highly protective of its monopoly against political and commercial attempts to break the hold.