Loto-Québec Q1 Revenue Up, Helped by Sports Betting

Legal Betting Archives |
Written By Jon Young | Published at September 23, 2026
Loto-Quebec HQ - online gambling Quebec
Loto-Quebec HQ - PHOTO by Loto-Quebec

Loto-Québec has reported increased legal gambling revenue for Q1 2026–2027 in its latest report.

Total revenues across April to June totalled CA$782.6 million, a 2.1% increase year-over-year. Consolidated net income was also up 3.6% to CA$398.1 million.

Additionally, the body paid out almost CA$460 million in lottery prizes, including one CA$40 million to a single winner.

Casino Sector Showing ‘Increase’

Summer, the FIFA World Cup, and NHL playoffs all played a part in increased footfall across Quebec’s regulated casinos, Loto-Québec said.

Retail casino activity was up 4.4%, according to Loto-Québec’s report. There are four government-run casinos: Casino de Montreal, Casino du Lac-Leamy, Casino de Charlevoix, and Casino de Mont-Tremblant. Smaller ‘Salon de Jeux’ operate in Quebec City and Trois-Rivieres, offering slots and electronic gaming only.

Loto-Québec’s Jean-Francois Bergeron played up the “diverse entertainment experience” of the province’s brick-and-mortar casinos.

The hotel at Casino du Lac-Leamy has installed a new restaurant, which has been attributed to bigger revenues from tourists.

Quebec: Canada’s Limited Gambling Industry

Brick-and-mortar casinos:

Online Gambling

Dividends Up, But Debts Too

In addition to gaming revenues, dividends paid were also up year over year. Loto-Québec paid CA$205.3 million, investing over CA$20 million in property and other assets.

However, Loto-Québec also reported bank borrowing and debt increased during Q1. Property development was one of the reasons for the increase of just over CA$100 million.

Jackpot Payouts, Lottery Also on the Up

Lottery activity in Quebec is also on the rise. The lottery sector generated over CA$240 million, a year-over-year increase of 2.1%.

A landmark was made on 1 September when 49 winners shared CA$55 million in the Lotto Max draw. The 49 winners were spread across 12 separate regions of Quebec, too.

Progressive jackpots continue to land in Quebec, too. During August, two IGT Powerbucks jackpots dropped at casinos in Quebec. Lucky winners shared over CA$2.5 million in jackpot winnings. IGT Powerbucks slots have now awarded 80+ prizes worth CA$1 million+ since they were introduced in 2016.

Election Hopefuls Eye Gambling Expansion

Quebec is fast becoming the only Canadian province with purely government-run online gambling.

First Ontario, and now Alberta, have opened their industries to allow private iGaming operators in.

The sorts of revenues Ontario is enjoying is inspiring Quebec election hopefuls in the upcoming contest.

Both the Quebec Liberal Party and Parti Quebecois are keen on liberalizing gambling in the province.

The Quebec Online Gaming Coalition (QOGC), which comprises large operators, is understandably keen to progress, too. The QOGC’s Ariane Gauthier said they were pleased the upcoming election was opening the platform to discuss “the modernization of regulatory framework” for iGaming.

Quite how Loto-Québec would react to competition from overseas operators remains to be seen.

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