Loto-Québec releases its earnings figures for the first quarter of 2012–2013

Montréal, September 6, 2012 – Today, Loto-Québec released its earnings figures for the first quarter of fiscal year 2012-2013. At the end of the quarter, the Corporation reported revenues of $842.0 million and overall reported earnings (net earnings) of $304.9 million.

Loto-Québec stressed that, to make an accurate analysis, we need to consider that the first quarter of the current fiscal year is two days shorter than it was in fiscal year 2011–2012. Those two days (a Friday and Saturday) would normally have generated significant income and, for the main part, account for the 4.6% decline in sales and 7.2% lower overall reported earnings compared to the previous fiscal year.

Leaving aside the impact of those two fewer days, all sectors produced earnings comparable to the same period last year. The lottery sector recorded a 2.1% increase in sales thanks to a greater number of Lotto Max and Lotto 6/49 jackpots. During the first three months of the financial year, Loto-Québec turned over almost $200 million in prizes to lottery winners, of which 3,893 prizes worth over $1,000. In addition, for the first time, the $50 million Lotto Max jackpot was won in Québec, therefore enabling Loto-Québec to pay out the largest prize in its history.

The casino sector, again setting aside the two fewer days, posted 6.2% lower sales. Revenues at the Casino du Lac-Leamy (1.8%) and Casino de Mont-Tremblant (4.2%) rose, while those at the Casino de Montréal (-10.2%) and Casino de Charlevoix (-5.7%) declined. The latter situation can be explained by that casino’s better-than-expected performance in 2011–2012.

The video lottery sector recorded a slight 1.1% drop in sales, while bingo sector revenues rose as compared to the same quarter last year.

HIGHLIGHTS

Three months of innovation
A number of events marked the first three months of the year, particularly in the lottery and casino sectors. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of Lotto 6/49, Loto-Québec and its pan-Canadian partners offered customers 30 bonus prizes worth $100,000 as well as a $5 instant lottery.

Given the great success achieved with Lotto Poker, released in May 2011, the Corporation recently launched the Sprinto lottery. Based on a horse racing theme, this lottery gives customers the opportunity to win twice, i.e. once with the in-store instant game and a second time with an evening draw. Also in the lottery sector, sports betting enthusiasts may now buy their Mise-o-jeu selection online by registering on the Espacejeux web site.

For its 18th anniversary, the Casino de Charlevoix launched Volcano, a slot machine game that gives customers an immersive experience thanks to a volcano that erupts with mystery prizes. This concept is a first in North America’s casino industry.

A new season of creativity for Les rendez-vous Loto-Québec
With the festival season in full swing, it is easy to see that the Corporation, through its Rendez-vous Loto-Québec program, has remained a major sponsor of Québec’s events scene. The Corporation’s sponsorship program supports over 120 public events that bring people together every year throughout the province.

This summer, Les rendez-vous gave visitors at the Montréal Jazz Festival, Divers/Cité and the Rogers Cup events a sneak peek of the future Casino de Montréal with a visit to a structure where they could experience the world of gaming. Les rendez-vous also took advantage of the fun atmosphere at the Just for Laughs Festival to let the public try out the new Sprinto lottery.

New corporate web site, better adapted to the 2.0 web
On May 16, 2012, Loto-Québec launched the newest version of its corporate web site, which welcomes some three million unique visitors every year. Thanks to a blog and the promotion of Loto-Québec’s presence on social media, this new site encourages real-time dialogue with the Corporation’s various audiences. In addition, a whole section presents Loto-Québec’s achievements with regard to corporate responsibility, including a segment on responsible commercialization.

Renewed term for the Board Chair and appointment of a new member
Last June, the Conseil des ministres renewed the term of Hélène F. Fortin as Board Chair and announced the appointment of Donald M. Bastien as a Board member.

Key numbers for the fiscal year
($ thousands)

	1st quarter
	2012 (86 days)	2011 (88 days)
Total Revenues	842,034	882,266
Lotteries	413,744	427,744
Casinos	194,950	211,921
Video lotteries	232,672	242,811
Bingo	8,334	8,025
Inter-sector sales	(7,666)	(8,235)
Prize Payout – Lotteries	218,009	226,937
Prize Payout – Bingo	4,469	3,909
Overall Reported Earnings	304,870	328,600

The 2012-2013 first quarter report [in French only, PDF Format, 1,2 MB – Help] is now available on Loto-Québec’s web site.

 

 

-30-

Source:

Jean-Pierre Roy
Corporate Media Relations
514-499-5151

 

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