La Société des loteries vidéo du Québec > Frequently Asked Questions
The Société des loteries vidéo du Québec Inc. (SLVQ) is responsible for managing and marketing a network of video lottery terminals (VLTs), which are all operated in venues that hold a bar, brasserie or tavern permit and have been issued a site operator license by the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux du Québec (RACJ). The SLVQ’s primary vocation is to offer a legitimate form of entertainment while promoting a rigorous and responsible management approach so as to curb the proliferation of illegal networks and terminals.
The Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux oversees the application of regulations governing video lotteries. In addition, the Régie issues licenses to manufacturers, repairers and site operators, and it registers terminals once they have been certified by the Ministry of Public Security’s Laboratory of Forensic Sciences and Forensic Pathology.
Net profits generated by video lotteries are remitted in the form of dividends into State coffers and contribute to the financing of a range of public programs and services.
Government of Québec
Probable Expenditures During Fiscal 2007-2008
| Health and Social Services | 43.3% |
| Education, Leisure and Sport | 24.9% |
| Employement and Social Solidarity | 7.7% |
| Transports | 3.9% |
| Other portfolios | 19.2% |
Source: 2007-2008 Spending Budget (site operated by the Treasury Board Secretariat)
The payout rate offered to players is set by the SLVQ at approximately 92%, which substantially exceeds the initial rate of 83% or higher prescribed by the RACJ. In other words, for each dollar wagered, a player will win an average of $0.92. This average is attained after millions of games played and takes the randomness of results, the multiplicity of games, and the variety of prizes and possible combinations into account.
The maximum win per game is $500.
Payout rate and cashout rate are two distinct elements that should not be confused with one another. The payout rate is determined by electronic regulation of the VLTs and is subject to verification by the Ministry of Public Security’s Laboratory of Forensic Sciences and Forensic Pathology. For its part, the cashout rate is not a set value and cannot be programmed. In large part, the cashout rate depends on the player’s behaviour and his decision to either keep playing or claim his winnings.
The average payout rate offered to video lottery players is 92%.
In both cases, to arrive at the rate, thousands of games are required as everything rests on chance.




