Loto-Québec opened its 2026-27 fiscal year with higher revenue and profit, supported by stronger performance from its casino operations and increased activity across several lottery products.

For the three months ended June 29, the Québec government-owned lottery and gaming corporation generated revenue of C$782.6 million, an increase of 2.1% compared with the same period a year earlier. Consolidated net income reached C$398.1 million, rising 3.6% year-on-year and surpassing internal targets.

The latest results highlighted the growing importance of the casino segment within Loto-Québec’s portfolio. Casino and gaming hall revenue climbed 4.4% to C$337.6 million, making it the corporation’s largest revenue source during the quarter. The company attributed the performance to increased attendance at both land-based and online casino offerings.

President and CEO Jean-François Bergeron said the positive start reflected continued momentum across the organization.

“As the fiscal year begins, we are continuing to build on our momentum and once again seeing higher results, thanks to the hard work of all our teams, who are developing our offer responsibly,” said Bergeron in a Loto-Québec press release.

“The casino sector is showing an increase in visitors, which is reflected in the results. This performance attests to the relevance of the offer. We will continue to strive to offer a responsible, engaging and diverse entertainment experience.”

Casino Segment Leads Quarterly Performance

While casinos delivered the strongest growth, the lottery division also recorded gains. Revenue from lottery products reached C$241.1 million, up 2.1% from the prior-year period.

Loto-Québec said improved performance from Lotto Max, Québec Max, scratch tickets and online instant games contributed to the increase. Sports betting activity also benefited from major sporting events, including the FIFA World Cup and the National Hockey League playoffs, which overlapped during June.

The company noted that these events generated additional engagement among bettors. At the same time, it used the opportunity to remind customers that chance remains a significant factor in sports wagering.

Lottery winners across the province received nearly C$460 million in prize payouts during the quarter. Among the biggest wins was a Lotto Max jackpot worth C$40 million awarded to a couple, representing the largest prize claimed during the reporting period.

The gaming establishment segment, which includes video lottery terminals, network bingo and Kinzo operations, moved in the opposite direction. Revenue from that division declined 1.8% to C$208.4 million.

Loto-Québec has been reshaping parts of its video lottery terminal network by concentrating machines in fewer venues with higher standards. Despite the decline in the segment, overall growth remained positive due largely to the strength of casino operations.

Strategic Plan Begins as Community Programs Expand

The quarter also marked the launch of Loto-Québec’s new 2026-2030 strategic plan. The program focuses on delivering more personalized customer experiences, increasing the corporation’s impact in communities and further modernizing its operations.

Among the quarter’s developments was the opening of a new Kinzo venue in Rivière-du-Loup. The company also introduced L’Instant restaurant at Hôtel-Casino du Lac-Leamy, part of a broader effort to reposition dining offerings at the resort.

Outside gaming operations, Loto-Québec continued a range of community and cultural initiatives. The corporation partnered with more than 50 events across Québec during the province’s busy festival season while encouraging organizers to adopt environmentally responsible practices.

The company also launched the L’art en mouvement project in collaboration with BIXI Montréal. The initiative transformed 16 bicycles into mobile artworks created by four Québec artists and included 16 gallery stations displaying reproductions from the Collection Loto-Québec.

In sports, the corporation expanded its support for soccer through a partnership with FC Supra du Québec, adding to existing relationships with CF Montréal and the Montréal Roses.

Cash Generation Remains a Key Measure

Beyond revenue and profit growth, Loto-Québec continued to generate substantial cash for the province. Operating activities produced C$396.2 million during the quarter, compared with C$362.9 million a year earlier.

The corporation paid a dividend of C$205.3 million and invested C$20.6 million in property and intangible assets. Cash at the end of the period totaled C$251.2 million, up from C$212.1 million in the comparable quarter of the previous year.

At the same time, total bank borrowings and debt increased to approximately C$526.1 million from C$425.1 million a year earlier as the corporation advanced property-related projects and increased capital spending.

Loto-Québec also reported the renewal of its World Lottery Association security certification.