Loto-Québec's profits rose 10% in the first quarter
Loto-Québec, the state-owned operator of the Canadian province of Quebec, reported an increase in revenue in the first fiscal quarter of 2026. For the period from April 1 to June 30, 2025, the company’s revenues increased by 11% to CAD 766.5 million (€475 million) compared to the same period last year.
In particular, lottery revenues grew by 7.8% to CAD 236.3 million (€146.1 million). That is because the previous reporting period was six days shorter, as well as the inclusion of betting results that another division previously reported.
Loto-Québec’s net profit for the first quarter of fiscal year 2026 rose 9.9% to CAD 384.4 million (€236.6 million), according to Gaming Intelligence.
Complete coverage of legal gambling
Loto-Québec operates in several key gambling sectors. One of the main ones is lotteries, including draw and instant games, distributed through a network of more than 7,700 retail outlets across the province. In addition, the company’s approximately 12,000 video lottery terminals (VLTs) are located in bars and gaming halls throughout Quebec. That is one of the most significant network segments in Loto-Québec’s structure.
The company also operates four large casinos: in Montreal, Charlevoix, Lac-Lemieux, and Mont-Tremblant. These establishments feature slot machines, table games, restaurants, and entertainment events. Online gambling is represented through the Espacejeux.com platform with legal sports betting, poker, slots, and other casino games.
An additional area of focus is organising bingo and the proprietary Kinzo game in a network of specially equipped halls. To date, the operator has opened more than 20 halls for Kinzo.
Revenues for the first quarter of fiscal year 2026
Loto-Québec’s revenues from casinos and gaming halls increased by 17.6% to CAD 323.4 million (€200.5 million), thanks to increased attendance. Revenues from gaming establishments rose 5.7% to CAD 212.2 million (€131.6 million), including results from VLTs, network bingo, and Kinzo.
At the same time, revenues from the Lotto Max lottery game declined despite growth in online sales. That was due to a decrease in the number of large jackpot draws.
Loto-Québec revenues in the first quarter (in millions of Canadian dollars)
| Source of revenue | Fiscal year 2024/25 | Fiscal year 2025/26 |
| Lotteries | 219.1 | 236.3 |
| Casinos and gaming halls | 275 | 323.4 |
| Gaming establishments | 200.7 | 212.2 |
| Exceptions | (5.1) | (5.3) |
| TOTAL | 689.7 | 766.5 |
Source: Gaming Intelligence.
In the first fiscal quarter of 2026, Loto-Québec’s cost of sales increased by 6.9% to CAD 136.8 million (€84.8 million), while expenses rose by 15% to CAD 242.6 million (€150.4 million). Of this, CAD 111.1 million (€68.9 million), the company spent on personnel costs.
Success driven by diversification of offerings
According to Loto-Québec President and CEO Jean-François Bergeron (pictured), the company is maintaining last year’s momentum and showing growth in results after the first quarter, thanks to the efforts of teams effectively managing several parallel initiatives.
Commenting on the growth in results in both lotteries and casinos, Bergeron emphasised: “This success is due to a diversified, modern, and responsible offering. It’s a promising start to the year, and I am convinced that we will continue to achieve strong results, as they benefit all of Quebec.”
Since the start of the 2025/26 fiscal year, Loto-Québec has already awarded 42 millionaires, with lottery winners receiving a total of nearly C$430 million (€264.7 million).
Canadian prospects for the iGaming industry
The abolition of the digital services tax (DST), combined with ongoing regulatory developments in some Canadian provinces, opens up interesting opportunities for iGaming operators. International companies will be able to expand their operations in Canada without fear of additional taxes that could reduce profitability.
A more favourable business climate may also encourage new partnerships between local and global players. Operators could use the resources saved from the absence of tax to reinvest in marketing, technological innovation, and improving the customer experience. The legislative changes are likely to strengthen the Canadian iGaming ecosystem, creating positive effects for innovation and local economic growth.
This article was first published in Russian on 22 September 2025.
All roads lead to Rome, 03–06 November 2025. SiGMA Central Europe takes centre stage at the Fiera Roma, uniting 30,000 delegates, 1,200 exhibitors, and 700+ speakers. This is where legacies are built, and the future takes shape. Connect with the innovators’ driving change.
