Loto-Québec Revenue Rises to CA$782.6M Ahead of Oct. 5 Election

Loto-Québec posted a 2.1% rise in quarterly revenue, reaching CA$782.6 million. The results cover the three months ending June 29, 2026. Casino operations led the growth, climbing 4.4% year over year.

The report lands as Québec heads toward an Oct. 5 election. Opposition parties are pushing for a regulated iGaming market open to private operators. Such a market would end Loto-Québec's monopoly on online gambling in the province. Polling shows strong public appetite for a change in government. The quarterly figures give both sides of the debate fresh material as the campaign intensifies.

Loto-Québec Q1 Net Income Rises 3.6%, Beating Internal Targets

Loto-Québec's first quarter of fiscal 2026-27 brought total revenue of CA$782.6 million, up CA$16.1 million from a year earlier. Consolidated net income reached CA$398.1 million, a 3.6% increase that beat internal targets. Lottery sales rose 2.1% to CA$241.1 million, helped by seasonal draws. The gaming establishment segment, which covers sports betting, video lottery terminals and bingo halls, slipped 1.8% to CA$208.4 million.

Loto-Québec credited the NHL playoffs and the Montreal Canadiens' run to the Eastern Conference Final as key drivers of the quarter. The FIFA World Cup, which kicked off June 11, also boosted betting activity. Lottery prize payouts across Québec approached CA$460 million during the period. Executives said the results showed steady momentum across most business lines.

Casino Lead All Segments With a 4.4% Revenue Gain

The casino and gaming hall segment was the standout performer in the quarter. Its revenue climbed 4.4% to CA$337.6 million, outpacing every other segment. Loto-Québec runs casinos and gaming halls across the province, including Casino du Lac-Leamy in Gatineau.

The corporation has continued investing in this segment, including an expansion of the Lac-Leamy convention center. A new gaming hall in Saguenay, opened in late 2025, is also contributing to results.

Online casino play is folded into this segment's totals rather than reported separately. Loto-Québec has said online activity accounts for a growing share of its casino business.

Company leadership expects casino growth to continue through the rest of fiscal 2026-27.

Election Frontrunners Back Opening Québec's iGaming Market

Québec's Oct. 5 election has turned the province's gambling model into a campaign issue. A Leger poll released Sept. 22 found that nearly two-thirds of Quebecers want a change in government. The same poll placed the Parti Québécois ahead with 29% support, followed by the Liberals at 23%.

Both parties support opening the online market to private operators, a position the governing Coalition Avenir Québec does not share. The  Québec Online Gaming Coalition argues that a competitive model would capture revenue currently lost to unregulated sites. Welcoming the parties' pledges, coalition spokesperson Ariane Gauthier said, "The members of the Québec Online Gaming Coalition look forward to working together with government authorities and stakeholders to turn these commitments into reality." Loto-Québec, meanwhile, still holds a legal monopoly on online gambling in the province.